State capture commission chairperson, deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, on Monday dismissed allegations that he was conflicted from hearing former president Jacob Zuma's testimony because there was “personal history” between them.
According to Zondo, his relationship with Zuma has always been a professional one.
The two were “not friends”, nor has Zondo ever had “one-on-one” interactions with Zuma during his time as president, he said.
Zondo added that Zuma had no influence on his rise within the judiciary.
For starters, charged Zondo, Zuma was MEC for economic development in 1997, when Zondo was first appointed to the bench, and thus could not have influenced his appointment in any way.
Zondo admitted that he and Zuma have known each other since the early 1990s.
But this was because Zuma was a prominent leader of the ANC and Zondo, as a practising attorney, did some work for the ANC, which he was also a supporter of.
“I never had a one-on-one meeting with Mr Zuma throughout the nine years he was president,” said Zondo.
“Though Mr Zuma and I have a cordial relationship, Mr Zuma’s statement that we are friends is not recorded accurately.
“He has never been to any of my residences and I have never invited him.
"Mr Zuma and I do not socialise and have never socialised together. I have never invited Mr Zuma to any of my birthday parties. I have never attended a funeral of any members of the Zuma family.”
The state capture inquiry is hearing Zuma's application for Zondo to recuse himself as the inquiry's chair.
