May 20, 2017 - The alleged threat to suspend Glencore’s mining licences, which would have forced the closure of 14 coal mines and put 35,000 jobs at risk, threatens to reignite concerns among international mining investors that South Africa is becoming politically too unstable, according to a global media report Wednesday. 

The Guptas, who have been accused of using a friendship with South African President Zuma to steer state contracts in favour of their conglomerate, have been at the heart of the factional strife within the ruling African National Congress over Mr. Zuma’s scandal-hit presidency.  

There were allegations last year by Mcebisi Jonas, the former deputy finance minister, that Gupta family members offered him a bribe to take the top post shortly before Mr. Zuma removed Nhlanhla Nene from the Treasury in December 2015. The Guptas and Mr. Zuma have always denied the allegations against them.