For well over a year, South Africans have been subject to “State Capture” becoming part of their daily discourse. Barely a week went by that did not contain a disturbing dose of fresh allegations gracing the pages of the Sunday press.
Ultimately, the release of the “State of Capture” report from the office of the Public Protector codifies a year of revelations, rumour and conjecture deeply embarrassing and potentially politically explosive. And, those that sought interdicts to prevent the report’s publication were always going to be the big losers – and they sure were.
Whilst the report largely describes ethical, procedural and possible legal contraventions from a variety of Cabinet Ministers, aspects of State Owned Enterprise (ESKOM) abuse and the undue influence exercised by the Gupta family and their surrogates – it does not finger President Zuma directly.
The implication though is that the wrongdoing occurred under his watch and his omission to act in any opposition to the nefarious activities is tantamount to complicity. Given the role played by Zuma’s son, Duduzane, the President has indeed been compromised.
Furthermore, the linkage between the President and the Gupta’s in their efforts to place lackeys in senior cabinet positions implicates the President further in his illicit collaboration.
Politically, the report marks the end of the worst week of President Zuma’s presidency. It also serves to hasten his departure before his term of office expires. The report vindicates those within the ANC who have become more vocal in their opposition to Zuma and it confirms the view of civil society, the private sector and party stalwarts who have all coalesced in their desire for new leadership,