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https://theconversation.com/state-capture-report-chronicles-extent-of-corruption-in-south-africa-but-will-action-follow-174441>
"No self-respecting theatre critic would dream of reviewing a three-Act play
during the interval at the end of the first Act. But that is what one is
compelled to do after South Africa’s State Capture Commission released Part 1
of its inquiry report. This is more so because those implicated by its findings
will be doing all they can to undermine the credibility of its reports.
And in keeping with this dramatic theme, spoiler alert: My view is that deputy
chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who chaired the commission, has nailed it.
In response, many will ask the question: has he really? And, even if he has: so
what?
In light of the apparent weaknesses in South Africa’s state capacity and
institutions, there is understandable scepticism as to whether the government
has the technical capability, let alone the political will, to implement the
many recommendations that are emerging from the painstaking labour of the
deputy chief justice and his small band of support staff and lawyers.
President Cyril Ramaphosa described receiving the report as a “defining moment”
in South Africa’s history. It could yet be so. But only if the work of the
Commission leads to decisive action and systemic reform.
Without this the Zondo Commission will merely have been an exercise in
catharsis – not the first steps to delivering justice and accountability.
The hearings themselves, and the extraordinary range of evidence that was
adduced before the Commission, certainly provided catharsis, but also ‘truth’.
For those with open eyes, the denuding of democratic state legitimacy was
uncovered and the key protagonists – both perpetrators and victims –
identified.
The democratic state was captured; key institutions were looted as vast sums of
public money were stolen. Former president Jacob Zuma and his motley network of
exploited and exploitative allies were responsible.
That much is abundantly clear from just part one of Zondo’s report. Now they
must be held fully to account. Justice will need to be done."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
