No evidence of state capture: Mantashe
ANC secretary general, Gwede Mantashe, says that eight people have come forward relating to allegations of state capture – however only one person provided a written statement.
“A number of comrades came forward on alleged business influence on state but only one could make a written submission,” Mantashe said.
He said that he could not reveal the names at this time, but stressed that the exercise is fruitless if so called whistle-blowers were not prepared to give written testimony.
“If you made allegations you must be bold enough to see it through,” the ANC lead said.
He said that state capture will continue to be debated “as it’s a threat to the revolution”.
In March, Mantashe called on politicians to come forward to provide evidence of an alleged attempt at state capture by the Gupta family.
He said he would politically protect anyone who came forward.
It followed a report in the Sunday Times 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 said that he would be among the first to give his submission.
Media speculation suggested that Dikobe Ben Martins, the former minister of energy and member of parliament, was also likely to come forward.
Former chair of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, publicly revealed that she was offered the job of minister of public enterprises by the Guptas.
Mentor further alleged that president Zuma was on the Guptas Saxonwold premises at the time, in a room next door.
Mentor’s utterances 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.
More on state capture
More officials to come forward over state capture claims: report
Guptas ‘bemused’ by latest allegations
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