Economist Podcasts No day in court: Jacob Zuma’s jail sentence
Jun 30, 2021
John McDermott, The Economist's chief Africa correspondent, shares insights into Jacob Zuma's contempt conviction, marking a pivotal moment for South Africa's judiciary amid ongoing corruption issues. Katrine Bragg, the environment editor, discusses the alarming rise of heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere, underscoring their severe impacts on health and vulnerable communities. They also touch on the politicization of biryani in India, exploring its historical roots and current controversies, revealing how food can become a powerful political symbol.
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Zuma's Imprisonment
- Jacob Zuma, South Africa's former president, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for contempt of court.
- He refused to appear before an inquiry investigating corruption during his presidency (2009-2018).
State Capture Inquiry
- The inquiry into state capture, likened to a second Truth and Reconciliation Commission, exposes the failings of the South African state.
- Zuma's defiance of this inquiry underscores his central role in the alleged corruption.
Upholding the Rule of Law
- The verdict against Zuma is crucial for South Africa, reaffirming its founding ideals after the damage during the Zuma era.
- It highlights the strength of South Africa's non-state institutions, particularly the judiciary and the Constitutional Court.