Zuma meeting with Guptas proves ANC is not serious about fighting corruption

22 March 2016

The ANC’s decision to meet with the Guptas – led by President Jacob Zuma himself – proves without a doubt that they do not care about fighting corruption. If anything, this is further proof that the ANC and Jacob Zuma are merely different sides of the same coin – determined to help facilitate state capture by a wealthy, connected few - while 8.2 million jobless South Africans suffer.

If the ANC was indeed serious about stopping the massive abuse of state power revealed over the past week, they would have recalled President Jacob Zuma this past weekend; joined the DA in laying charges against the Guptas for seeking to improperly benefit from state deals; approached the Public Protector to investigate the numerous ‘Zuptagate’ scandals; and undertaken to have no further dealings whatsoever with the Guptas. 

The fact that they are once again visiting Saxonwold so soon after South Africa’s faith in our government’s ability to fight corruption was shaken to the core highlights the complete disconnect between the ANC and the people. They are morally bankrupt; determined to protect - not fight – corruption and state capture, by the wealthy and politically connected few.

The DA urges all South Africans to reject out of hand this attempt at undermining our Constitution, which so many fought and died for. South Africa can no longer trust the ANC to fight corruption, create jobs and deliver services. Only the DA can bring the change that our country needs. 

Issued by Phumzile Van Damme, DA National Spokesperson, 22 March 2016