A commission of inquiry into corruption in South Africa is underway. How it goes about its work, and delivers on its mandate, will have profound constitutional and political consequences. This is more so because it is clear that deposed former President Jacob Zuma, who is at the core of the allegations, has launched a fightback campaign that can undermine President Cyril Ramaphosa's efforts to clean up government.
The remit of the commission, which is headed by Constitutional Court Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is to establish the extent of what's become known as "state capture" by rogue elements in government. Its findings will reveal how the country's democracy was so imperilled within two decades of its founding election in 1994. It'll also help ensure that the necessary remedial action is taken to prevent a repeat.
...