Former South African President Jacob Zuma has denied orchestrating a state-backed campaign to sabotage Cyril Ramaphosa's 2017 ANC leadership bid, as a government-commissioned report detailed systemic abuses within the State Security Agency.
A 2018 review panel established by President Ramaphosa found evidence of coordinated efforts to undermine his 2017 presidential campaign within the African National Congress (ANC). The report alleged that former President Zuma's allies spent significant resources using state mechanisms to disrupt Ramaphosa's candidacy, which faced opposition from his ex-wife, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
Zuma responded to the claims on social media, dismissing accusations of corruption as baseless. He specifically denied allegations that he had engaged with apartheid-era intelligence networks, stating: 'I have never sold out nor written a letter to SB (the Special Branch).' The former leader also criticized the review panel, alleging it included individuals with ties to the apartheid regime.
The report further revealed that State Security Agency operatives monitored civil society groups critical of Zuma and interfered with Ramaphosa's campaign activities. This included obstructing supporters from distributing materials during ANC events in 2017, according to the findings.
