Zwane changes tune on Gupta bank probe claim

29 September 2016 - 19:45 By TMG Digital

Minister of Mineral Resources Mosebenzi Zwane has modified his remarks that Cabinet had taken a decision to establish an inquiry into the actions of the banks which had terminated the contracts of the controversial Gupta family. Zwane now insists that he spoke in his capacity as chairperson of the interministerial committee established by the Cabinet after the big four banks withdrew banking services to the Gupta.Gupta spin doctors knew of Zwane’s bank inquiry before it was announcedUK public relations firm Bell Pottinger has confirmed that it was “made aware of” recommendations that an inquiry be instituted into South Africa’s banks before it was announced by Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane. In a reply to a question posed by the DA MP David Maynier on Thursday‚ he said he spoke in his capacity as head of the committee. JZ slips out of Gupta answerPresident Jacob Zuma dodged answering a question in parliament yesterday on whether he has visited the Gupta family's mansion in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. "On 13 April 2016‚ Cabinet established an IMC to consider allegations that certain banks and other financial institutions acted unilaterally and allegedly in collusion‚ when they closed bank accounts and/or terminated contractual relationships with Oakbay Investments.""The Minister recorded recommendations made to Cabinet by the IMC as well as the related resolutions taken by Cabinet at its meetings of 06 July 2016 and 31 August 2016 respectively. "The IMC made 5 recommendations to Cabinet. 4 of the recommendations were approved by Cabinet and 1 was referred to the President for further consideration‚" Zwane said. Earlier this month‚ the Presidency distanced itself from a statement made by Zwane that Cabinet would request an inquiry into the banks' actions against the Guptas. The Presidency said Zwane spoke in his personal capacity.But Zwane said‚ "the Minister of Mineral Resources released a statement on 01 September 2016. This was followed by an interview on SABC news on 02 September 2016. The Minister was not speaking in his personal capacity but in his capacity as Chairperson of the IMC". ..

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