Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza distances himself from Gupta family
Mabuza denies that he forced the provincial government into a Gupta-linked newspaper advertising deal
Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza has distanced himself from the Guptas, saying he has "no business dealings whatsoever" with the controversial family. The family, which is close to Zuma and has business dealings with his son Duduzane, is also said to be close to Free State premier Ace Magashule and North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, who are both ANC chairmen in their provinces. The two premiers — and Mabuza — are said to have formed a pro-Zuma faction of the ANC dubbed the ‘Premier League’. Mabuza is said to be a contender for the post of deputy president when the ANC elects new leadership at its 2017 national conference at the end of next year. According to senior sources in the provinces, his campaign began as far back as the run-up to the August 2016 local elections. He is said to involved in heavy lobbying to deputise the ‘Premier League's’ current preferred candidate, African Union commission chairwoman Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. However, Mabuza distanced himself from the Gupta f...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.