Watch: Zuma addresses the Gupta issue

Despite growing controversy around the Guptas, President Jacob Zuma does not see the need to distance himself from the family citing that they have been closer to many people in South Africa.

In an exclusive interview with the SABC during his visit to France, President Zuma finally spoke out on the controversy that surrounds him and his ties with the Gupta family.

He said that the Guptas have been close to many people in the country, relationships which have never caused any problems in South Africa he therefore does not think there is a need to distance himself from the family.

"No, that family has been closer to many people in the country. I don't think it has ever caused a problem, of course other people have got their views about it," said Zuma.

In reiterating that he is in charge of running the country and not the Guptas, Zuma said that individuals cannot take decisions that that affects the country.

This comes after several ANC members revealed that they were offered ministerial positions by the Gupta family.

Also read: ANC not for sale - Ramaphosa

Deputy Finance minister Mcebisi Jonas said that the family offered him Nhlanhla Nene's position before he was fired.

Former head of GCIS Themba Maseko directly implicated Zuma in the 'state capture' when he revealed he received a call from Zuma saying he must help the Guptas.

Zuma said that the matter 'state capture' is being handled and like everyone else, he awaits the outcome.

The office of the ANC Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe is currently receiving information on the 'state capture' according to Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

"I'm not sure whether the allegations are saying they are corrupt, I don't think so. I think what people are talking about is, they talk to people and say whatever they say [with] a particular focus which led to the leadership of the ruling party discussing the matter," he said.