Gordhan described a meeting with Zuma in 2013 to discuss the deal.
He said in the meeting that Zuma explained the “importance of more nuclear power” and it was agreed that the national treasury would work with the energy department to detail the project and its funding model.
Gordhan’s then-successor in the finance ministry, Nhlanhla Nene, previously testified at the inquiry that he was accused of “insubordination” because of his refusal to sign a letter committing to the nuclear deal.
Nene said he was pressured by Zuma and then-energy minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson into signing off on the deal despite there being no information on the financial implications and funding model.