The first report from a four-year-long inquiry into corruption in South Africa said that 1,438 people or companies were implicated in wrongdoing
That the commission uncovered a mountain of corruption will not surprise many South Africans. Nor will the allegation that the former president seems to have been in the thick of it: well before he reached the top, Mr Zuma was already facing charges of fraud, bribery and money-laundering relating to an arms deal signed in the late 1990s.
At the centre of the allegations of sleaze are the Gupta brothers, three Indian-born businessmen who befriended Mr Zuma and went into business with his son, Duduzane. They all deny wrongdoing. In 2016 Thuli Madonsela, then the public protector , accused the Guptas of having—and profiting from—excessive influence over South African politics. Her report was entitled “State of Capture”.
The commission’s report, the first of three due before the end of February, said that 1,438 people or companies were implicated in wrongdoing. These include close friends of the former president, among them senior figures in theas well as the party itself, which the commission said was financed with the proceeds of crime. The commission also said that several companies have questions to answer, including the South African branch of Bain & Co, an international consulting firm.
South Africa’s president, Cyril Ramaphosa, may try to use the commission’s report as a cudgel against the pro-corruption wing of his own party. But that wing is strong. A serious crackdown could split theand possibly force him from power. Justice Zondo is prodding Mr Ramaphosa to crack down anyway. His first report recommends a slew of reforms to public procurement, senior appointments at state-owned firms and political-party finance, among other things.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Stylish South London Singer Joy Crookes Is Just Getting Started“I’m half a tiger, half a little girl, there’s not really an in between with me.”
Read more »
Australia's New South Wales sees deadliest day of pandemicAustralia’s New South Wales state has reported 16 deaths in its deadliest day of the pandemic, even as it relaxed rules to allow essential workers in isolation to return to work if they are asymptomatic
Read more »
South Pole trekker from Derby hopes to inspire othersPreet Chandi hopes her challenge will encourage others to do something different.
Read more »
Easy wins: start a throwaway email – ‘I wish I’d done this 10 years ago’A new address for subscriptions and sign-ins will let your regular inbox breathe easy
Read more »
Flying to the rescue: Scottish mountain teams are turning to dronesDrones are helping in searches across tricky terrain and their role could grow as technology improves
Read more »