Mbalula quashes Gupta appointment claim, explains $10-million
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula says he owes nobody an explanation on allegations that he was guaranteed his position by the Gupta family.
"The onus is on those who make such allegations to prove them. I'm not going to join the chorus which I don't know who the conductor is.
"I am in charge of my own destination. I don't just dance to music that I've never composed. I compose my own sound.
"So for those who have composed a Guptas chorus let them sing for it. I'm Fikile Mbalula, Minister of the ANC appointed by Jacob Zuma and seconded by the ANC," he said.
Mbalula has been responding to media questions about the controversial family who're also alleged to have offered ministerial positions to Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas and former ANC MP Vytie Mentor.
Mbalula told journalists afterwards the press conference was called to answer questions about Fifa's confirmation yesterday that South Africa paid a 10 million dollar bribe to secure the 2010 World Cup.
The Minister's reiterated government's position that the 10 million US dollars was allocated for the African Diaspora in the Caribbean region.
He says those individuals sanctioned are within their right to take their own decision either to ask for a review within and outside FIFA structures.
"We respect FIFA's right to sanction and deal with the perpetrators that undermine the glorious efforts of building football as the sport of the poor.
"We will make our own assessment on the next steps to be taken in relation to the infractions that have bearings on our own domestic laws," he said.
(File photo)