Even before Jacob Zuma took the oath at the Zondo Commission, it was clear he was never interested in being cross-examined about events during his presidency. But he was always interested in taking the stand to change the narrative, spinning a story involving many spies and copious threats to his life.

On Wednesday afternoon it emerged that the lawyers acting for former President Jacob Zuma say they now have serious reservations about the way he is being treated by the Zondo Commission.

As a result, they are spending Thursday discussing the way ahead and whether he will continue his "collaboration" with the commission. While the commission appears to be working rather hard to ensure that it is fair, and is seen as fair, suggesting that Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is very aware of the political importance of his inquiry, moves like this were always to be expected.

A lot has by now been said that may indicate it could be very difficult to pin Zuma down in any way. But that may not matter, in that the real importance of this testimony may not be that it changes anyone's perception or view of Zuma, but it merely intensifies or...