South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has relented to calls to set up a commission of inquiry into corruption allegations at the heart of government – known as state capture.
Mr Zuma has been accused of conspiring with a wealthy business family, the Guptas, to control lucrative state contracts.
Both Mr Zuma and the Guptas deny the allegations.
In a statement President Zuma said that “allegations that the state has been wrestled out of the hands of… the people of South Africa, are of paramount importance” and were “deserving of finality and certainty”.
It came after a high court ruling in December gave him 30 days to abide by the recommendations of the anti-corruption watchdog to appoint the commission of inquiry, and to let Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng choose the judge who will head it as Mr Zuma is “conflicted” in the matter.
Chief Justice Mogoeng has chosen his deputy, Ray Zondo, to head the inquiry, Mr Zuma said.
Mr Zuma’s announcement came ahead of today’s meeting of the top leadership body of the governing African National Congress (ANC).
There has been much speculation that the party might try to force Mr Zuma out as president, now that he is no longer leader of the party.
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