South Africa’s Zuma under more pressure as Eskom ex-boss alleges Gupta influence
South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has found himself on the spotlight once again after the ex-boss of the country’s state power firm accused the now infamous Gupta family of wielding undue influence in the government’s affairs.
Zola Tsotsi, who resigned a year ago as chair of Eskom, told the Mail & Guardian newspaper that his exit had been orchestrated by the Guptas.
“Two months after the appointment, they called me and said they will have me fired because I am not playing the game. I was forced to resign shortly after that,” Tsotsi told the weekly.
Earlier this week, deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas accused made outrageous claims that the Gupta family offered him the Finance Minister’s job shortly before President Zuma fired the respected Nhlanhla Nene.
Zuma is said to be close to the Guptas, a family of indian-born businessmen who moved into South Africa in the early 1990.
The family has denied any influence on political appointments in South Africa, saying they are just victims of the plot.
“We play no role in the hiring and firing of anyone outside of our own business … These allegations are nothing more than political gossip and innuendo,” said Nazeem Howa, CEO of Oakbay Investments, part of the Gupta business empire.
Zuma also denied any outside influence on ministerial appointments, saying he alone makes the appointments.
