Share

Mbeki stands by statement that he never introduced the Guptas to Zuma

Former president Thabo Mbeki says he stands by a statement issued by his foundation in 2016 that he did not introduce his successor Jacob Zuma to the controversial Gupta family. 

The 2016 statement was issued by the Thabo Mbeki Foundation after Mpho Masemola, an Ex-Political Prisoners Association representive told eNCA that the Gupta family had not come with Zuma but was introduced to the infamous former president by Mbeki and minister in the presidency Essop Pahad.

"For the record, President Mbeki did not, at any point, introduce the Gupta family to president Zuma.

"Even if it were true that president Mbeki had introduced the Gupta family to president Zuma, unless it is alleged and proven that he did so with an improper motive, he would not be held responsible for whatever may or may not have transpired thereafter between president Zuma and the Gupta family. For Masemola to suggest otherwise is, in fact, to accuse president Zuma of lacking the capacity to make his own ethical judgements," the statement read. 

On Monday Zuma testified at the Zondo inquiry looking into state capture that Mbeki and former president Nelson Mandela were also acquainted with the Gupta family. 

Read the full transcript of Zuma's opening statement at Zondo

In his testimony Zuma denied any existence of state capture saying that he was a victim of a conspiracy that dates back to the early 1990s to discredit him.

Zuma said he first met the Gupta family after they had met with Mbeki. It eventually grew from their relationship as comrades having worked under Mandela, said Zuma.

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 corruption-accused National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula will survive a motion of no confidence against her?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
No, her days are numbered
42% - 376 votes
Yes, the ANC caucus will protect her
58% - 517 votes
Vote
Rand - Dollar
18.94
-0.2%
Rand - Pound
23.90
-0.0%
Rand - Euro
20.43
+0.2%
Rand - Aus dollar
12.34
+0.1%
Rand - Yen
0.13
-0.1%
Platinum
907.85
+1.2%
Palladium
1,012.25
+1.1%
Gold
2,219.28
+1.1%
Silver
24.85
+0.8%
Brent-ruolie
86.09
-0.2%
Top 40
68,346
+1.0%
All Share
74,536
+0.8%
Resource 10
57,251
+2.8%
Industrial 25
103,936
+0.6%
Financial 15
16,502
-0.1%
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