South Africa’s Graft Scandal Grows

On June 2, South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) called for an investigation into leaked documents alleging corrupt influence from business family the Guptas over the administration of President Jacob Zuma. A closer look:

CAPTURING THE STATE

The cache of more than 100,000 documents allegedly shows the Guptas brokering favors with ministers and lending money to Zuma’s son Duduzane to buy a luxury apartment. The leak supports allegations that the wealthy brothers are using their influence in an act of “state capture,” as South African media call it.

WEB OF CONNECTIONS

The Guptas’ links to Zuma have long been suspected, but claims have become more numerous. In March 2016, then Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas said the family offered to get him promoted. Protests broke out this April after Zuma fired him and his vocally antigraft boss Pravin Gordhan.

ZUMA’S FUTURE

Both the Guptas and the President have denied allegations of illegal collusion. But the claims threaten to further divide Zuma’s ANC ahead of a December vote to choose his successor as leader. Whomever they choose will determine whether the party of Nelson Mandela can overcome Zuma’s rotten legacy.