Zuma faces scrutiny after India visit with Ajay Gupta, claims ‘spiritual’ boost ahead of elections

Zuma

Former president Jacob Zuma has come under renewed scrutiny after a visit to India where he met businessman Ajay Gupta at a Hindu temple in Haridwar, News24 reported.

Zuma described Gupta as his “friend” and “brother” during the visit and said the trip was arranged through a spiritual connection, explaining that Gupta had introduced him to a “man of God.”

“I feel I am going to win the elections because the people of God have been with me,” Zuma said in a video circulating on social media.

He added: “I think he has given me some power, he has given me not just some power, but he has given me (inspiration) that I should once again take our people where they are supposed to be.”

Zuma said the spiritual engagement had renewed his confidence ahead of upcoming elections. “I think he has been with me in the very heavy areas,” he said.

He also defended his association with the Gupta family, saying they had been unfairly targeted in South Africa. “Because of some people in South Africa who were not happy with what they were doing in the country… they decided to say he must leave the country,” Zuma said, referring to Ajay Gupta.

The visit has revived debate in South Africa over Zuma’s continued relationship with the Gupta family, who are central figures in long-running “state capture” allegations, The Citizen said.

Zuma, however, maintained that his ties were personal and not political or business-related.

The presence of a senior South African diplomat during the visit has also raised questions, with government yet to comment on the official’s role, reports said.

The trip has reignited public debate in South Africa about Zuma’s political intentions and his enduring association with the Gupta family, amid ongoing scrutiny of state capture-era networks.

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