Govt 'needs to confront Gupta influence claims'
Business in KZN believes some of the scandals the country is embroiled in reinforce perceptions that corruption is out of control in South Africa.
It comes in the wake of yesterday's announcement by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas admitting he was approached by the Gupta family to replace Nhlanhla Nene as head of Treasury.
CEO of the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business Melanie Veness says it's unimaginable that private individuals can control the state to the suggested extent.
"Regardless of whether or not its true, perceptions are sufficient to create untold damage. Government needs to manage this. In my opinion it should be more correcting and less deflecting.
"It's absolutely unconscionable when we have the levels of poverty and inequality in this country and when we're facing growth projections of under 1%. Business is finding it very difficult to operate in what is challenging economic conditions," she said.
(File photo: Getty Images)