"Dirty Tricks" Allegations Rock MTN and South Africa

MTN Group chairman Mcebisi Jonas

MTN Group chairman and South Africa's special envoy to the US, Mcebisi Jonas, has accused local actors of orchestrating a "deliberate campaign of dirty tricks" to discredit South Africa and make it a pariah state.

This explosive claim comes amid a US Department of Justice grand jury probe into alleged payments to militant groups in Afghanistan and bribes linked to MTN's Iranian operations.

The investigation has put a strain on relations between Pretoria and Washington, with MTN's share price plummeting despite the company's strong earnings report. MTN's Group CEO, Ralph Mupita, stated that the company is cooperating with the investigation and responding to requests for information.

Jonas dismissed the attacks as treasonous and vowed to continue his envoy work. "There is a deliberate campaign of dirty tricks by local actors to discredit South Africa and make it a pariah state," Jonas said. He emphasized that MTN is committed to transparency and accountability.

The probe has sparked concerns about the impact on South Africa's diplomatic relations with the US. Despite the challenges, MTN reported robust headline earnings of R6.45 per share in the first half of 2025, driven by strong growth in data and fintech.

As the situation unfolds, MTN's commitment to transparency and cooperation will be crucial in navigating the complex landscape of international business and diplomacy.