Gigaba: I was not involved in facilitating meetings between SOEs, Guptas

Gigaba: I was not involved in facilitating meetings between SOEs, Guptas

Former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba has denied involvement in the setting up of a meeting between Tony Gupta and Eskom's former CEO Brian Dames. 

Gigaba

Dames told the commission of inquiry into state capture that the meeting was organised by Gigaba's former special advisor Siyabonga Mahlangu, at the request of Gupta. 


He also said the Gupta brother demanded coal contracts from Eskom during the meeting. 


Gigaba appeared again at the commission on Monday. 


He denied any involvement in the setting up of such a meeting, although he did admit to instructing Mahlangu to set up and attend meetings with stakeholders and business leaders in the industries.


Gigaba told the commission he informed Mahlangu to make it clear that procurement processes of state-owned entities would be followed. 


"Mr Mahlangu might have wanted to understand what was being discussed, so that if there was any reason for him to alert me of any issue that was being discussed. Because, as he said in the opening of his affidavit, I had asked him to maintain these relations because I did not want them to get out of hand. So if there was anything that he needed to raise with me that required me to talk to the CEO of the entity or the board then he would have to do so," said Gigaba.


READ: SA set to host vaccine tech transfer hub


According to the commission, the meeting related to a farm in Mpumalanga that belonged to the Guptas and had coal deposits. The Guptas apparently had the rights to mine on the farm, but environmental issues arose that could have an impact on coal supply to Eskom. 


"He certainly did not want to influence the outcome or create the impression that I was involved. In so far as I understand I don't remember how this issue was resolved. I think the matter ultimately required the Department of Environmental Affairs if there were environmental issues were involved," added Gigaba. 


Gigaba said such meetings still continue today in government and businesspeople often approach ministers requesting meetings.


They are then directed to their different departments.


Gigaba said he informed the CEOs of state-owned enterprises during his tenure not to be swayed by people using his name when tendering for contracts.


Gigaba eventually said Mahlangu regretted arranging and attending this particular meeting between Gupta and Dames. 

New Newswatch podcast banner yellow

Show's Stories