Gupta debate: Zuma not to blame says ANC

"[The Democratic Alliance] wanted to use the topic as a smokescreen to pursue its obsessive vendetta against President Zuma," African National Congress chief whip Moloto Mothapo said.

"It is becoming clear Parliament would have failed in its constitutional responsibility if this important debate is reduced to some sort of kangaroo court," he said.

Mothapo dismissed calls by the DA for Zuma to be present at the debate, saying that the topic was not the president, but the use of the military airport.

Mothapo said Zuma was not a member of parliament and therefore could not be expected to be present for snap debates.

"It would be extremely absurd for Zuma to account for a matter that was still under investigation," said Mothapo.

Last week, the ANC agreed to the debate saying that parliament had a responsibility to reflect on the matter.

"We cannot allow a situation whereby our ports of entry and national key points are penetrated with impunity," Mothapo added.

The debate is scheduled to take place from 4 to 7June.

Meanwhile, the DA said it had requested that the Public Protector Thuli Madonsela investigate the controversy around the Gupta family's use of Waterkloof base to land a plane carrying guests for a wedding.

"We cannot allow President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet to get off the hook by hanging a couple of rogue officials out to dry," said DA MP David Maynier.

A senior police officer, three air force officers, and the chief of state protocol have been suspended for their alleged part in the use of Waterkloof Air Force Base as the airport for a jet carrying Gupta guests to a wedding party.

Source: Sapa via I-Net Bridge