When the fifth and final chapter of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture is released, slated for Wednesday afternoon, it must not waiver in dealing with the individuals it will implicate. Today we bring you a round-up of opinions dedicated to the contents of the final report.
Last Zondo report must expose heart of SA’s state capture darkness – and not blink – News24
Karyn Maughan writes that the release of the final part of the State Capture report must show that the ANC (and not just the individuals implicated in the reports) are criminally culpable for its role in hollowing out the state.
But the mishandling of the release of the report, which has been delayed by a week, is potentially dangerous, writes Maughan.
“If and when this final State Capture Inquiry report is released on Wednesday, the clumsy handling of its publication has arguably ensured its potentially seismic findings and recommendations will be shrouded in conjecture and suspicion.” Read more here. (for subscribers)
Zondo’s report stands or falls on the rigour of its proposals – Business Day
The publication has compared chief justice Raymond Zondo’s running of the State Capture commission to that of retired judge Robert Nugent’s running of the Sars Inquiry. Business Day notes how quickly Nugent worked and was able to compile his final report after releasing interim findings throughout the commission. Zondo on the other hand has been particularly slow and has missed deadlines for releasing his reports.
But it is worthy to note that Nugent only had to focus on one aspect of State Capture – the ongoings at Sars – while Zondo had a much larger scope that encompassed almost the entirety of the state. Read more here. (for subscribers)
Zondo report must deliver. We can’t afford a R1bn exercise in futility – Sunday Times Daily
The online publication writes the State Capture report must have a real impact and deliver the necessary evidence to hold those responsible to account. Sunday Times Daily also implores citizens to hold the findings of the report to account as politicians continuously fail to do so.
But it also notes the timing of the delay is not good. “The timing of this delay — by Zondo in discussion with President Cyril Ramaphosa — and the circumstances of the last-minute ‘challenges’ are questionable.” Read more here. (for subscribers)
Here’s a round-up of what else we’re reading:
Insurrection warning lights are flashing again – Justice Malala, Financial Mail (for subscribers)
ANC ‘renewal’ is empty and we already have an alternative vision for South Africa – Raymond Suttner, Daily Maverick
Pros and cons of allowing voters to choose South Africa’s next president – Pierre de Vos, Daily Maverick
It’s no gas: SA could lose billions in pledges if it pushes ahead with gas plans – Paul Burkhardt, Sunday Times Daily (for subscribers)
Say what you will, Gayton McKenzie is showing the ANC how it’s done – Caiphus Kgosana, Sunday Times Daily (for subscribers)
A chilling report on ANC delinquency – Editorial, Financial Mail (for subscribers)
The great return of the Guptas – Mpumelelo Mkhabela, News24 (for subscribers)
