Oberholzer said he was stepping down because he felt South African rugby needed new leadership.

BBC: Straeuli quits Springboks

Mr. Oberholzer and executives at 360 Aviation couldn't be reached to comment.

WSJ: South Africa Probes Deputy President

In the newspaper report, 360 Aviation executive director Barry Oberholzer said he believed he was being asked for a bribe during a meeting with Ms. Mtshali, a businesswoman.

WSJ: South Africa Probes Deputy President

Mr. Motlanthe's spokesman said Ms. Mtshali met Mr. Oberholzer informally, but never attempted to solicit a bribe from him or other executives from the aviation company and wasn't looking for business from them, either.

WSJ: South Africa Probes Deputy President

Mr. Oberholzer's cellphone was switched off.

WSJ: South Africa Probes Deputy President

Global Insight analyst Ronel Oberholzer, who is based in South Africa, thinks South Africa's new president Zuma will keep an open mind about the consequences of the deal in terms of its impact on jobs--made easier by the fact that Anglo already announced plans to cut 10, 000 jobs at its Anglo Platinum unit in February.

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