Testifying before the State Capture Commission of Inquiry on Thursday, Zwane said beneficiaries of this project did not receive anything due to poor management by Estina. 

Responding to questions over his oversight role as a political head, he, however, refuted claims that the project was created to benefit the Gupta family and associates from the get-go, and not to empower upcoming farmers. 

Zwane's involvement with the infamous family has for the better part of the day, been put to question - with evidence leader Pule Seleka asking tough questions about his trip to India with Gupta family members.

Deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, leading the commission, further posed questions about Zwane's lack of leadership and how he claimed to have not known about red flags raised by the Auditor-General and Treasury.

Whilst Zondo expressed shock at Zwane's numerous trips to India between 2012 and 2014, he highlighted how disappointing it was for an MEC to claim to have only acted upon documents that were brought to him by his subordinates.

OFM News previously reported that the Estina project has for years drawn controversy with over R220 million earmarked to assist 80 upcoming farmers remaining unaccounted for.

OFM News