The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation on Friday added its voice to those calling for an independent and impartial judicial commission of inquiry into Guptagate.
It also encouraged “public representatives who may have been subjected” to approaches by the Gupta family “to come forward and expose any such sinister interactions and conduct”.
The foundation – named for the Rivonia Trial prisoner – made its calls following the “confirmation by deputy finance ‚inister Mcebisi Jonas that he was approached and offered the job of finance minister before the sacking of former Minister Nhlanhla Nene”.
It said this “once more puts the spotlight on the need to probe the political influence and power of the Gupta family”‚ Executive Director Neeshan Balton said.
“We believe that the time has come for all South Africans to speak out against the growing leadership crisis that is unfolding in our country.
“We cannot allow our country and its democratic institutions to be taken over by a kleptocracy.”
The foundation’s statement on Friday reissued part of a media comment it made “when the infamous Gupta-Waterkloof military airport incident took place” in 2013.
It said at the time:
“The proud legacy of struggle by our leaders and people must never be eroded by the disdainful deeds of a single family that attempts to wield power through the peddling of influence over high-profile politicians and civil servants.
“South Africans need to understand why and how a single family has come to wield such enormous power and influence over sections of government and its administration.”
The incident saw Waterkloof Air Force Base being used to land a plane carrying guests to a wedding of a Gupta family member.
Kathrada Foundation joins calls for Guptagate inquiry
It also encouraged “public representatives who may have been subjected” to approaches by the Gupta family “to come forward and expose any such sinister interactions and conduct”.
The foundation – named for the Rivonia Trial prisoner – made its calls following the “confirmation by deputy finance ‚inister Mcebisi Jonas that he was approached and offered the job of finance minister before the sacking of former Minister Nhlanhla Nene”.
It said this “once more puts the spotlight on the need to probe the political influence and power of the Gupta family”‚ Executive Director Neeshan Balton said.
“We believe that the time has come for all South Africans to speak out against the growing leadership crisis that is unfolding in our country.
“We cannot allow our country and its democratic institutions to be taken over by a kleptocracy.”
The foundation’s statement on Friday reissued part of a media comment it made “when the infamous Gupta-Waterkloof military airport incident took place” in 2013.
It said at the time:
“The proud legacy of struggle by our leaders and people must never be eroded by the disdainful deeds of a single family that attempts to wield power through the peddling of influence over high-profile politicians and civil servants.
“South Africans need to understand why and how a single family has come to wield such enormous power and influence over sections of government and its administration.”
The incident saw Waterkloof Air Force Base being used to land a plane carrying guests to a wedding of a Gupta family member.
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