South Africans turn against Gupta brothers

Wednesday 28th June 2017 06:30 EDT
 
 

Billionaire brothers Ajay and Atul Gupta, along with South African President Jacob Zuma's son Duduzane, were among the first key witnesses identified by MPs relating to the alleged state capture at Eskom. The Parliament warned that it could widen its probe into the case, followed by MPs in the portfolio committee agreeing to call the three to explain their alleged involvement.

Acting chairperson of the committee, Zukiswa Rantho said the inquiry, scheduled to begin in August, would probe coal contracts at Eskom, including issues related to the Tegeta and Optimum mines. She said they may call witnesses to give evidence. “The committee may monitor, investigate or inquire of any organ of state. In this regard, the rules empower the committee to initiate an inquiry into Eskom.” The infamous Gupta brothers, Ajay, Atul, and Tony, have for years milked their connections in the country for their benefit. Inquiries, leaked emails, and journalistic investigations have found them guilty of pulling state businesses towards themselves.

Strong ties to the President, Gupta brothers first met Jacob Zuma over 10 years ago, when he was the deputy president. They had arrived in South Africa in 1993, to run the local arm of their family computer company, and employed one of Zuma's wives as a communications officer, and one of his daughters as a director. The President is accused of allowing members of the family to wield influence over the cabinet, with fresh revelations pouring in almost every week. Email leaks alleged one of the brothers tried to smuggle a 36kg suitcase of diamonds out of the country, they helped Zuma's son Duduzane handle a sex scandal, buy a £1 million Dubai apartment, pay council tax bills, and deal with a fatal car crashing involving his Porsche.

Pressure is mounting and angry South Africans have taken to the streets to protest, saying that the friendship is turning SA into a “mafia state”. Several officials have resigned or been sacked in the past month, a prime example of Zuma's lack of competence. While the brothers have denied all claims against them as “fake news”, the opposition remains adamant on making them the pallbearers to Zuma's political funeral.


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