Response to statements by David Maynier on Gupta Family decision

Today’s comments from Maynier cannot go unanswered

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, August 28, 2016/APO/ -- 

The Gupta Family has become accustomed to the “shoot from the hip” approach from David Maynier and his DA colleagues.

While we remain true to our commitment to focus on our business, and to not enter the political arena, today’s comments from Maynier cannot go unanswered. 

Despite the Family making it very clear that they remain South African citizens and plan to continue living in this country, Maynier attempts to grab media headlines by adopting emotive and dramatic language around the family leaving the country.

We appeal to Maynier to not use us as a football in his party-political battles

We would have expected Maynier to at least be honest enough to acknowledge that our businesses have always committed to cooperate with any statutory investigation announced so it is disingenuous for Maynier to suggest that our companies will not participate as required in any investigation. I am sure Mayner also understands that the directors and management teams are responsible, in line with the Companies Act, for all decision-making. 

We are surprised that Maynier has not acknowledged the impact of his decision [and ongoing campaign against the Family] on foreign direct investment in our country as we believe many potential investors will be concerned about the treatment meted out to the family through a media narrative without any basis of wrong-doing.

Finally, we appeal to Maynier to not use us as a football in his party-political battles.

Statement issued by Oakbay Group Communications, 28 August 2016