Malusi Gigaba, the South African Minister of Home Affairs, has been ordered to appear before the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs next week.

Gigaba is set to face some tough questions regarding the infamous Gupta family and the processes involved in their South African naturalisation.

As reported by News24, the committee, tasked with unpacking details relating to the Gupta’s suspicious South African residency, will hold hearings next week, between Wednesday and Friday.

Committee chairperson, Hlomani Chauke, confirmed that the initial phase of the investigation had been completed. The next stage of inquiry requires testimony from people implicated in the naturalisation saga.

Who will be called to give evidence?

The Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs has confirmed that it will be calling the following entities to testify in the matter:

• The MEC for the North West department of education and sports development.
• The head of department of the North West department of education and sports development.
• Former home affairs director general, Mkuseli Apleni.
• Former home affairs employee, GC Christians.
• Home Affairs Minister, Malusi Gigaba.

It’s important to note that the portfolio committee reserves the right to call other witnesses to the stand, based on testimonies of the above parties. The committee has instructed the Speaker to summon those that are not willing to appear.

Chauke confirmed that the issue of Gupta naturalisation was being prioritised, and that resolution of the matter was within site, saying:

“This matter has been in the public domain without resolution for too long. The committee is thus intending to bring this matter to finality.”

State Capture Inquiry

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, overseen by Deputy chief justice, Ray Zondo, began last month.

The purpose of this inquiry is to ascertain just how the Gupta family managed to infiltrate state institutions. It’s widely alleged that bribery and intimidation were tactics employed by the Guptas and their associates in twisting the arms of prominent politicians.

It’s rumoured the Gigaba could also be called to appear before this hearing, not only over his tenure as minister of Home Affairs but also his dubious promotion to Minister of Public Enterprises, which is alleged to have opened to floodgates of public fund looting. - thesouthafrican