In late February 2016, Jonas rocked South Africa by issuing a statement confirming reports that the controversial Gupta family had met with him and had offered him the position of finance minister – prior to former minister, Nhlanhla Nene, being fired.
The damning statement led to a blow-out on state capture, where several other government officials came forward with similar stories of the Gupta family using their influence and friendship with president Jacob Zuma to manipulate government appointments and gain favourable contracts.
The talk of “state capture” soon became a focus point, as South African companies, including the big four full service banks blacklisted the family, and divisions within the ANC were laid bare.
The ANC initiated an investigation into the matter, calling for politicians with information about the so-called capturing of the state to step forward. Only a handful, including Jonas, former MP Vytjie Mentor, and former government spokesperson Themba Maseko obliged.
Speaking to talk radio 702, Jonas said that he made a very detailed statement to ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe – however, Mantashe said there was nothing to investigate and terminated the investigation in June, as the party prepared for municipal elections.
Jonas also said that he had met with the Public Protector, and had also divulged his side of the story. The matter is ongoing, he said.
Fallout hits Treasury and Gordhan
The fallout from the Gupta saga is speculated – though widely accepted – to be the main driver behind the current Hawks investigation into minister Gordhan.
With a lack of any legitimate charges against Gordhan, the belief is that the targeted harassment by the Hawks is politically motivated, with the intention to destabilise National Treasury.
According to Jonas, that is what is happening – but he remains optimistic about the outcome.
“We feel confident there is no basis for the allegation. We are not worried about that…If it is taken beyond the point that it is at‚ we are sure that we will come out very clean on the issues‚ so we are not worried about that‚” Jonas said.
