Yet more skeletons in the closet?

THE phrase “a week is a long time in politics” appropriately describes the circumstances Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene finds himself in.

Last month Nene was seen as the embodiment of the South African politician – fêted because he lost his job as Finance Minister under former president Jacob Zuma because he refused to sign off on a Russian nuclear deal that would have further dragged the country into economic turmoil.

Now, he is seen as a political pariah, after admitting to a series of meetings with the Gupta family that he had previously denied having. By all accounts Nene is looking to fall on his sword – something the country’s politicians are reluctant to do.

While Nene has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa to relieve him of his position, there are other ministers and political heavyweights who remain in their positions despite meeting the Guptas.

Nene’s admission has placed Ramaphosa in an unenviable position as he cannot claim to be trying to deal with corruption while at the same time appearing to protect a man he personally appointed.

For the average South African, the news on the latest Gupta link to a prominent politician only serves to confirm the power and influence wielded by the family. It also highlights the possibility that there are more political skeletons that are yet to emerge from government’s closet.