South Africa's Gupta family welcomes inquiry over its links with gov't

The wealthy Indian-South African Gupta family has said it welcomes an investigation by South Africa's ruling ANC party over its links with the government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the business family said it "welcomes the decision of the ANC (African National Congress) to investigate the alleged capture of the state by any business entities".

"We will fully cooperate with the Office of the (ANC) Secretary General during the information gathering process," the statement said.

The family said it would not "comment any further until publication of the findings".

Several sitting and former officials, including Deputy Finance Minister, Mcebisi Jonas, and former chair of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Public Enterprises, Vytjie Mentor, have recently revealed that the Gupta family offered them ministerial posts.

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe earlier asked those who had proof of the Guptas' undue influence over the government to assist in an investigation.

The Gupta family has denied the allegations, describing them as "slander".

The opposition has accused President Jacob Zuma of letting the Guptas sway the government, which Zuma dismisses.

With huge businesses in South Africa, the Gupta family is said to have close ties with Zuma and the ANC. Endit