Rupert calls on Zuma to rein in son
BILLIONAIRE Johann Rupert wants President Jacob Zuma to rein in his son Edward, failing which he will ultimately take legal action.
Rupert yesterday called on the president to distance himself from claims by Edward that the business tycoon had “captured” South Africa’s judiciary and was using it to try to remove the ANC from power.
Edward made the claims on Friday in the latest in a series of statements he has issued over the last few weeks, accusing the Rupert family and others of working against the Zuma government.
In the latest statement, Edward claims Rupert is “the master” behind a decision by the country’s major banks to cut business ties with companies linked to Zuma associates the Guptas.
According to Edward, the Gupta business accounts were closed by the banks in an attempt to provoke workers to stage an uprising. He also claims that former finance minister Trevor Manuel and his wife, Absa CEO Maria Ramos, are part of this “plot”.
“Let it be known that Rupert has gone as far as capturing the judiciary of this country to ensure President Zuma’s removal from office through courts,” said Edward in his statement.
Rupert described the claims as nonsense as well as a matter of concern.
“I don’t even know the Guptas. All I do is employ people and bring money into the country. I have nothing to do with the banks’ decisions about the Guptas,” said Rupert.
It was important for Zuma to distance himself from his son’s statements, he said. If he did not, it would suggest he agreed with Edward’s claim that the justice system has been captured.
If Zuma believed this, it would have implications for the country’s image as a constitutional democracy.
“I wonder whether the president shares his son’s beliefs. That would be a problem. If he does not disagree with his son, it is cause for concern. If he keeps quiet, it has certain implications.
“If my son said such things, I would say that my son is an adult with his own views, but that I disagree with him. Is that too much to expect?
“I wish to state openly that I have nothing to do with the Guptas and that the president appoints the judges, not I. The nonsense Edward Zuma persists in talking does not bother me insofar as it concerns me. But it has implications for our country’s foreign standing, for future investments and for the rule of law. Therefore, if this continues, at some stage I shall have to take legal action,” said Rupert.
“It is important to state that I have no quarrel with the president. But he initiates quarrels with me. Earlier this year he [Jacob Zuma] claimed I had recently met with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa — a complete untruth. Why he does that, only he knows.”
Presidential spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga said the Presidency had no comment on Edward’s statement.
Edward said yesterday: “Tell him to proceed and make my day. Sue me or not, the master is guilty.
“The South African public needs to know who he is and what his motives are.”
In his statement, Edward also alleged the EFF was funded by foreign powers to destabilise the country.