Dubai the Beloved Country: South Africa responds to #GuptaEmails on Twitter

Yesterday, The Sunday Times and City Press revealed a series of emails between the Gupta family, some of their trusted lieutenants and President Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane that show just how tight the Guptas’ grip on South Africa is.

Some of the emails show how the Guptas were sent CVs of potential ministers before their appointments, paid for government officials’ luxury trips to Dubai, and advised the ANC Youth League on how to respond to media questions.

They also revealed President Zuma’s desire to make Dubai his “second home,” and how he drafted letters to the crown prince of Abu Dhabi and the prime minister of the United Arab Emirates.

#GuptaEmails became a trending topic this past weekend, as The Sunday Times and City Press broke the story

Last week, the Public Affairs Research Institute released a report entitled “Betrayal of the Promise: How the Nation is Being Stolen.”

Despite being disputed by Finance Minister Malusi Gigaba, the report has been backed up by yesterday’s leak.

Frustrated South Africans have taken to Twitter to express their disappointment in the government.

#GuptaEmails began trending at 9.22pm on Saturday, as The Sunday Times teased their scoop. As of 11.55am Monday, the hashtag holds strong behind the South African Music Awards and Date My Family.

#GuptaEmails: They show Van Rooyen lied as Guptas paid for his Dubai trip. He had a companion > in #SundayTimesZA tomorrow pic.twitter.com/0fQ9jVosYd

— Sunday Times (@SundayTimesZA) May 27, 2017

As news began to spread, so did the outrage.

What’s even more sad is that its a Black South African helping outsiders loot our country and he’s just willing to do anything #GuptaEmails

— Lucky Kunene (@IamLuckyKunene) May 27, 2017

#GuptaEmails many governments have been deceptive but what @MYANC is doing is just down right betrayal. Nisidayisile guys! Period!

— Ndabezinhle Buthelez (@ziebuth) May 29, 2017

Others were quick to find a humorous side, while some thought it more pertinent to take state capture seriously.

We had Cry the Beloved Country, then Braai the Beloved Country, now we have Dubai the Beloved Country #GuptaEmails

— Max du Preez (@MaxduPreez) May 28, 2017

When #GuptaEmails are making finance minister @mgigaba sweat in winter😯 #StateCapture #Dubai #Saxonwold #ANCNEC @MYANC pic.twitter.com/QzhBjQ4VGJ

— Jane Sithole (@moloisrj) May 29, 2017

Pres Zuma spotted somewhere in Dubai last night. #GuptaEmails pic.twitter.com/cwDapIdmhO

— Uncaptured pRiNcE (@princey_SA) May 29, 2017

It’s really sad how we as young South Africans are just not seeing the seriousness of this whole matter. #GuptaEmails

— Teboho (@Teeya_Radebe) May 29, 2017

Perhaps the most divisive side of the story was the debate on whether or not “white-owned media” had concocted the emails themselves.

@siphokhuzwayo@Eusebius When paid Twitter cries “fake news” pic.twitter.com/5m4L2dZAk2

— Baz Maitland-Stuart (@BazTheSpaz) May 28, 2017

But some pointed out that the content was not disputed, merely the manner in which the emails were acquired.

Those emails were totally fake, but just in case they weren’t, we’ll sue you for hacking our servers.

Logic. #GuptaEmails

— Shelley Hartman (@ShellsPemBroke) May 29, 2017

Feature image: GovernmentZA via Flickr