Watch: Zuma discloses his relationship with the Gupta family

By Staff Writer

President Jacob Zuma has defended his relationship with the Gupta family in an interview with the SABC.

In an exclusive interview while in Lyon, in France, the president spoke to SABC correspondent Dan Whitehead, who questioned Zuma on corruption concerns and the Gupta family.

The president said that the ruling party, the ANC, has declared war on corruption.

“People have been arrested, resources have been recovered by some of the people,” he said.

Regarding the family we are talking about, there are allegations,” the president said, before clearing his throat. I am not sure whether the allegations are saying they are corrupt. I don’t think so.”

Zuma said that the matter (Gupta family) is being attended to – adding that it has been discussed by the ANC.

Last week Zuma’s relationship with the Gupta family was thrust into the spotlight following revelations by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former MP Vytjie Mentor that they had been offered Cabinet positions by the Guptas at the family’s home in Saxonwold, Johannesburg.

Their claims led to the public and some party members calling on the ruling party to take action.

Last Thursday during a question and answer sitting in the National Assembly, Zuma denied claims made by Jonas, saying only he had the power to appoint ministers.

He had previously claimed not to recall who Mentor was, despite the fact that she had claimed that after she declined the offer, Zuma had told her “It’s okay Ntomabazana” while walking her out of the Guptas’ home.

On Sunday, ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe told reporters at a briefing following a national executive committee meeting at St George’s Hotel in Irene, just outside Pretoria, that the NEC had instructed officials and the national working committee to gather all pertinent information about the allegations.

Those who had had similar experiences were encouraged to come forward to the party and share the information.