Kona was invited to a meeting at the Guptas’ Saxonwold, Johannesburg, home on October 29 last year by Siyabonga Mahlangu – “special counsel” and adviser to Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba.

Mahlangu, who yesterday said he “reserved his rights”, confirmed introducing Kona to Sahara, a Gupta company, but denied any knowledge of the cash offer.

The Sunday Times has been told that Mahlangu sat through the 40-minute meeting during which the younger Gupta brother, Rajesh, also known as Tony, made the offer.

Also present at the meeting were a son of President Jacob Zuma, Duduzane Zuma, and Tshepiso Magashule, a son of Free State premier Ace Magashule.

Zuma could not be reached for comment. Magashule yesterday “recalled” the meeting, but denied knowledge of an offer to Kona.

He said: “No, my brother, you can’t just give half a million for nothing … is this the Lotto or what? SportStake? I remember the meeting. I was there.”

The Sunday Times has spoken to several additional sources who had knowledge of the meeting.

Upon arrival at the meeting, Mahlangu introduced Kona to “our brother”, Tony Gupta.

They shared a cup of Indian tea and Kona was congratulated on his appointment – at that stage he was chairman and acting CEO, following the departure of Siza Mzimela on October 8.

Then Gupta allegedly told him they were “brothers,” that “times were tough” and there was R100000 available for him. Kona asked what this was for and told Gupta that he did not need the money. Gupta allegedly upped the offer to R500000.

For more details go to http://www.timelive.co.za