[LISTEN] I have never done anything unlawful with the Guptas, says Zuma
Former president Jacob Zuma has denied allegations that he has a corrupt relationship with the Guptas.
Zuma started his testimony at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday.
In his opening remarks, the former president said the allegations that he helped the Guptas loot state coffers are part of a concerted effort to assassinate his character.
" I got to know that in fact, when Nelson Mandela became president, the Guptas started being close to him and started being friends and when Mandela was gone they were friends with Thabo Mbeki. I have never done anything with them unlawfully or whatever and they just remained friends as they were to everyone else.”
Zuma admitted that he suggested the Gupta brothers start the New Age newspaper for an alternative voice in the media, as the concern was that the media in the country was biased.
He said after the newspaper was shown to be a success he made another suggestion that the family start the ANN7 news channel.
"I hear that they were offering people ministerial jobs but how do they come in? Was I incapable of doing my job?" Zuma lashed out.
Listen Here: