The Problem of Political Corruption in South Africa

Introduction

It is no secret that President Jacob Zuma, the Gupta brothers, his son Duduzane Zuma, Malusi Gigaba, Brian Molefe, just to mention a few, have been involved in corruption for a very long time. It did not surprise the public when it was revealed that they were involved in state capture, and their business dealings were scrutinized as officials and law enforcement were skeptical about their every move.

The Problem of Political Corruption in South Africa

The corruption and dealings of these individuals were witnessed by the entire nation of South Africa. What was even more alarming was that nothing was done about their illegal activities. Luxurious vacations and expensive trips around the world were made public, and it was no secret to South Africans that the money from taxpayers, which should have been used to build schools, repair roads, and finance the country’s infrastructure, was instead used for the personal gain of the President, his family, and friends.

Such allegations and activities concerning what the President did with the taxpayer's money were even published, yet he seemed indifferent as he continued his corrupt practices. Even when this was made public and he was aware that the public knew about his misuse of funds that should have been allocated to the country's needs, he persisted in his corruption. This was not only shocking but also deeply disappointing. As a President, the public expects you to lead by example, and everyone looks up to you to build a better country and future. Despite all this, the individuals implicated in the state capture and accused of corruption remain free and have not been held accountable by the state or the law. They have not faced consequences for their actions.

The Public's Reaction and the President's Defense

Even though some of the accused deny any corruption, several former cabinet members and individuals once close to the President have come forward, confessing that they were offered higher positions by the President, including offers from the Gupta brothers, but declined these offers and were consequently removed from the cabinet. The President’s son, Duduzane Zuma, remains in hiding, with law officials reportedly searching for him. Similarly, the Gupta brothers are also in hiding, evading law enforcement. In his defense, the President claimed that state capture was being used politically against certain individuals. However, the public did not receive this statement well, as he is seen as responsible for the corruption in South Africa, which hinders the country's progress.

In interviews, such as one with ANN7, the President continued to defend himself, suggesting that Public Protector Thuli Madonsela should focus on other individuals instead of him. He further claimed that there were people around him who wanted him dead, urging the Public Protector to investigate these threats rather than his actions.

Challenges to the State Capture Report

The President attacked the State Capture Report released by the Public Protector, accusing it of not completing a thorough investigation into the allegations. Despite the corruption and illegal dealings costing the country millions and leading to an economic decline, these individuals remain free, and the public continues to question the future of South Africa. Some citizens blame the President for the crime and corruption occurring in other workplaces, as he should be setting a better example.

The South African authorities have made efforts to interview and question the President regarding the State Capture Report. He continued to defend himself and attack the Public Protector, challenging the validity of the remedial actions prescribed in the report. He accused the Public Protector of publishing false information about him and demanded an investigation into the details about him in the report. While some people seemed convinced by his defense, it appeared that the majority of South African citizens still supported the President despite his corruption and illegal dealings.

Conclusion

To this day, the individuals mentioned in the State Capture are still free, and no legal action has been taken against them. If they are not dealt with according to the law, how can the public expect the state to address corruption in other areas?

References

Madonsela, T. (2016). State of Capture: A Report of the Public Protector. South African Government.

Gumede, W. (2012). South Africa in BRICS: Salvation or Ruination? Tafelberg.