South Africa's Zuma-Era Corruption Inquiry to Restart After Five-Year Pause

A major judicial inquiry into corruption during former President Jacob Zuma's administration will resume next month. The commission, led by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, has been inactive since 2020. Its restart follows a recent court order. The inquiry will now focus on state-owned companies, including the power utility Eskom and arms manufacturer Denel. These entities suffered major losses under alleged corruption, a period known locally as "state capture." Judge Madlanga stated the commission is ready to proceed efficiently. He emphasized its goal is to uncover truth, not to target individuals. The original inquiry heard testimony from over 300 witnesses. It exposed widespread allegations of graft involving business figures and government officials close to Zuma. The former president, who denies wrongdoing, faces separate legal challenges. This revival signals a renewed effort to address a defining scandal in South Africa's recent history. The public will watch closely for new findings and potential accountability.