SA Presidency rejects allegation about Zuma carrying billions of rand to Gupta family

The Presidency on Saturday rejected allegations that President Jacob Zuma carried six billion rand (about 400 million U.S. dollars) to Dubai, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the Indian Gupta family.

Julius Malema, leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), alleged on Thursday that Zuma was recently in Dubai on a personal visit, dumping six billion rand to the Gupta family.

Malema's allegation "has no basis in fact", presidential spokesperson Bogani Majola said.

This allegation is "preposterous and malicious", Majola said.

Zuma recently concluded successful visits to Saudi Arabia and the UAE to strengthen bilateral trade and economic relations between South Africa and the two countries respectively, Majola said.

Malema's allegations "are both untruthful and defamatory", Majola said, adding that the Presidency reserves its rights in this regard.

With huge business interests in South Africa, the wealthy Gupta family, which reportedly keeps close ties with Zuma, has been under fire recently for exerting undue influence on the South African government by offering cabinet posts to officials of the ruling African National Congress.

The Gupta family has rejected the accusation. Enditem