PRESS STATEMENT BY
PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
FORMER MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS AND
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
It is my understanding that according to the records of the Department of Home Affairs, Mr Atul Gupta was naturalised in November 2002. He was already a permanent resident when he applied for naturalisation.
At the time, applications for naturalisation were processed by the Department, which checked that all the legal requirements were satisfied and all the facts correct. Once processed, if approved, the file would be sent to the Minister for signing.
In my capacity as Minister of Home Affairs, over ten years, countless files crossed my desk. I do not specifically recall Mr Atul Gupta’s application, but this is not surprising as there was nothing contentious about him or his family at that time. I doubt that, 16 years ago, there was anyone in South Africa who was familiar with the name Gupta.
Clearly no red flags had been raised by the Department over his application, as any red flag would prevent the file from coming to the Minister. The application would have been rejected.