The SA Communist Party claimed on Thursday that another "Gupta-inspired" Cabinet reshuffle was imminent and would see Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies removed from his post.

The plan was to allegedly replace Davies with a "recently sworn in African National Congress (ANC) MP and businessperson", the SACP said in a statement.

"The motivation for the intended shuffle is connected to the Gupta family interests in acquiring a stake in ArcelorMittal, and their concern that the Department of Trade and Industry under the leadership of Minister Davies, as part of its commitment to localisation and job creation, is setting tough pricing conditions on the sale of steel into the downstream South African manufacturing sector," the party said.

The SACP, which is part of the tripartite alliance, said it would look at engaging with the ANC and the alliance as a whole to discuss the problem in general and the growing evidence of the manipulation of political appointments by the Gupta family.

"Failure to deal with the harmful problem of corporate capture in our movement, society in general and the State will hamstring not only the capacity of the State but also the whole of South Africa in safeguarding its constitutional democracy and democratic national sovereignty."

Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas on Wednesday dropped a bombshell when he confirmed that the Guptas had offered him the job of finance minister before Nhlanhla Nene was removed last year. He said he refused the offer.

However, the Guptas have denied meeting him and accused him of lying. They also challenged him to provide proof of the meeting.

During a press briefing earlier on Thursday, Davies reportedly said he had known Jonas for a number of years and described him as a man of "honesty and integrity".

News24.com