I knew Guptas, never had a relationship - Manyi
Former government communications boss Mzwanele Manyi has denied being friends with controversial Gupta brothers Ajay and Atul.
Manyi returned to the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday to continue his testimony.
He returned after accusing the commission on Wednesday of ambushing him as he did not have adequate time to prepare.
Manyi was Themba Maseko's successor at GCIS following Maseko's axing.
Maseko claims he was fired due to his refusal to spend money at the Gupta-linked New Age newspaper.
During his testimony, Manyi told advocate Kate Hofmeyr that he had a good relationship with the former statesman Jacob Zuma.
Asked about his relationship with Zuma, Manyi said: "President Zuma is a good person, he gets along with a lot of people.
"Let me put it this way, President Zuma had a lot of good relationships with a lot of people and I was one of them.”
He, however, vehemently denied having a relationship with the Gupta brothers.
Hofmeyr: “No relationship at all?”
Manyi: "Relationship is a strong term. Whether I knew about them and had a relationship with them are two different things. I knew about them but did not have a relationship with them at the point, no,” he replied.
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Hofmeyr asked about an invite to the New Age Friendship Celebration in January 2011 which Manyi was attendance.
"I was invited there in my capacity as the president of the BMF (Black Management Forum),” he said.
Manyi also confirmed a meeting with former labour minister Mildred Olifant at the airport - as stated in her affidavit.
"Mr Manyim how did you know that Minister Oliphant was going to be at the airport on that day and at that time?" Hofmeyr asked.
"Chairperson, I'm part of the society. I've got networks," replied Manyi.
Manyi's testimony continues.