Veterans take aim at Malema over Guptas

2011-03-03 14:15

Johannesburg - The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans' Association (MKMVA) has accused ANC Youth League president Julius Malema and "faceless" ministers of making "irresponsible allegations" about President Jacob Zuma's relationship with the wealthy Gupta family.

"MK Military Veterans' Association noted with grave concern the allegations being peddled by certain media houses with the help of faceless government ministers, senior ANC officials and particularly the ANCYL president [Julius Malema] implying that the Gupta family wields undue influence on President Jacob Zuma," said MKMVA national chairperson Kebby Maphatsoe.

Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg on Thursday, he said the MKMVA viewed the allegations as a pattern which had been unfolding since just after the ANC national conference in Polokwane in 2007.

Maphatsoe said those making the allegations had an agenda against the leadership of the ANC with an eye for "positioning themselves" for the party's 2012 national conference.

"We view the populist outburst of Julius Malema on this issue as irresponsible rambling meant to score cheap points against President Zuma at the expense of the ANC."

He said the association had met the Gupta family for five hours on Monday about the allegations.

"After their explanation we were satisfied that there was nothing wrong with what they had done," Maphatsoe said.
 

- SAPA