Former South African President Jacob Zuma launched a scathing attack on President Cyril Ramaphosa during an MK Party event held at a church in Mthatha on 16 August 2026. Zuma referred to Ramaphosa as a 'crook' and accused him of 'hiding money under the bed', directly referencing the ongoing Phala Phala foreign currency saga.
The Phala Phala saga stems from a 2020 burglary at Ramaphosa's private game farm, where large sums of foreign currency were allegedly stolen. The incident has been subject to investigations and political controversy, though no charges have been brought against Ramaphosa.
Zuma's remarks come amid heightened political tensions as the MK Party, led by Zuma, positions itself as a challenger to the African National Congress (ANC) in upcoming elections. The event in Mthatha, a town in the Eastern Cape, drew supporters from the region.
Neither Ramaphosa nor the presidency has yet responded to Zuma's latest comments. The ANC has previously dismissed Zuma's accusations as baseless and politically motivated.
