More officials to come forward over state capture claims: report
At least two additional ANC officials are reportedly expected to take up ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe’s offer to come forward to provide evidence of an alleged attempt at state capture.
It follows a meeting of the political party’s top brass the ANC NEC in Pretoria over the weekend where ‘frank and robust discussions’ were had on the Gupta family and its purported influence in the appointment of ministers, their deputies and other positions in key state owned entities in their interests.
Mantashe reiterated on Sunday that the appointment of ministers and deputy ministers is the sole prerogative of the President of the Republic, in line with the Constitution.
He called on all members who have information to approach the secretary general’s office. “The NEC will develop a Code of Conduct for ANC members doing business with the state,” Mantashe said.
Mantashe said he will politically protect anyone who comes forward.
The Sunday Times reported that former head of the Government Communication and Information System, Themba Maseko, fingered President Jacob Zuma as having played a key role in driving state business to the Gupta family.
The paper reported that Zuma phoned Maseko directly to ensure he met the Gupta brothers.
Maseko said when he met the Guptas they asked the GCIS to spend state money on advertising in The New Age newspaper.
He told EWN that he will be among the first to give his submission.
Media speculation suggests that Dikobe Ben Martins, the former minister of energy and member of parliament, is also likely to come forward.
Former chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, publicly revealed last week that she was offered the job of minister of public enterprises by the Guptas on one condition: she “drops the SAA flight-route to India and give to them”.
Mentor further alleged that president Zuma was on the Guptas Saxonwold premises at the time, in a room next door.
Mentor’s utterances have led to several ANC members speaking out on similar encounters with the Guptas, including deputy finance minister, Mcebisi Jonas, public service and administration minister, Ngoako Ramathlodi and former public enterprises minister, Barbara Hogan.
The Gupta family have denied having any such meetings.
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