Duduzane denies bribe

EMBATTLED Duduzane Zuma, the son of former president Jacob Zuma, has denied any knowledge of a job offer and a R600 million bribe allegedly made to former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas at the Guptas’ Saxonwold compound in Joburg three years ago.

While he conceded he did meet with Jonas on the day at a Rosebank hotel and then moved to Saxonwold, Duduzane also denied that Ajay Gupta was part of the meeting that included businessman Fana Hlongwane.

This was contained in an affidavit submitted to the state capture commission of inquiry as part of his application to cross-examine witnesses.

Jonas had told the commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo that Gupta was part of the conversation and had told him that Nhlanhla Nene would be fired as finance minister and Jonas would get the post if he agreed.

Duduzane said his first interactions with Jonas started when he wanted to invite him to the Gupta family’s event, the South African of the Year, which Jonas never attended.

Hlongwane, who Duduzane regarded as “an uncle”, was rumoured to have been “blackmailed” by Jonas and that is how the Saxonwold meeting came about, according to the affidavit.

“When these (blackmail) rumours

started to surface, Mr Hlongwane, in discussion with me, decided to set up a meeting with Mr Jonas in an attempt to clear it up, as Mr Jonas also in his discussions with Mr Hlongwane wanted to know from me directly where these rumours came from. Eventually, a meeting was arranged for October, 23, 2015 at the Hyatt Hotel, Rosebank, at about 13h00/13h30.”

He said that while at the hotel, Hlongwane called him and requested that the meeting be moved to a private venue, the Guptas’ Saxonwold compound.

“As a consequence, Mr Jonas requested to rather travel with me in my car, leaving his bodyguards behind at the Hyatt Hotel. I point out that at no stage, since the suggestion was made that the meeting be moved to the Gupta residence, did Mr Jonas either object thereto or express any reservations or any discomfort.”

When they got to the Gupta residence, Hlongwane also arrived.

The meeting took place in a lounge, where Duduzane said he was an observer as Jonas and Hlongwane spoke to each other.

Ajay then peered into the lounge and called Duduzane out of the room to ascertain whether he would be available for a meeting the following day. “He (Ajay) did not fully enter the lounge or participate in a conversation with anybody at the meeting. He simply called me to him and I stood up and walked towards him. We confirmed my availability and the time for the meeting the next day, thereafter he left the lounge. After the meeting, I was required to stay behind to attend further meetings, and a driver took Mr Jonas to wherever he wanted to be. Mr Hlongwane remained behind with me.”