/ 26 February 2016

Hangout: Gordhan vs Zuma proxy war?

Pravin Gordhan and President Jacob Zuma are said to be at odds over the finance minister’s former colleagues at Sars. Rogan Ward, Reuters
Pravin Gordhan and President Jacob Zuma are said to be at odds over the finance minister’s former colleagues at Sars. Rogan Ward, Reuters

Days before democratic South Africa’s most anticipated budget speech, Gordhan received a letter from the Hawks, posing questions to the former South African Revenue Service (Sars) head in connection with a criminal investigation into the activities of the so-called Sars “rogue unit”.

Various sources confirmed this as a salvo in the “proxy war” between President Jacob Zuma and Gordhan, with the battle over state resources at stake. At the heart of the battle is the recapturing of Sars from perceived Zuma allies.

It seems that Gordhan is aware that he is walking a tightrope. His budget pulled back from several initiatives that treasury sources had indicated would be appearing in this week’s budget. Those included more robust steps to rein in the board of SAA, and particularly chairperson Dudu Myeni, who is a personal friend of Zuma’s.

Join amaBhungane’s Sam Sole at 11am on Friday morning as he discusses these points and more with the
Mail & Guardian‘s Phillip de Wet and Matuma Letsoalo.

If you want your questions answered or have a comment to make, tweet us @amabhungane with the hashtag #amaBhang. We’ll collate your questions and pitch them to our journalists. 

You can also email your questions and comments through on [email protected].

Finally, don’t forget to join us on at 11am here to watch our live conversation.

 

Amabhungane