Committee told Ajay Gupta not SA citizen
Members of Parliament have been told that controversial businessman Ajay Gupta does not have South African citizenship.
Director General at the Department of Home Affairs, Mkuseli Apleni, briefed Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs about the naturalisation of the members of the Gupta.
MPs accused current Home Affairs Minister Hlengiwe Mkhize and former Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba of undermining the committee after they failed to appear, saying they knew about the briefing well in advance.
Mkhize and Gigaba informed the committee that they would be unable to attend because they were not in the country.
Apleni had to answer questions on their behalf.
He says Ajay Gupta, his mother, his wife and two sons applied for citizenship.
Apleni was asked whether the Gupta family members now had dual citizenship - South African and Indian.
"If you are from a country which needs a dual citizenship, they write a letter to you and say they have considered your application and approved on condition that you submit it. Before they go and capture you as a South African, all those conditions must be met," says Apleni.
Apleni confirmed that Ajay Gupta never renounced his citizenship of India.
"Mr Gupta has never renounced his naturalisation, so Mr Ajay Gupta has not been naturalised. He is still a permanent residence holder," says Apleni.