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

jacob-zuma-governmentza-flickr #handsoffzuma twitter #guptaemails
President Jacob Zuma during a press briefing after a meeting with the National Planning Commission at the Union Buildings in Pretoria. South Africa. 03/07/2013

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.

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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.

As news began to spread, so did the outrage.

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

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

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

Feature image: GovernmentZA via Flickr

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