Jacob Zuma State Capture Inquiry

Former South African president Jacob Zuma arrives for a second day at a state commission that is probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies in Johannesburg, on July 16, 2019. – Zuma dismissed multiple graft allegations against him, telling a judicial inquiry he was the victim of conspiracies, years of “character assassination” and plots to kill him. In an often rambling monologue, Zuma accused unnamed foreign intelligence agencies and spies of working against him and added: “I have survived attempts to kill me.” Zuma testified at the inquiry in Johannesburg into the so-called “state capture” scandal after previous witnesses gave damning evidence against him. (Photo by STRINGER / various sources / AFP)

Jacob Zuma: State Capture Inquiry return postponed due to illness

False strat: Jacob Zuma won’t return to the State Capture Inquiry yet , four months after he stormed out of proceedings. Here’s what you need to know.

Jacob Zuma State Capture Inquiry

Former South African president Jacob Zuma arrives for a second day at a state commission that is probing wide-ranging allegations of corruption in government and state-owned companies in Johannesburg, on July 16, 2019. – Zuma dismissed multiple graft allegations against him, telling a judicial inquiry he was the victim of conspiracies, years of “character assassination” and plots to kill him. In an often rambling monologue, Zuma accused unnamed foreign intelligence agencies and spies of working against him and added: “I have survived attempts to kill me.” Zuma testified at the inquiry in Johannesburg into the so-called “state capture” scandal after previous witnesses gave damning evidence against him. (Photo by STRINGER / various sources / AFP)

After an initial delay, and a series of other legal hiccups involving Jacob Zuma, the former president has postponed returning to the State Capture Inquiry next week, and he will no longer be picking-up from where his explosive testimony left off four months ago. Famously, uBaba walked away from the hot-seat after he grew uncomfortable with certain lines of questioning.

No new date has been provided by the Commission.

Jacob Zuma at the State Capture Inquiry: Why he’s bailed

The Zondo Commission confirmed JZ would appear to “continue his testimony” next week. He was scheduled to make his return in six days’ time, on Monday 11 November. Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo stated that five days will be set aside for questioning, meaning Jacob Zuma would have been there until Friday 15 November. However, he called in his illness on Tuesday afternoon:

What questions will Jacob Zuma face at the State Capture Inquiry?

Advocate Pretorius has previously explained what the Commission’s “areas of interest” are, once Jacob Zuma is fit enough to return. They are formed around the testimonies of nine witnesses who have, in some capacity, implicated Zuma in State Capture. Here’s what uBaba will eventually be probed on.

Themba Maseko:

  • Jacob Zuma’s knowledge of communication relating to the axing of former Minister of Finance, Nhlanhla Nene;
  • His understanding of the functions of the GCIS and its expenditure on government advertising;
  • His knowledge on alleged interactions with Maseko on assisting Ajay Gupta with ANN7; and
  • What he knows about the circumstances surrounding Maseko’s transfer from GCIS to the Department of Public Service and Administration.

Vytjie Mentor:

  • Why Mentor was removed as Chair of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee of Public Enterprises;
  • The now-infamous 2010 trip to China;
  • The offer of Minister of Public Enterprises position allegedly made by the Gupta family for Mentor’s cooperation;
  • Whether Jacob Zuma was, indeed, present when the offer was made;
  • Mentor’s evidence regarding the shoddy dismissal of Barbara Hogan in the October 2010 Cabinet reshuffle;
  • Contents of Zuma’s relationship with Mentor;
  • The criminal charges laid against Zuma by Mentor.

Barbara Hogan

  • The powers and duties of the president in relation to state-owned entities.
  • Mr Zuma’s conduct in relation to the appointment of the new Transnet CEO and board in 2010.
  • Hogan’s dismissal as Public Enterprises Minister in the same year, replacing her with Malusi Gigaba.
  • Keep an eye on this one – Jacob Zuma lost his cool when he was asked about this back in July.

The testimony of Nhlanhla Nene, Pravin Gordhan, Ngoako Ramalthodi, and Angelo Agrizzi will also be directed towards Msholozi. In fact, the questions surrounding his relationship with Agrizzi look quite tasty…