2016-03-16 23:16
Lizeka Tandwa, News24
Mcebisi Jonas, deputy minister of Finance.
Johannesburg – The SACP has congratulated Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas for refusing the finance ministry offer by the Guptas and called for a commission of inquiry into the matter.
In a statement on Wednesday, the SACP said: "Proper and thorough going investigations will go a long way in positioning our developing democracy to deal with the problem of corporate state capture and safeguard our democratic national sovereignty, which, if compromised, will result in catastrophic failures.
"The confirmation by Comrade Jonas vindicates the SACP and its call for a full Judicial Commission of Inquiry and broad spectrum investigation into the phenomenon and activities of corporate state capture," the SACP said.
Cosatu, meanwhile, said it noted the statement attributed to Jonas and, "contends that government must handle these allegations well to restore the country from unfortunate negative effect emanating from improper handling".
Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) said the revelation by Jonas marked a grave threat to the country's constitutional democracy.
"If other senior public office bearers have had similar approaches now is the time for them to take the people of South Africa into their confidence."
BLSA said the country must choose between being a society governed by law or one captured and directed by private interests.
Jonas on Wednesday confirmed he was offered the job of finance minister before Nhlanhla Nene was removed.
"Members of the Gupta family offered me the position of Minister of Finance to replace then-Minister Nene," he said.
"I rejected this out of hand. The basis of my rejection of their offer is that it makes a mockery of our hard earned democracy, the trust of our people and no one apart from the President of the Republic appoints ministers," Jonas said.
http://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/News/sacp-feels-vindicated-by-jonas-revelation-20160316