Johannesburg – President Jacob Zuma has condemned the practice of using his name and that of Cabinet Ministers to secure privileges or flout government procedures.

“It is unfortunate that some officials and members of the public would resort to that practice of using and abusing the names of members of Cabinet in this manner to further their own ends, as alleged,” Zuma said in a statement on Thursday.

“We call for vigilance and urge all our officials who are entrusted with managing state institutions not to succumb to pressure from name-droppers… they should immediately report anyone who behaves in this manner to their superiors and to law enforcement agencies.”

The full report on the landing of the Gupta family’s private jet on 29 April at the Waterkloof Air Force Base was released on Wednesday, just before the debate in the National Assembly.

The jet landed at Waterkloof, carrying 270 guests for the wedding of Vega Gupta, 23, and Indian-born Aakash Jahajgarhia at Sun City.

The landing sparked widespread criticism.

Spokesperson Mac Maharaj said Zuma did not speak to or authorise any government official to process or approve the landing of the private plane at Waterkloof, as alleged.

“The report has found that the name of the President [Jacob Zuma] was used to flout procedures.”

Zuma welcomed the report, said Maharaj.

“President Zuma urges law enforcement agencies to press ahead with any investigations that would be necessary, arising from the report.”

– SAPA