More voices are coming to the fore, calling for a probe into what has been dubbed “Guptagate”. On Friday, the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation said it supports the call from quarters for “an independent and impartial” judicial commission of inquiry into the allegations against the wealthy family.
The foundation was commenting on revelations by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas this week that he was approached and offered the job of finance minister before the sacking of former Minister Nhlanhla Nene. The organisation said this once more puts the spotlight on the need to probe the political influence and power of the Gupta family. Since the Deputy Minister’s statement, other public representatives have come forward with similar claims.
“[We] call on other public representatives who may have been subjected to similar approaches from the Gupta family to come forward and expose any such sinister interactions and conduct,” said director Neeshan Balton in a statement.
Balton referenced the infamous Waterkloof saga, in which a Gupta private jet was able to land at the military airport. At the time, the foundation said it was clear a single family has come to wield enormous power and influence over sections of government and its administration.
“We believe that the time has come for all South Africans to speak out against the growing leadership crisis that is unfolding in our country. We cannot allow our country and its democratic institutions to be taken over by a kleptocracy. Our focus must be on attaining the vision of the Freedom Charter and the Constitution. We owe this to the millions of our people who sacrificed so much to make our democracy possible. We owe it to the millions who still need to taste the fruits of freedom.”
VOC