South Africa investigator gets money for Zuma probe

One of South Africa's top corruption fighters is receiving government money to investigate allegations that a wealthy Indian business family influenced President Jacob Zuma's choices of Cabinet ministers.

A spokesman for Public Protector Thuli Madonsela said today that the government has committed the equivalent of USD 102,000 for the probe.

Spokesman Oupa Segalwe said that is half of what Madonsela had requested.

The Gupta family has been in the spotlight for years because of its closeness to Zuma amid accusations it received preferential treatment.

South Africa's deputy finance minister has said the Gupta family directly offered him the finance minister job in December.
 

Madonsela, whose term ends in October, has said she expects her successor to continue the investigation.