Guptas hire top UK spin doctors: report
With the Guptas facing treason and corruption charges in South Africa, the family has appointed a respected UK-based public relations firm to defend its tarnished image.
According to a report in Business Day, Bell Pottinger this week confirmed it had the Guptas’ Oakbay Investments as a client.
The company is founded by Lord Tim Bell, who ran successful publicity campaigns for the Conservative Party for the British general elections in 1979, 1983 and 1987. Bell also helped found Saatchi & Saatchi in 1970.
“We provide clients with unparalleled political intelligence and the support they need to engage stakeholders, manage their reputations, and design and run impactful campaigns to achieve their objectives,” Bell Pottinger said on its website.
A number of high profile ministers from within the ANC, including deputy finance minister, Mcebisi Jonas, have come forward this week, claiming political meddling by the Gupta family – who have close links to president Jacob Zuma.
The Gupta family have denied any allegations against them.
The Congress of the People on Thursday said it would lay charges of treason and corruption against President Jacob Zuma and members of the Gupta family.
DA leader Mmusi Maimane said that the rival party to the ANC would also lay charges against the Gupta family in terms of Section Four of the Prevention and Combatting of Corrupt Activities Act.
Spokesperson Mabine Seabe, said: “The revelation by the deputy minister confirms what many South Africans have suspected; that the Gupta family has undue influence on President Jacob Zuma as well as affairs of the State that they should not be involved in.”
More on the Gupta family
COPE to lay charges of treason and corruption against Zuma, Guptas
Guptas respond to Jonas ‘state capture’ revelations
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