Following an investigation by former public protector Thuli Madonsela, a report titled ‘State of Capture’ was released in late 2016, and this started a process that would lead to the resignation of former president Jacob Zuma on 14 February 2018. Ironically, just five days before his resignation, Zuma signed and gazetted into being the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, including Organs of State. This became known as the Zondo Commission after its head, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Since 2018, at enormous expense, the commission has been hard at work to reconstruct the ‘nine lost years’ under Zuma. By the time the final witness, President Cyril Ramaphosa, appeared on 11 and 12 August 2021, the commission had held 429 hearings, generated 777 videos, made 435 transcripts and received 421 affidavits. The affidavits made up 138 019 typed pages and the transcripts added another 76 157. The final report, with recommendations, should be available within the next two months.
UNDERSTANDING STATE CAPTURE
Although he signed the commission into existence following several court challenges, Zuma recently refused to comply as a witness before it, and this led to his 15-month jail sentence. His sentence, which he started serving in Estcourt Prison on 7 July, triggered widespread unrest and looting in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of Gauteng.
The term ‘state capture’ was first used in South Africa between 2013 and 2014, but it was coined by the World Bank around 2001 to describe how oligarchs controlled governments in the highly vulnerable, newly formed states of the former Eastern Bloc following the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the USSR.
Denne historien er fra September 10, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra September 10, 2021-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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New farmers' seedling pitfalls
Inexperienced farmers may be tempted to grow seedlings from seed themselves, but they have much to gain by trusting a seedling grower at a nursery to perform this task for them instead
South African avocado production: a success story
Avocado production in South Africa has expanded markedly since the industry's humble beginnings over 80 years ago. From a small grove planted in 1938 in what was then Nelspruit, the industry has blossomed to seven million trees planted on 20 000ha. Dr Guy Witney, project manager at Great Brak Avos, spoke to Annelie Coleman about the country's avocado production.
Unlocking value through livestock exports
Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.
An agribusiness's dedication to community upliftment
For agribusiness NWK, located in Lichtenburg, North West, corporate social investment is an important part of creating a positive influence alongside financial returns. Johan Bezuidenhout, NWK’s group manager of corporate marketing and communication, spoke to Annelie Coleman about why the company chooses to invest millions of rands in the area it operates in every year.
Empowering dreams, transforming lives
Since its launch in 2013, the Agri's Got Talent competition has revolutionised the lives of many farmworkers by unlocking their hidden talents and fostering a culture of empowerment. Glenneis Kriel spoke to various finalists about how the contest has changed their lives.
Foreign investment: agriculture maintains its appeal
South Africa remains a popular destination for foreign investors, despite an often negative outlook from its citizens. It is a gateway to Africa, and with its counterseasonal production to the Northern Hemisphere and favourable weather, local agriculture is especially well placed to attract foreign interest, bringing with it hope for rural communities
The real value and message of COP29 for SA agriculture
While the 2024 Conference of the Parties may have disappointed those who hoped for real progress, it's more important for South African agriculture to highlight its role in carbon mitigation
Improving efficiencies in feed and grain milling
Bühler, a Swiss-based company that provides solutions and equipment for various industries, including food and animal feed processing, has pledged that by 2025, it will deliver scalable solutions that will reduce energy, waste and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers.
Tips for better olive production
At an SA Olive Association field day in November, industry experts shared ways to improve olive production efficiencies, from soil preparation to harvesting.
More effort needed to protect vulnerable cheetah
On International Cheetah Day, commemorated every year on 4 December, emphasis was placed on the vulnerability of the species.
