Thuli Madonsela
Photo by: Duane Daws
The Democratic Alliance (DA) on Friday urged Public Protector Thuli Madonsela to launch an investigation into alleged abuse of power on the part of President Jacob Zuma, following claims this week that he had allowed the Gupta family to pick cabinet ministers.
“These revelations directly implicate President Zuma, and after laying criminal charges against Atul and Ajay Gupta yesterday (Thursday), it is our view that the Public Protector is most appropriately suited to deal with the matter at hand in relation to President Zuma,” DA leader Mmusi Maimane said.
Maimane said Madonsela should investigate whether the President had breached the Executive Ethics Act by exposing himself to a conflict of interest, using his position to enrich himself and others and compromising the integrity of this office.
On Wednesday, Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas said he had been approached by the Gupta family and offered the post of finance minister shortly before Zuma fired Nhlanhla Nene in December.
Former African National Congress MP Vytjie Mentor said the family had also offered her a minister’s position, while former public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan has spoken of pressure brought to bear on her by Zuma to make certain decisions.