The damage that’s been done to Jacob Zuma – not that he’s got much of an image to start with – and the ANC’s credibility and public image recently is nothing short of epic; if you look at what folks are saying about them on social media.

It all started with the Sunday Times’ report that the Gupta family offered Mcebisi Jonas the position of finance minister. Both the Gupta family and the ANC denied these claims, while Jonas kinda vaguely denied them.

So the ANC decides that this BS needs to stop and lodges a formal complaint against the Sunday Times saying about the ‘lies they’ve spread’. Only, as they’re doing this former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor comes forward saying the Guptas actually offered her Barbara Hogan’s cabinet position way back when, and that Zuma was in the next room.

Now this is where things get interesting. Zuma all of the sudden denies that he’s ever met Mentor – even though he went on a trip to China with her – and the ANC goes mum on even mentioning the Gupta name.

Here’s the thing though; according to Corruption Watch, Zuma could be guilty of corruption if these charges are found to be true and he has influenced the appointment of ministers for the benefit of the Guptas. The president would immediately have to distance himself from the family if he hopes to save face at all.

The Guptas have since challenged Mentor’s claims and asked her to sign an affidavit, repeating her claim.

Even though the claim has yet to be verified, Corruption Watch’s David Lewis believes that there could be serious implications for the president.
“If the president had offered a cabinet post to anybody in exchange for that person exercising his or her official responsibilities to suit the private interests of the president or his family or a close business associate, the president would undoubtedly be guilty of corruption.”

Lewis added that the level of Gupta influence needs to be determined.

“If the Guptas had the authority to offer that position in exchange for a personal consideration for themselves, you would have evidence – not only of the most serious state capture, but also of corruption. If they had no authority and they were simply just bluffing, it’s for the president to disallow the Guptas.”