It’s time for answers

AS THE portfolio committee on public enterprises prepares to start its inquiry into state capture, one of the key targets of its probe – President Jacob Zuma’s son, Duduzane – fired the first salvo at those urging action against the Gupta family.

His target, in an open letter, was former finance minister Pravin Gordhan. He and the Guptas were innocent, Duduzane said. He said an investigation by the Hawks had come to nothing.

A call by the ANC to all who had information on state capture to come forward had also come to naught.

Duduzane said no conclusive findings on state capture had been made. He warned Gordhan not to try to block the sale of Gupta companies, which he said the family had given notice more than a year ago that they planned to sell.

He said he was determined to clear his name – and he reserved the right to take legal action against Gordhan for the harm he has been causing.

We welcome Duduzane’s attitude with regard to turning to the courts for relief. If he believes his name has been besmirched, he must institute a civil case so that everything that has happened can be put on record and tested.

But we are not waiting with bated breath for him to launch such a case any time soon.

There are many vexing questions about the Guptas that have taxed South African minds for years.

How did this family – and by extension, Duduzane – make their money? Are any ministers on their payroll? Did they choose ministers to serve in the cabinet? Were the government tenders they won above board?

We believe that, with the exception of the Guptas, no one is more qualified to provide the answers than Duduzane.

The issue of state capture has troubled our nation for far too long.

Zuma has promised a commission of inquiry to look into the allegations – but only after he has taken the recommendations of the public protector’s report on state capture on review.

South Africans are tired of the delays in investigating these matters.

We hope that the true story of Duduzane and the Guptas, and perhaps a few others, will emerge during the inquiry of the portfolio committee.