Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki yesterday described speculation of his personal involvement in the controversial multi-billion rand arms deal as “a dead-end story” with “absolutely no substance to it”.

Responding to questions in the National Assembly, Mbeki referred to what he termed “fishers of corrupt men”, saying that rumours of his improper involvement in the arms deal are nothing but “mischief” and “rumours”.

Mbeki was responding to a question from African National Congress chief whip Mbulelo Goniwe on whether the government has a plan to pursue its commitment to fighting corruption “without fear or favour”.

In a supplementary question, United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa asked Mbeki if, in the context of ongoing speculation on Mbeki’s role in the arms deal, he will endorse an investigation into the matter.

Mbeki responded by saying that Parliament is the institution that would decide on such an investigation.

“We do not have any hold over the decisions of Parliament and they may well want to do that. What I would say is that, should they decide on that course, they are not going to find this corruption they are looking for. It doesn’t exist.”

Turning to Holomisa, Mbeki said: “I can put out a rumour that Bantu Holomisa was seen stealing a bag of potatoes from Checkers, and I can persist with the rumour and the House can set up a commission of inquiry.

“Let them try. I am quite certain that, having done that and found nothing, there will be another rumour. Then they would set up another commission and find nothing. There is no substance to these rumours.”

Responding to Holomisa’s comment that the German authorities are considering Mbeki’s role in the deal, Mbeki said: “A long time ago, I spoke about the fishers of men, the fishers of corrupt men. They are very easy to see. Let them catch the corrupt ones, but this is a dead-end story. There is no substance to it.”

Responding to a question from Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon, Mbeki said the ongoing succession battle in the ruling party is not having a negative effect on governance and that the government is functioning properly and effectively.

“We should not preoccupy ourselves with issues of succession,” Mbeki told the National Assembly.

“As far as the government is concerned, we are functioning properly and efficiently, always remembering the mandate of the people to change South Africa for the better.”

Mbeki cited achievements of the government, including the fact that 7,4 million children are currently getting child support grants and that 11 million people are receiving social grants.

With acknowledgements to Sue Segar and The Witness.