This forced Glencore to put Optimum into business rescue. The decision also came at a time when the Gupta family were actively lobbying for the purchase of Optimum.
In the meeting, Ngubane allegedly demanded that Ramatlhodi “take all the licences Glencore has”.
When the then-minister refused, Ngubane allegedly said he would report him to Zuma. Molefe was apparently silent during the meeting.
“[Ngubane] had descended into the arena. He was now chief executive officer in addition to being chairman of Eskom,” Ramatlhodi said.
Zuma was on a state visit to China at the time of the meeting and when he returned “a week or so” later, Ramatlhodi was summoned to Mahlamba Ndlopfu.
“He said I was being promoted to the [DPSA]. He said that portfolio needs somebody senior. I thanked him and left. We serve at the will of the president as ministers. I might have my own ideas but when I was appointed to [DMR], I did not object so subsequent to that when I was moved to [DPSA], I did not object,” Ramatlhodi said.