"But I like what they are doing and I support them. I have not been a member of any political party since I resigned as the national director of public prosecutions [in 2003]," he told the publication.

Asked if his political affiliation affected his business dealings, Ngcuka said: "it doesn't affect me at all. We are in a free country with freedom of association and movement. We are living in a maturing democracy."

He went on to deny that his resignation as JSE-listed Basil Read chairperson last week had anything to do with recent political developments.

"I'm also the executive chairperson of Vuwa Investments. I've been giving Basil Read a day or two a week, and I no longer have enough time," he said.

Turning to the SA Transport and Allied Workers' Union's demands that Transnet remove him from its board after he and Leonard McCarthy were named by the National Prosecuting Authority in relation to an anti-Zuma "conspiracy," Ngcuka said: "I have been serving there as a public servant. If Transnet wants I'm happy to leave."

He was also of the opinion there was space for perceived allies of former president Thabo Mbeki in the business world.

He told the Financial Mail that there was a rule of law, and everything had to be done according to it.

"There are white people who were vociferous supporters of apartheid who continue to do business in the country, [so why shouldn't Mbeki allies be allowed to?]

Sapa

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