S. Africa watchdog wants funds to probe Guptas
Johhanesburg, June 7: South African public protector Thuli Madonsela said on Tuesday she wanted additional resources to investigate the wealthy Gupta family and its relationship with President Jacob Zuma, which Opposition parties and other critics allege is corrupt.
Speaking to journalists, Ms Madonsela said she was looking at “specifically whether or not the government of South Africa and specifically the President unlawfully allowed the Gupta family to choose ministers and other occupants
Thuli Madonsela said she was looking at ‘ specifically whether or not the government of South Africa and specifically the President unlawfully allowed the Gupta family to choose ministers and other occupants of high office’ of high office.”
The unfolding scandal around the Guptas took a dramatic turn in March after deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said in December that he was offered his boss’ job by the family, an admission that has led to calls for Mr Zuma to resign.
Mr Zuma denied Mr Jonas’ claims, saying only the President appointed ministers as per the Constitution.
The Guptas has also denied influencing Mr Zuma, saying they were pawns in a political plot against the President.
Ms Madonsela has received public support in South Africa for taking Mr Zuma to task over the $ 16 million of state money spent upgrading his private home.
She was vindicated in March when the Constitutional Court, the highest court in the land, said that Mr Zuma had breached the Constitution by ignoring her recommendation that he repay some of funds spent on non- security upgrades. — Reuters