EMBATTLED South African President Jacob Zuma has been planning to set up home in Dubai, according to emails published in South African media.

The reports suggest deepening ties between President Zuma and the controversial Gupta business family. But the president’s spokesperson has dismissed them as an utter fabrication.

Pressure on Zuma has been mounting in recent months because of corruption scandals, cabinet sackings and his handling of the economy.

Senior members of Zuma’s governing ANC tabled a motion of no confidence against him yesterday at a closed-door meeting of the party’s National Executive Committee.

But the chairperson of the meeting blocked the move because it was not on the official agenda, state-owned broadcaster SABC said.

It is the second time in six months that party rebels have mounted such a challenge and they are thought likely to try again.

Under pressure

The BBC’s Karen Allen in Johannesburg said the ANC now looks like it’s in permanent fire fighting mode.

Emails between President Zuma’s son Duduzane and figures from a company owned by the controversial Gupta family – who reportedly wield considerable influence over Zuma – include a letter to the Abu Dabi royal family.

"I am happy to inform you that my family has decided to make the UAE a second home,” the president is quoted as saying. "It will be a great honour for me and my family to gain your patronage during our proposed residency in the UAE.”

This opens up questions as to whether this is part of an exit strategy, with Zuma’s party appearing to be turning against him, our correspondent adds.

Meanwhile Zuma loyalists will continue their efforts to block any no confidence motion on technical grounds.

A motion submitted by opposition parties is being pushed through parliament and is now being examined by the constitutional court.

The president’s successor is expected to be selected at a major conference of the ANC’s top brass in December.

Agencies