State Capture Inquiry: Zuma says Gupta ties were lawful

State Capture Inquiry: Zuma says Gupta ties were lawful

President Jacob Zuma says his involvement with the Gupta family was all above board.

Jacob Zuma
WIKUS DE WET/ POOL/ AFP

Zuma is giving evidence at the state capture inquiry.

He's addressed the claims that he cleared the Gupta wedding plane to land at the Waterkloof Airforce base in 2013.

Zuma, who says South African media is biased, had admitted it was his idea that the Gupta family start The New Age newspaper and ANN7.

"Once the idea was ripe, they then went to brief the top six officials about the initiative they had undertaken. Never did I discuss anything that does not belong to them." 

Former President Jacob Zuma says he has been provoked.

Zuma has started his testimony before the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

NOW READ: Jacob Zuma to take centre stage at State Capture Inquiry

He says his family has suffered.

"I have been provoked to the last degree. At times, I know what they are doing - all because I want to save the organization and to save the country. They make [up] stories. Perhaps I am soldier, and can take everything. But people forget that I have a family which would not like having lies told about me," he said.  

Earlier, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane representing Zuma, told Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo that the commission hasn't been fair to the former president. 

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