South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday said that he had in the past met with members of the Gupta family – friends of former president Jacob Zuma who are accused of influence-peddling – but never engaged them beyond pleasantries.
President Ramaphosa made the remarks when he attended an inquiry session into alleged state capture during Jacob Zuma’s times as head of state.
“I have met two of the brothers on three or four occasions,” Ramaphosa said in an affidavit to the inquiry signed earlier this month and published on Friday.
“My interactions with the Gupta brothers were at events where nothing of any consequence was discussed. I never engaged with them beyond basic greetings, pleasantries and common courtesies,” he added.
The ongoing inquiry is looking into allegations that Zuma allowed cronies to influence senior government appointments and plunder state resources during his nine-year stint in power.
The Gupta brothers have denied any wrong doing, just as Zuma has.
President Ramaphosa – who took over from Zuma after his ouster in February 2018 – has not been accused of having any corrupt dealings with the Gupta’s.
In his affidavit, Ramaphosa said he attended a meeting between a Gupta brother and senior ANC officials in April 2016 when he served as deputy president.
He said he used the platform to raise the issue of the Guptas landing an airplane at South Africa’s Waterkloof Air Force Base. He said he told the Gupta brother that his family had placed Zuma in an invidious position.
Inquiry chairman Zondo said the president had promised to attend the inquiry to give evidence should he be asked to do so.
