Dirty Tricks Campaign

A British PR firm has said sorry for stoking racial hatred on behalf of the Guptas, but for many South Africans it’s not enough

- Dennis Cavernelis

THE name has become synonymous with the Guptas – and just as infamous. For months British public relations firm Bell Pottinger spun stories that stoked racial hatred in South Africa, exploited the idea of white monopoly capital and launched attacks on people across the spectrum.

Then, three months after announcing it was no longer representing the Gupta-owned company Oakbay due to attacks on staff and on social media, it issued a surprise apology.

“These activities should never have been undertaken. We’re deeply sorry this happened,” Bell Pottinger’s chief executive James Henderson said, adding that SA is a country that’s become an international beacon of hope for its progress towards racial reconciliation and the racial divisions the company helped fuel in no way reflect the values of Bell Pottinger.

Many felt the apology rang hollow – especially as it came when the company’s back was against a wall. Here’s a look at how it became embroiled in the complicated South African political landscape.

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

In January 2016, Bell Pottinger partner Victoria Geoghegan met President Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane for a consultation and a company partly owned by Gupta family lieutenant Salim Essa was billed £100 000 (then about R2,3 million).

They discussed a proposed campaign which would cost £100 000 “to counter the public and media criticism” of the Guptas and the president.