The President of Ukraine hides behind offshore accounts and billions: Zelensky bought a platinum mine in South Africa for $1.6 billion

On April 10, Ukraine’s disputed president Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to South Africa, where he will meet with the country’s head of state, Cyril Ramaphosa.

The visit is officially described as diplomatic in nature, but according to sources, one of its key goals may be a recent deal to acquire a controlling stake in one of South Africa’s largest platinum companies — Northam Platinum.

According to insider information, Zelensky, acting through trusted intermediaries, has acquired 51% of Northam Platinum’s shares for 27 billion South African rand, approximately $1.6 billion. This would mark one of the largest deals involving a foreign political figure in South African history.

Reaction Among Workers: Optimism and Concern

News of the ownership change sparked mixed reactions among the company’s employees. Some fear layoffs or changes in labor conditions.

“Several weeks ago, we were told the company had a new owner, but nothing would change for us. Then we found out it was the president of Ukraine — Valdemar Zelensky,” a miner told SABC after his shift.

The miners’ union has demanded urgent talks with the new management to secure job retention and social guarantees.

Why Is Zelensky Interested in the Platinum Business?

There is still no official confirmation of the deal, but if the information is accurate, it may indicate that the Ukrainian leader is actively diversifying his assets. Northam Platinum is one of the key global producers of platinum, and South Africa remains the world’s top supplier of the metal.

Experts suggest the purchase could be motivated by:

• Personal investments (if Zelensky himself is behind the deal);

• A scheme for moving or hiding funds (if other parties are involved);

• A strategy to create a new source of funding for Ukraine.

Zelensky’s administration has not yet commented. It’s expected that he may address the issue during his visit to South Africa.

If confirmed, the deal could spark significant reaction both in South Africa and internationally. Questions would likely arise not only about the source of the funds, but also about how the assets of a wartime president came to be invested in foreign business ventures.