AFRICA/SOUTH AFRICA - New controversy over Zuma after the publication of 100,000 confidential documents

Johannesburg (Agenzia Fides) - Pressures on South African President Jacob Zuma are growing so that he resigns before his expiration in 2019. The publication of about 100,000 e-mails and confidential documents demonstrate Zuma's bonds with the Indian-born Gupta family, wealthy businessmen whose companies have contracts with state-owned firms (see Fides 3/11/2016). The latest allegations of influence-peddling may deepen a divide in the ANC as factions battle for control ahead of a conference in December where Zuma's successor as party leader will be chosen.
Investigative journalists at AmaBhungane, says they prove Gupta-owned companies unduly influence the award of government contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars, thanks to illicit influences.
Government ministers bowed to mounting pressure, told Eskom to remove its chief executive Brian Molefe, a Zuma ally, after senior politicians and the public reacted with anger at his re-appointment two weeks ago. Molefe resigned in November last year following allegations he had links to the Gupta family.
Bishop Gabuza, the chairperson of SACBC Justice and Peace Commission, has called on the Eskom Board "to do the right thing and resign".
"The various allegations against Eskom and the recent saga around reinstatement of Brian Molefe indicate that the Board is failing in its commitment to the principles of good governance. Eskom board cannot therefore continue with business as usual", says a statement sent to Agenzia Fides.
"In state owned enterprises, which are a key driver to the progressive realization of the development agenda of our nation, we need to put a stop to bad governance and the plunder for the benefit of a few elite", he concludes. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 2/6/2017)

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