AS A political storm raged on Thursday over the Gupta family’s influence over Cabinet appointments, President Jacob Zuma remained defiant.

His flat refusal to address the bombshell by Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas that the Guptas had offered him the job of finance minister, indicated a lack of contrition ahead of a crucial national executive committee (NEC) meeting this weekend.

Business leaders called on the African National Congress (ANC) to "act quickly and decisively to restore confidence in the office of the president; to protect SA’s constitutional democracy; and to promote the rule of law".

They also warned that investor confidence was being undermined as SA was at risk of a downgrade by rating agencies.

Even after more revelations of Cabinet ministers being approached by the family, Mr Zuma confidently told Parliament that he was the only person who hired and fired ministers.

"If Jonas says he was offered (a Cabinet post) by the Guptas, I think you would be well placed to ask the Guptas, or Jonas. Don’t ask me, where do I come in?" Mr Zuma said.

In spite of evident dissension in the ANC, sources said Mr Zuma was unlikely to be recalled as president because he still enjoyed support within the NEC.

But ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe on Thursday said Mr Zuma was "not untouchable".

"He’s not untouchable, he’s the president," Mr Mantashe told Reuters. "Why should we see this as a crisis instead of a positive? It will embolden people to come to the fore … so we can find the business people who are tampering within the ANC."

Mr Mantashe also questioned the role of Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane in a deal between Glencore Plc and the Gupta family’s Tegeta Exploration & Resources. He told Bloomberg he wanted more information on the transaction, as Mr Zwane met with Glencore CEO Ivan Glasenberg days before the deal was announced. "The involvement of the minister remains a big issue," Mr Mantashe said.

On Wednesday, before his disclosure, Mr Jonas was sent an SMS by a businessman that he interpreted as a threat. On Thursday the businessman went to ground and did not respond to numerous requests for comment.

Leaders of the South African Communist Party (SACP), which said it would protect Mr Jonas, said they were preparing for a tough fight following speculation that Mr Zuma was preparing for a Cabinet reshuffle that could see Trade and Industries Minister Rob Davies — a communist — lose his post to Mr Jonas.

Speculation has been that businessman Sfiso Buthelezi, who was sworn in quietly as an MP recently, could become deputy finance minister.

On Thursday support grew for Mr Jonas’s stance. Two ministers — Derek Hanekom and Rob Davies — said he was a man of integrity.

In addition to Mr Jonas, former MP Vytjie Mentor; former public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan; and Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi said the Guptas had pressured them. Former minister Ben Martins hinted at it.

Mr Ramatlhodi was shifted from his post to make way for political novice Mr Zwane, who is associated with the "Premier League" faction in the ANC that has strong ties to the Gupta family.

ANC Northern Cape secretary Zemani Saul said on Facebook the ANC NEC was told four years ago by one of its own that the Guptas were involved in Sports and Recreation Minister Fikile Mbalula Cabinet appointment.

"As far as I know, the NEC never did anything about such serious allegations," he said.

Mr Zuma’s allies came out in his defence, with the ANC Youth League calling for Mr Jonas to be axed.

ANC North West chairman Supra Mahumapelo — who is part of the "premier league", that is close to Mr Zuma and the Guptas — defended the family and the president.

Mr Mahumapelo said the Guptas had helped Mr Zuma’s son Duduzane Zuma when no bank would give him a loan. "So what is the crime in that?"

Business will also be watching the upcoming meeting closely.

"The ANC as ruling party has a responsibility to refute the claims of the deputy minister Jonas of offers of Cabinet appointments, together with others who have made similar claims.

" If these claims cannot be refuted then steps must be taken against those who have made such offers possible," Business Leadership SA’s president Saki Macozoma, chairman Bobby Godsell and CEO Thero Setiloane said.

With Ntsakisi Maswanganyi and Penelope Mashego

~ o O o ~