Legalbrief | your legal news hub Wednesday 29 September 2021

Bell Pottinger faces sanction over secret Gupta campaign

The DA expects a ‘strong sanction’ against the Guptas’ former public relations firm Bell Pottinger, after the party received confirmation yesterday that its complaint against the firm had been upheld. A News24 report quotes DA spokesperson Phumzile van Damme as saying: ‘This means that the UK’s Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA) professional practices committee has agreed that Bell Pottinger did indeed violate its Professional Charter, and/or its Public Affairs and Lobbying Code of Conduct.’ Bell Pottinger has five days to appeal and a final decision will be published during the week beginning 4 September. The report notes that the DA’s complaint, which was heard last week, stems from the #GuptaLeaks, which revealed how the London-based PR firm assisted the Guptas – after meeting with Duduzane Zuma – to create a narrative meant to discredit the Guptas’ many critics. A report in The Guardian says the PRCA heard allegations that Bell Pottinger sought to stir up anger about ‘white monopoly capital’ and the ‘economic apartheid’ in SA to draw attention away from the wealthy and controversial Gupta family, who have been accused of benefiting financially from their close links to President Jacob Zuma. The report notes the PRCA is considering a range of actions it could take against Bell Pottinger, including terminating its membership of the trade body. Other possible disciplinary options include a formal warning or reprimand.