State Capture by Apartheid Forces: What If the Apartheid Regime Controlled President Ramaphosa?
Blog 5: Chapter 5 – The Zuma-Gupta Capture Parallels: Is History Repeating Itself?
The state capture under Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family’s influence over the South African government shocked the nation. It was a time when corruption reached unprecedented levels, and the country’s resources were siphoned off for personal gain. In Chapter 5 of State Capture by Apartheid Forces: What If the Apartheid Regime Controlled President Ramaphosa?, we explore the eerie parallels between Zuma’s state capture and the possibility that Cyril Ramaphosa could be influenced by Apartheid-era operatives.
The Gupta-Zuma Nexus
During Zuma’s presidency, the Gupta family became synonymous with corruption. They were accused of using their proximity to Zuma to win lucrative government contracts and influence key decisions. This period was marked by widespread public outrage, leading to Zuma’s eventual downfall. However, as Ramaphosa stepped into office promising to clean up corruption, suspicions remain that South Africa’s presidency might still be under covert influence.
Parallels to Apartheid-Era Influence
While Zuma’s capture by the Guptas was more overt, Ramaphosa’s possible ties to Apartheid-era elites would be far more covert. This chapter discusses how Apartheid-era operatives may have infiltrated the ANC in a more sophisticated and subtle way, influencing policies that favor white economic dominance without the blatant corruption seen under Zuma.
The parallel between the two eras is striking: both Zuma and Ramaphosa ascended to power after periods of economic and political crisis, both promised reform, and both may have been compromised by shadowy power brokers. Could Ramaphosa’s presidency be another example of state capture—just in a different form?
Conclusion
The comparisons between Zuma’s state capture and the possible covert control of Ramaphosa raise serious questions about South Africa’s leadership. While Zuma’s corrupt dealings were eventually exposed, the influence over Ramaphosa may be far more insidious and harder to detect. As this chapter draws these parallels, it encourages readers to think critically about who truly holds power in South Africa. Stay tuned as we delve into the economic implications in the next chapter.
The Zuma-Gupta Capture Parallels: Is History Repeating Itself?
Written by Bongani Mabaso
