Mediaboss Marketing

EDINBURGH Teams of journalists have been hard at work sifting through a massive bank of emails linked to the involvement of the Gupta family in South African government and business. As investigative reporters with amaBhungane and the Daily Mavericks Scorpio piece together correspondence to build the case that President Jacob Zuma is deeply corrupt, other editorial teams are analysing the findings. #GuptaLeaks is undoubtedly the most important release of confidential information in years because the state capture campaign by Zuma and his friends in particular the Gupta family is undermining the economy and unravelling South Africas fragile democratic system. Sadly, senior ANC figures are still not finding the courage within themselves to take a stand against the rot. With the law enforcement agencies corrupt and captured, too, it looks like it is going to take a court challenge from a civil society organisation to get the wheels of justice turning. Here is a snapshot of the latest findings to emerge from #GuptaLeaks Jackie Cameron

Staff Writer

The Gupta family has ambitious plans to seize control of the media sector, but has failed in its attempts to buy into Primedia. This emerged as journalists with amaBhungane released more details contained in a treasure trove of confidential #GuptaLeaks emails.

Owning their own newspaper and TV station was only the beginning of the Guptas plans. Leaked emails show that they hoped to build up a South African media empire and to do so, considered at one stage or another buying the Mail & Guardian, a portion of Independent Media, and Primedia, says amaBhungane.

Oakbays Vim Rajbansi elaborated on the plan: We merge with Primedia and list together [on the stock exchange] in 3 years.

AmaBhungane journalists ask whether Rajbansi exaggerating the level of interest in the proposal to impress his Gupta boss because Primedia denies engaging with the Gupta organisation in connection with a deal.

The board of Primedia never considered a transaction with the Guptas, Primedia CEO Roger Jardine said on Tuesday. I am not aware of any discussions between a director or shareholder of Primedia with the Guptas or their representatives, reports amaBhungane.

A partner at London-listed Bell Pottinger, Victoria Geoghegan has made it her business to undo the work of Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu and other freedom struggle stalwarts to build up the Rainbow Nation following decades of conflict and hardship in the apartheid era.She has worked closely with Duduzane Zuma, one of President Jacob Zumas sons, as she has developed a race-baiting strategy to grab the attention of the grassroots population who must identify with it, connect with it and feel united by it. Victoria Geoghegan is also behind smear campaigns to get South Africans to hate independent journalists who have shone the spotlight on corruption in order to help shore up support for Zuma. Bell Pottinger has been paid handsomely for this work by a Gupta entity.Read here for more.

Its probably no surprise that ANC leaders continue to turn a blind eye to the vast body of evidence that President Jacob Zuma is in politics for himself and an army of sycophantic friends. Still, it was disappointing to learn this week that questions about the recently leaked emails purportedly showing ties between government, President Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family, were shut down by ANC NEC member Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakulaat an important meeting. She said the matter really has nothing to do with our work as the peace and stability committee.Mapisa-Nqakula has nailed her colours to the mast at a time when it is abundantly clear that you are either with #Zupta or against #Zupta. Read here for more.

Now heres something we bet you didnt know about Iqbal Surv,the controversial boss of the Independent group. As it turns out he was deep within the bosom of #Zupta for quite some time. In fact, the Surv and Gupta families were so tight that Iqbal Surv was a guest at THAT lavish wedding linked to the airforce landing scandal. Whats more, Surv threw his weight around and did a bit of Gupta name-dropping to work his way into a more luxurious suite.Read here for moreon how Surv and the Gupta brothers were as thick as thieves.

Read more here:
Exposed! Gupta plans to control Primedia, build media empire ... - BizNews