This has been confirmed by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas. He says President Zuma’s wealthy buddies – the Gupta family – offered him the job of South Africa’s finance minister.
The deputy minister confirmed the allegations going around for a while by saying he was offered the job by the Guptas, a wealthy family who are – supposedly – not even remotely part of the SA government. Jonas wisely rejected the offer.
While the ANC said it does not “outsource cabinet job recruitment” the deputy minister confirmed it does. Meanwhile the ANC filed a complaint with the press ombudsman over a Sunday Times story saying the Gupta offered Jonas the job. We await the outcome.
Jonas explained why he rejected the offer. “The basis of my rejection of their offer is that it makes a mockery of our hard earned democracy‚ the trust of our people and no one apart from the President of the Republic appoints ministers‚” Jonas said in a statement.
Times live quotes Jonas as saying: “I have hesitated to speak out publicly on this matter until now‚ but I feel it is no longer possible to remain quiet. Of primary concern to me is that this issue has a real danger of diverting attention away from the real and urgent challenges we face as a country.”
Jonas added that he was committed to good governance‚ abiding by the constitution of the country and being accountable to its people “who repeatedly express their confidence and trust in us‚ election after election… It is this constant state of awareness and consciousness drummed into most of us throughout our service in the national democratic revolution led by the ANC‚ that has provided us with the moral capital and tools to apply sound judgement to navigate challenges that emerge in the natural course of societal leadership. It is only through these values and moral covenants that I serve my organisation‚ my fellow country men and women‚ my beloved South Africa.
“Finally‚ I remain confident that the challenges that we face as a nation will be overcome if we collectively use our efforts for the benefit of all. I am resolute in playing my part in preserving the integrity of National Treasury as an institution in my capacity as Deputy Minister.
“I’m also committed to in making my contribution towards building a prosperous South Africa led by the glorious movement of our people‚ the African National Congress‚” Jonas said.