Frustration over Mosebenzi Zwane’s ‘throat infection’ excuse - ‘Why are we entertaining this?’

28 April 2021 - 07:05 By cebelihle bhengu
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane claims he caught a lift to India on Tony Gupta's private jet to seek treatment for a throat infection.
Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane claims he caught a lift to India on Tony Gupta's private jet to seek treatment for a throat infection.
Image: Freddy Mavunda

Former mineral resources minister Mosebenzi Zwane’s attempt to downplay his relationship with the Gupta family has left many in disbelief.

Zwane appeared before the state capture inquiry on Tuesday, where deputy chief justice and chairperson of the inquiry Raymond Zondo quizzed him about why he caught a lift to India on Tony Gupta’s private jet in 2015. 

He said he flew to Switzerland to meet Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg in an attempt to save jobs when the mine was facing liquidation. The inquiry also heard Zwane intended to travel to India to meet potential investors and this prompted him to ask for a lift on the Gupta jet. 

The former minister said he had a throat infection and feared he might have difficulty expressing himself on a commercial flight.

He further claimed he received treatment at a public hospital in India and had covered the hospital bill.

Zondo was left with more questions than answers. He asked, among other things, why the minister didn’t fly back to SA from Switzerland considering his deteriorating health condition.

Here are some social media reactions: 


subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now