Johann Rupert, chairman of R113bn investment giant Remgro, has fingered UK-based spin doctors Bell Pottinger — on contract to the Gupta family-controlled Oakbay Investments — for an ongoing campaign to link the business tycoon to state capture activities.
In recent months Rupert has been targeted on social media by certain fringe political commentators that have constructed a narrative that Remgro, which is controlled by the Rupert family, has "control" of key segments of the media.
The social media campaign is widely believed to be an attempt to deflect attention away from lingering state capture allegations involving the Gupta family and their influence over President Jacob Zuma.
Rupert told the Remgro annual meeting on Thursday Richemont, the luxury brands business controlled by the Rupert family, had until recently contracted Bell Pottinger to work on its financial relationships. The contract had lasted 15 to 18 years, he estimated.
"And whilst they were still in the employment of Richemont they started working for the Guptas. The very same person…. Their total task was to deflect attention [from state capture allegations involving the Guptas]. Guess who they took as a target? A client of theirs… Me!"
Bell Pottinger’s contract with Richemont has since been terminated.
Bell Pottinger executive Victoria Geoghegan said the company had a contract to assist Gupta-controlled Oakbay Investments but refuted the Remgro chairman's suggestions.
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