Jacob Zuma has denied issuing instructions to fire former GCIS Head Themba Maseko because of his alleged non-cooperation with the Guptas.
Zuma told the commission former minister in the presidency, Collins Chabane, never told him Maseko was fired as was reported in the media, but, instead, was given the impression Maseko was being moved to another department.
“I never issued any instruction (for Maseko to be moved),” Zuma said.
Evidence leader Paul Pretorius read from Maseko’s affidavit which states that Ajay Gupta threatened to report Maseko to his seniors because Maseko was not cooperating with regards to the the GCISs R600m ad spend.
Pretorius continued with Maseko’s statement, saying the former GCIS head alleged that Chabane told him that Zuma had ordered his axing whilst on an overseas trip.
Zuma replied that “It’s a little bit fishy.” “It’s funny,” Zuma continued, adding that assuming he wanted Maseko out, why would he act when he was out of the country.
Zuma said the Guptas briefed him “from time to time” on the progress they were making in establishing the New Age newspaper, but that they never discussed finances with him.
“I had no interaction with this witness.”
Jacob Zuma
Pretorius then moved onto former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor’s evidence.
“What Miss Mentor testified to is that a member of the Gupta family offered her a ministerial position in return for favour.
She, Pretorius continued, claimed that Zuma had approved of this ‘offer.’
“I had no interaction with this witness… Nothing” Zuma replied.
Pretorius then asked Zuma if he remembers the 2010 state visit to China that included a state banquet, where Mentor said she refused to meet with Zuma.
I don’t recall, the former president replied.
Pretorius, quoting Mentor’s testimony, probed further, asking Zuma about her statement which claimed the Guptas also travelled to China and played a “prominent role.” during the state visit.
“I have gone to China a number of times. If I don’t check my records I won’t be able to give exact answer. I don’t remember the Guptas being part of a state visit and taking a prominent role,” Zuma replied.
Pretorius, reading Mentor’s evidence on Ajay Gupta, where she claims he told her she could be a minister if she agreed to terminate SAA’s Johannesburg-Mumbai route, and asks Zuma Zuma is knew of this.
Zondo rephrases Pretorius’s question, asking: Was your relationship with Ajay Gupta such that he could suggest who could be appointed as minister?
Zuma replied “Not at all.”
Zondo asks, “Have you ever been at the Gupta residence same time as her [Mentor]?
Zuma: No.
Zondo: Do you recall who she is?
Zuma: Yes I do recall her.
