It is interesting, that after a decade of getting away from the Courts, having the African National Congress (ANC) holding his hands and singing kumbaya around the burning fire. Before dwelling, this is by all means about the laid charges on former South African President Jacob Zuma. Whose had has his scandals in the years as President, and since he has stepped down. The backers has left the building, the banks and the business has broken down. If there ever was a house of cards, the supporting team and the business associations with Zuma is a proof of the need of the Executive to do business in South Africa in the Zuma Era. Nothing else is more evident than the fall of the Gupta owned enterprises and the sudden need for Business Rescue. The ones that are losing on all of this, has been the citizens and the state in general. Since the Gupta’s and Zuma’s has eaten of the plate and left breadcrumbs for the citizens. Now it might be changes, as the evident charges are proving.
This is happening for a man, that for ten years stifled the courts, and the cost came up to about 15 million Rands. It proves the extent of ill-will and ill-intent from the President. How he could use his position and navigate to get wealth while being in office. Nothing was happening, because of his backers and appointments was in his grace. While the Gupta’s could foot the bills and shower him with gifts. It was the good old days, where the Executive Branch of Government could use the State Owned Enterprises as Personal Goodie-Bag for the Gupta Owned Companies and earn a handsome profit. But since resigning and handing it over to Cyril Ramaphosa, the tides has changed, it is proven with the charge sheet. I will take the most brazen parts of it. To prove how ill it was.
Zuma is accused of:
“In terms of section 136 of the (final) Constitution accused 1 may not have- (c) used his position or any information entrusted to him, to enrich himself or improperly benefit any other person” (P:13, 2018).
He got 16 Counts against him. This being fraud, racketeering and corruption. This is serious allegations, but nor surprising in the sense of Zuma. He could surely have dozens more, but then you need the evidence and the witnesses to the affairs. This might implicate people who are still in office. That is the danger, that is maybe why these charges have come with these businesses and not others. But that is mere speculations, but worth noting.
Nkandla madness:
“Accused 1* needed funds to pay for the development of his traditional residential village estate at Nkandla in rural northern KZN. Plans for the development were dated March 2000. The development commenced in approximately July 2000. The final tender amount agreed to was R1 340 000 (after the development was commenced with). The development was finalized during March 2001. Various arrangements were made during the construction and subsequently to provide finance on accused 1’s behalf. At no stage during construction and thereafter has accused 1 been able to settle the outstanding
amount or obtain finance without the intervention and assistance of third parties, including arrangements for payment through Shaik in accordance with the agreement to disguise payments to accused 1 described above” (P: 26, 2018).
* Jacob Zuma.
Again, he used government funds to build Nkandla. It is Achilles heel, it always returns, therefore, the scandals evolving the home in Kwa-Zulu Natal is really damaging his legacy, as it is proven hornets nest of trouble and stinging him. The former President really didn’t cover his tracks, even in the years before he became the Executive. But that was known of and this case is digging into old dirt. Therefore, referring to cases, which todays ANC wasn’t directly involved in or the leadership has already become ANC Stalwarts.
“IN THAT during the period 25 October 1995 to 1 July 2005 and at or near Durban in the district of Durban, Shaik and/or the other entities mentioned in the preamble unlawfully and corruptly gave and/or offered and/or agreed to give the abovementioned service and/or facility benefits, which were not legally due, to accused 1*, upon whom the powers had been conferred and/or who had the duties as set out in the preamble, with the intention to influence accused 1 to commit and/or omit to do any act in relation to his powers and/or duties to further the interests of Shaik and/or the entities associated with Shaik and/or the Thomson-CSF group and/or accused 2 and/or accused 3 as set out in the preamble and/or with the intention to reward accused 1 because he so acted in excess of such powers or any neglect of such duties, as set out in the preamble” (P: 52-53, 2018).
* Jacob Zuma.
Again, we see how the former President used his position and his well known ideals to get paid extra. To use the connection of state to get benefits and facilitation’s that wasn’t within his role. The Company and Business People connected with him and paid him to get special interests and make sure to get government contracts. So both parties would benefit from the fraud and the bribes. Dual victory of the agreement made.
If you really want to understand the deal and the charges put on Zuma, also on his business associates in this matter. You would be wise to read the book called ‘After the Party’ by Andrew Feinstein, which was published in 2010. It gives you insights into it, that shows the magnificent tale in itself. This is years ago, but still viable and therefore, this skeleton out of the closet has been released. There are dozens of counts and charges that could be put of fresher scandals, but the State has decided to go for an older corruption case. Clearly, signaling it could be more in the future. Because this isn’t even involved with the investors of the Gupta family. Peace.
MinBane 