WATCH: Duduzane Zuma in exclusive BBC interview: 'I like the Guptas'
Below is a transcript of the highlights of the interview.
ON WHY HE IS A BUSINESS PARTNER OF THE GUPTAS
Duduzane Zuma (DZ): I don’t think they wanted anything from me. They liked me. As I liked them. I think I’m a likeable guy!
Milton Nkosi (MN): Why did they like you‚ do you think?
DZ: That’s a question that you’ll have to ask them. I don’t know. I think I’m a likeable guy. There’s nothing untoward about it. There’s no unpacking the relationship and what was in it for them‚ what was in it for me. It was just a meeting of minds - they understood me‚ I understood them.
MN: You don’t look back and say – maybe they wanted me because I’m the son of the president?
DZ: I look back and I think I’m glad I met these guys and I’m glad we are where we are today.
MN: And then we had this bolt out of the blue‚ where the deputy minister of finance Mcebisi Jonas‚ comes out tells the public that he was offered a bribe by the Guptas in your presence. Were you present that day – was Mcebisi Jonas offered a bribe by the Guptas?
DZ: Mister Jonas was not offered a bribe by the Guptas. I did meet them. I was present. There was no such thing that took part.
MN: So what was the purpose of his visit then?
DZ: It wasn’t a visit per se‚ it was a meeting that was arranged from my side to sort out certain issues – that had nothing to do with the Guptas or any other related people them.
MN: So you are clear – it’s either you are telling the truth or he is lying.
DZ: That’s absolutely correct.
MN: So which is it?
DZ: I’m telling the truth.
ON CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
MN: You are the son of the South African president and you are here in Dubai – why are you here? Do you have a property here?
DZ: (Laughs…..) Firstly I’m on business here. Secondly Dubai is a wonderful place and I’m you would agree. Thirdly‚ I do not have a property in Dubai. I do not own an apartment in the Burj Khalifa.
MN: Does your father own a house an apartment here?
DZ: My father owns a house it’s in Nkandla. His area is called Nkandla it’s in northern KwaZulu Natal. In Dubai he does not own any property‚ whatsoever.
MN: Did the Guptas buy a property on his behalf?
DZ: I think my father is a grown man does not need anyone buying any properties on his behalf including myself.
MN: But there’s no property under a company that is linked to you or linked to the Guptas perhaps on your behalf? I just want to clarify that because that has been in the media for many weeks now.
DZ: I do not own any property. My father does not own any property in this beautiful country - or beautiful city‚ should I say. And as far as I’m concerned‚ I mean‚ the Guptas have three brothers‚ I’m not sure if there are any other Guptas in this wonderful place but none of us own any properties.
MN: I hope that‚ because you know the importance of these issues‚ perhaps you would allow me a little bit of leniency in asking this question – Mr Zuma are you corrupt?
DZ: Mr. Nkosi‚ I’m not corrupt. I’m not corrupt. I’ve not involved myself in any corrupt practice‚ in any corrupt business.
MN: Are you concerned that you may be‚ in the end‚ locked up following all these allegations‚ going to prison for corruption. Does that cross your mind?
DZ: It just crossed my mind now. It’s the first time … I don’t know if you saw it crossing my mind but it’s gone! (Laughs…) No.
MN: It doesn’t cross your mind?
DZ: Why should it? It just crossed it now‚ since you mentioned it. I actually saw it crossing now and it’s gone.
MN: Duduzane Zuma thank you for joining us in this BBC interview.