Former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba’s advisor Siyabonga Mahlangu has denied being involved in the negotiations or decision to reinstate former Transnet CEO Siyabonga Gama.
Mahlangu testified at the state capture commission of inquiry on Friday.
A number of witnesses implicated Mahlangu by saying he set up meetings for the Guptas with executives of state-owned entities (SOEs).
He was also accused of playing a key role in forwarding messages allegedly from the then public enterprises minister and former President Jacob Zuma to officials of SOEs to work with the Guptas or their associates.
However, Mahlangu explained before the commission that he does not know any government official who played a role directly or indirectly in the reinstatement of Gama or his settlement agreement.
He added that before he became Gigaba’s advisor, he did not know Gama.
“I was not involved directly or indirectly in the settlement discussions leading to the reinstatement of Mr Gama.”
“The only insight I have on the discussions is when I was informed by the then chairperson of Transnet and acting CEO at the time,” Mahlangu said.
