He was moved from the position of Mineral Resources Minister and replaced by Mosebenzi Zwane.

JOHANNESBURG - Public Service and Administration Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi's spokesperson has confirmed that Ramatlhodi was invited to a social engagement by the Gupta family, shortly after he was appointed to his previous job as Mineral Resources Minister.

But, the minister's office says he declined the invitation.

Ramatlhodi was moved from the position of Mineral Resources Minister by President Jacob Zuma and replaced by Mosebenzi Zwane.

Zwane's office has confirmed that he went on a trip with the Gupta family to help in negotiations around the Optimum Coal mine deal, but the Gupta family have denied that.

Ramatlhodi's spokesperson Mahlodi Moafhe says, "They sent us an invite for some dinner at some point, but Minister Ramatlhodi was so focused with his work and he was not taking any invites which were social."

The Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas's revelation yesterday that he was offered Treasury's top job by the Gupta family has prompted calls for both judicial and parliamentary enquiries into the family's influence.

African National Congress Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says no one in the ruling party is untouchable, including President Zuma.