Mr Nene made the comments to an inquiry that is looking into allegations that the Guptas - a family of wealthy business people - exercised undue political influence over the ex-president.

Mr Zuma and the Gupta family deny the allegations.

Mr Nene told the inquiry that he thought it was his refusal to back a plan to expand South Africa's production of nuclear power that led to his dismissal.

His sacking as finance minister in December 2015 and replacement by the relatively unknown Des van Rooyen caused uproar at the time. Mr van Rooyen was replaced within days of his appointment.

Mr Nene was reappointed finance minister in February shortly after President Cyril Ramaphosa came to power.