South African billionaire family comes under speculation after landing private jet at Waterkloof military air base.
When South African billionaire trio, the Gupta brothers, landed their private jet on South Africa’s main military base, they probably did not anticipate the incident becoming a national scandal. The reason? Their age old connections with South African President Zuma and other top government officials that allowed them to break the law.
On April 29, 2013, a passenger plane chartered from India’s Jet Airways landed at South Africa’s high-security, main military base, Waterkloof Air Base. The plane carrying around 300 guests for the wedding of niece Vega Gupta of the wealthy Gupta family was allowed to land at the air base after the Guptas’ initial request for landing rights had been turned down by OR Tambo International Airport in February. The great concern remains as to why a plane that carried neither government officials nor individuals on official duty was allowed to land, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe claims.
Radebe was part of a briefing held by a group of senior South African cabinet ministers on May 3. Up on landing, guests were escorted by police to a luxury resort in what Radebe explained as black BMWs fitted with emergency lights that were not police vehicles. As a result, the police conducted illicit duties. The briefing announced the ‘compulsory special leave’ for four high-ranking military and police officials. Amid the chaos, the case has been cleverly nicknamed ‘Guptagate;’ a double entendre for Watergate, the famous American political scandal.
However, what does this mean for others responsible, including the Gupta brothers? More importantly, what level of influence do the Guptas share with the South African government to employ an air base and government officials conveniently at their disposal?
The Gupta brothers, Ajay, Atul and Rajesh arrived in South Africa in the early 1990s from Uttar Pradesh in India shortly after the end of apartheid. They soon began to expand their network within the South African elites and today they remain known for their close affiliation to top government level employees, including President Jacob Zuma. The family owns the technology firm Sahara Computers and pro-Zuma daily newspaper, The New Age.
Under speculation are the family’s close business interests with 28-year old Duduzane, one of Zuma’s sons. One such business deal being questioned is the Guptas’ alleged purchase of 9.7 bn rand property in Cape Town. Although it remains a legal requirement in any state entity for all partners to be black, it is said that the Guptas made it work. The allegations are flowing in after the African National Congress’ youth league has accused the Guptas of ‘colonizing the country.’ These aggressive comments are being linked to post-apartheid reform laws in South Africa and the manner in which the Guptas have corruptly misused them to personal advantage.
During apartheid, black South Africans were barred from most professions, including the operation of businesses. However, when the African National Congress (ANC) rose to power in 1994, the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation was introduced to the South African economy. This allowed businesses and industries to take black stakeholders on board, unlike the economy’s previous control by the 10 per cent white population. Despite its progressive nature, The National indicates BEE’s one colossal weakness – to increase the chances of winning state tenders, many corporations strive to connect themselves to influential black politicians. This is quite evident in the case of the Gupta brothers who have been constantly criticized for their lavish lifestyle while not doing much for the poor.
An investigation on Sunday, May 19 revealed that although Zuma himself had not been involved in the case, his name along those of the defense and transport ministers had been employed to influence events.
As of June 3, eight of the 11 Tshwane metro police officers pleaded guilty after being accused of providing unofficial security to the wedding guests. According to municipal spokesman Blessing Manale, the remaining two officers have pleaded not guilty, of whom one will be charged when he returns from sick leave. A probe in the matter will examine whether the police officers found guilty have violated municipal policy, Tshwane metro police executive director Console Tleane said. Tleane added that municipal policy prohibits outside work without the chief of police’s permission. Adding to the above is the questionable travel status of guests who arrived without visas which has been heavily protested by the ANC Youth League.
Although a reiterated apology by the Guptas has reached both the South African and Indian governments, Tleane questions the extent to which the city of Tshwane and the integrity of its police department have been compromised.
Latest reports indicate that the internal disciplinary hearing will resume on June 27.
PhotoCredit: Mallix
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