Share

I've 'got no fear' about testifying before Zondo commission - Mbalula

Former minister Fikile Mbalula has "no fear" about testifying about the Guptas at the state capture inquiry.

Mbalula was speaking to broadcaster eNCA on Thursday about the prospect of appearing before the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.

"I'm mentioned there, at the state capture, and I'm talking to the investigators. So, at a given point in time and date agreed, I think I'll be called upon to give an account about what I probably said in the NEC about the Guptas," Mbalula told the broadcaster.

"I've got no fear about that," said Mbalula, whose much used Twitter-handle is "Fikile (Mr Fearfokkol)".

"I'm ready, anytime, with or without a lawyer. I will be there to explain exactly what happened."

READ Mbalula's Dubai trip: ANC, DA welcome Public Protector's findings

Mbalula said he would reveal his conversations with the Guptas - that led to him standing at an ANC NEC meeting "expressing disdain" at the commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

Gupta wedding

He said he wasn't a frequent visitor to the Gupta home in Saxonwold, but that he had met Ajay Gupta there.

He said he had been invited to the controversial Gupta wedding, but decided not to go because of the landing at Waterkloof, which he described as "shocking stuff".

The commission was a "necessary process", Mbalula said.

"The ANC has been brave enough to allow this to happen."

The commission is the result of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's report, State of Capture, which was released in November 2016.

Madonsela's remedial actions included that former president Jacob Zuma must appoint a commission into state capture, whose chairperson had to be appointed by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.

Zuma unsuccessfully challenged this in court and, in January last year, on the eve of a crucial meeting of the ANC's national executive committee - which was expected to discuss his recall – Zuma announced the establishment of the commission, with Zondo as its head, following Mogoeng's recommendation, saying that "the matter cannot wait any longer".

Mbalula served as minister of police and as minister of sport in Zuma's Cabinet, but did not make the cut when President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed his Cabinet. He is now the ANC's head of elections.

The commission will continues with its hearings in January, but a date has not been announced yet.

KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE newsletter.

- FOLLOW News24 on Twitter

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you think Minister Blade Nzimande made the right call to dissolve the NSFAS board?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes, NSFAS mismanagement is costing students
29% - 96 votes
No, it's suspicious given that he's implicated
71% - 232 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
19.02
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.63
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.19
-0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.22
+0.0%
Rand - Yen
0.12
-0.2%
Platinum
980.40
+0.4%
Palladium
1,035.00
-1.4%
Gold
2,387.21
+0.2%
Silver
28.76
-0.4%
Brent-ruolie
90.10
-0.4%
Top 40
68,349
0.0%
All Share
74,519
0.0%
Resource 10
63,879
0.0%
Industrial 25
100,148
0.0%
Financial 15
15,828
0.0%
All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes Iress logo
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE