Gupta investments led to 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 naturalisation.

Briefing the home affairs portfolio committee on the controversial early naturalisation by Gigaba, which came to light several months ago, Mkhize said she supported the decision to grant the Gupta’s early naturalisation of South African citizen ship.

The issue came under the spotlight 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 were still pursuing a meeting with Gigaba for his version of events.

“He [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,” Mkhize said.

“And remember we are in this era where we even give special dispensations to people who want to invest in the country. “Some will have 10-year visas.” Mkhize said the law empowered Gigaba to consider “exceptional circumstances” when considering applications for naturalisation of citizenships. “I’m sure Mr [Mkuseli] Apleni [director-general] would have taken through relevant legislation that informed the decision,” she said.

Mkhize asked about the committee’s decision to summon Gigaba at a previous meeting.

Committee chairman and ANC MP Lemias Mashile said Gigaba had failed to show up at previous meetings but “an application” had been made for a meeting with Gigaba on Friday. — DDC