Zuma denies external influence in cabinet appointments

South African President, Jacob Zuma, denied being influenced by anyone in the appointment of cabinet ministers, responding to allegations by his own deputy finance minister that a wealthy family close to Zuma offered him the job of finance minister.

The government was rocked on Wednesday by suggestions that the Gupta family may have been behind Zuma’s decision to sack the respected finance minister, Nhlanhla Nene, in December.

Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, said the Guptas, whose businesses stretch from media to mining, had offered him Nene’s job but he rejected it. The Guptas denied making job offers to anyone in government.

Zuma denied any involvement in response to questions in parliament in Cape Town yesterday.
“If Jonas says he was offered by the Guptas, I think you will be well-placed to ask the Guptas, or Jonas. Don’t ask me. Where do I come in?” Zuma said.