Helen Zille Wants Answers From President Cyril Ramaphosa Over MTN Bribery Allegations, SA Frustrated

• Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson, Helen Zille, wants Cyril Ramaphosa to come clean about bribery allegations
• The president was Chairman of MTN when the mobile telecommunications provider was accused of bribery in Iran
• South Africans shared their thoughts on Zille's comments, saying she shouldn't be surprised any longer

Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – Helen Zille wants answers from President Cyril about his involvement in allegations of bribery and corruption at MTN.

The mobile telecommunications provider is under investigation by the United States (US) Department of Justice (DoJ) over the allegations, which began when Ramaphosa was still chairperson. Ramaphosa served as chairperson of MTN from 2001 until 2013.

What did Zille say about Ramaphosa?

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The Democratic Alliance (DA) Federal Council Chairperson called on the president to come clean about his past as it relates to MTN.

Zille made the appeal in response to a tweet from the president’s official X account, where he stated that South Africa’s national interest would forever remain independent, not beholden to external influence.

Zille then asked if that included the interests of MTN and its chairpersons, both past and present.

You can view her tweet below.

Why is MTN under investigation?

The MTN Group is under investigation related to its operations in Afghanistan and Iran. It’s alleged that the mobile telecommunications provider engaged in bribery to secure a mobile phone license in 2005. The DoJ grand jury probe is related to MTN's past operations in its former subsidiary in Afghanistan, as well as its 49% stake in the Iranian telecom company, Irancell.

Ramaphosa was chairman during the period that the bribery was said to have taken place.

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Concerns raised about the relationship between South Africa and the USA

The investigation has raised concerns about the already tense relationship between the USA and South Africa. Donald Trump has already imposed 30% tariffs on South Africa, and has maintained that a section of people were being persecuted in the country.

Current MTN chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, who is also Special Envoy to the US, has claimed that there was a concerted campaign being waged to discredit SA. Jonas has not yet visited the US, despite being appointed by the president in April 2025.

How did South Africans react?

Social media users weighed in on Zille’s comments, with many saying that she shouldn’t be surprised that Ramaphosa could be involved.

Malome Khoza said:

“Zille, save your energy for the coming elections. Ramaphosa is finished. You are just wasting your time. And beware of the kicks of a dying horse.”

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Jan De Jager added:

“Ramaphosa being pressed over MTN ties? Please. He’ll do what he always does, which is look serious, make empty promises, maybe set up another useless commission, and then quietly sweep it under the rug. He’s the master of doing nothing while looking busy. South Africa doesn’t have a president; it has a professional hand-raiser.”

Venolin Vinny stated:

“What's new? He was born a crook and always will be a crook. What about the Phala Phala dollars?”

Artemis Elias suggested:

“She should focus on Gayton Mackenzie, who will wrestle away the DA coloured vote in the Western Cape. This one (Ramaphosa) is a has-been, as we saw from the money under the mattress.

Mfuthi Wesselton stated:

“You've got nothing to ask Ramaphosa. You, Zille, are the ones shoring up Ramaphosa, knowing very well about Phala Phala. Ramaphosa is in the pockets of big business, the very same ones financing you.”

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Zille warns Ramaphosa he's on his second strike

Briefly News reported that Zille issued a strong warning towards President Ramaphosa following Andrew Whitfield's dismissal.

Whitfield was fired on 26 June 2025 after undertaking a trip to Israel without Ramaphosa's approval.

The DA was unhappy with the decision, with Zille telling the president that he was now on his second strike.

Source: Briefly News