– Economic woes –
The ANC, which led the struggle to end apartheid, holds a meeting of its national executive committee starting on Friday, where the Gupta issue is likely to dominate.
The official opposition party in parliament, the Democratic Alliance (DA) said the latest developments make Zuma’s position “increasingly untenable”.
“He, and the ANC, need to consider whether he should resign from office, or be recalled.”
The party said it would lay corruption charges against the Gupta family.
Zuma faces parliament for a scheduled question time later Thursday, where he will meet a barrage of questions – including on the country’s dire economic situation.
The alleged job offer to Jonas occurred before Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene in December – a move that triggered a collapse in the rand and massive withdrawal of foreign investment.
Nene was replaced by little-known lawmaker David van Rooyen, who was widely seen as a weak placeman for Zuma loyalists such as the Guptas.
His appointment caused such a negative reaction that Zuma sacked him after just four days and reappointed Pravin Gordhan, who served as finance minister from 2009 to 2014.
Gordhan is leading efforts to try to restore confidence in the economy and avoid a downgrade of the country’s debt to junk status by the ratings agencies.
Another ANC member, Vytjie Mentor, also alleged this week that she was offered a cabinet post by the Guptas – an accusation that Zuma denied.
The Guptas are also alleged to have determined the appointment of other government figures, including minister of mines Mosebenzi Zwane.
Zuma, a veteran political survivor whose term in office ends in 2019, has previously defended his friendship with the Guptas.
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