Zuma to answer queries on Gupta connections

President Jacob Zuma will respond to his detractors when he answers questions about state capture in Parliament today.

Zuma is under pressure from civil society, opposition parties and alliance partners amid accusations that he is under the sway of the politically-connected Gupta family.

Leaked emails show the family’s alleged influence over government departments and parastatals with Zuma’s son, Duduzane Zuma, at the centre of the controversy.

Zuma has been found wanting by the courts after opposition parties took him to task over the Nkandla scandal.

Anti-Zuma protesters have called for his removal and under his leadership, the Acan National Congress lost key metros in last year’s local government elections.

But it is the issue of state capture that has invigorated opposition against him.

In her ‘State of Capture’ report, former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela recommended that a judicial commission of inquiry be appointed.

President Zuma is legally challenging her report.

Zuma is expected to explain his approach to the matter when he addresses MPs in the National Assembly.

He will also be asked about whether his government intends forging ahead with its proposed nuclear build programme after the Western Cape High Court found agreements and processes related to the project were unlawful and unconstitutional.