There is widespread violence in South Africa. The violence is in connection with the allegations of corruption levelled against the former president Jacob Zuma.
It is alleged that the Gupta brothers from Saharanpur, India are the reason behind South Africa burning. These brothers migrated from Uttar Pradesh’s Saharanpur to South Africa in the early 1990’s.
Jacob Zuma the former President, refused to comply with a court order passed in February. The court asked him to present the relevant documents and proofs claiming his innocence.
He was asked to present himself before an inquiry panel. South Africa’s Deputy chief Justice Raymond Zendo heads the inquiry panel.
However, Mr. Zuma rejected to present himself before an inquiry panel. Instead agreed to go to the prison serving 15-month jail term for contempt of court.
Cases on the former President
The main case against the former President is the $2billion arms deal in 1999. Zuma was deputy president then.
The other corruption charges are the deals during his presidency during 2009-18. The allegations are that Zuma with the help of the Gupta brothers siphoned off many assets.
Who are the Gupta brothers?
Gupta brothers are natives of Saharanpur of Western Uttar Pradesh. They were running their family business here. After Apartheid, Africa was opening up to the world in the early 90’s. The eldest of the brothers went to South Africa in 1993. The other two brothers followed him soon.
Initially, the Guptas sold shoes from their car. Very soon they set up a company-Sahara computers. However, they realized that there were no formal rules or formalities there. Very soon, they flourished in their business.
They expanded their business to air travel, energy, mining, technology and media. Not only their business flourished but also developed political connections.
Zuma and Gupta -Zupta
The Guptas bonded with the Zuma family so much that all that they were called as the Zuptas. Even the decisions of the policies of the government were taken collectively.
It is alleged that the Gupta brothers played vital role in the corruption in the country. They tried to bribe the other ministers to get their works done.
When the former President was forced to step down his post, the Gupta brothers fled from South Africa and denied any wrong doing.
What happened to the Zuptas
The Guptas and Zumas together hurt the sentiments of South Africa in 2013. A plane carrying guests for the daughter’s wedding landed at a military air base, which is only reserved for the head of the country.
People started opposing Jacob Zuma. African National Congress had to face a set back in the local body polls in 2016. ANC had to face humiliation because of the Zuptas. Furthermore, around 1 lakh emails were leaked. These emails established the influence of the Guptas on the Zama’s.
The leaked emails led to massive protests against Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family. Hence, the ANC forced Jacob Zuma to step down as the South Africa’s President. The Gupta brothers soon fled to Dubai, the UAE.
Situation in Africa now
Zuma refused to cooperate and accepted a jail term instead of presenting documents before the enquiry panel. There is chaos in South Africa post Zuma’s sentencing. People are angry over lack of economic progress, widespread corruption and COVID-19 mismanagement.
Moreover, violence disrupted the supply of oxygen and medicines to hospitals. Many workplaces are closed including the biggest oil refinery-SAPREF.
Africa is burning now as the protesters have outnumbered the security personnel.
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