Mkhize backs Gigaba on the Guptas move
‘Investor status warranted family’s early naturalisation’
Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize has told parliament that the Gupta family’s “investor” status was a key consideration when her predecessor Malusi Gigaba decided to grant them early of South African citizenship.
Briefing the home affairs portfolio committee on the controversial early naturalisation by Gigaba, she said she supported Gigaba’s decision.
The issue came under the spotlight months ago when it emerged that Gigaba had failed to notify parliament of his decision as required by law.
Mkhize finally appeared before the portfolio committee after several attempts by MPs who wanted a meeting with Gigaba to hear his side of the story. Mkhize said: “Gigaba made a judgment call.
“He must have questioned the department and they recommended that he approves. From my side, what I saw from the documents, the issue of this family being investors in this country, dominated the correspondence.
“There is nothing much about them except the issue of investment.”
Mkhize said the law empowered Gigaba to consider “exceptional circumstances” when considering applications for naturalisation of citizenships.
The DA’s Hannif Hoosen reminded committee chairman and ANC MP Lemias Mashile that the committee took a decision to summon Gigaba at a previous meeting. “I’m going to ask you again the same question and really appreciate the answer,” said Hoosen.
Mashile said he would know by Friday when the committee would be meeting with Gigaba.