Exposing Global Complicity In State Capture

Corruption, that insidious scourge that has plagued governments and nations for centuries, is a foe that must be vanquished. In South Africa, a nation that has been locked in a fierce combat with this formidable adversary for years, Lord Peter Hayne has emerged as a stalwart antipastate activist and former UK cabinet minister. He has been at the forefront of this relentless battle, and his recent public lecture hosted by UCT's Summer School shed light on his remarkable role in exposing the global complicity in state capture. So, let's dive into the thrilling insights and ideas that transpired during this electrifying event.

Corruption: The Modern-Day Apartheid

Lord Peter Hayne, a man who doesn't mince his words when it comes to corruption and malfeasance in government, drew a striking parallel during his lecture. He declared that the values underpinning the fight against state corruption are no different from the struggle against apartheid that South Africa faced half a century ago. This assertion is profound in its simplicity and incisive in its truth. In essence, the fight against corruption is a fight for freedom, justice, and equality, much like the battle against apartheid. It's a rallying cry to all South Africans to continue this vital struggle.

Unmasking the Global Complicity

The crux of Lord Peter Hayne's lecture was a revelation that sent shockwaves through the audience - the global complicity in state capture and the brazen looting of billions of Rand. He made it abundantly clear that the blame for the infamous Zupta State Capture decade isn't limited to a corrupt president and his cronies. Instead, both South African and global businesses share a significant portion of the culpability. It takes two to tango, as the saying goes, and state capture wouldn't have been possible without the active involvement of these entities.

In his own words, Lord Hayne stated, "SARS would not have been disabled without being in company—infamously and unlawfully carrying out President Zuma's personal instructions at one-to-one meetings with him." These clandestine meetings occurred in Zuma's private residence, avoiding any official record that could have held them accountable. Furthermore, the Gupta family managed to launder billions out of the country, thanks to the complicity of global banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Bank of Baroda.

The shocking reality is that this sordid tale of corruption and greed continues even today. Ministers and local councilors still demand kickbacks to dispense procurement contracts and grant licenses to companies eager for work. It's high time, Lord Hayne implores, for the business community to own up to their complicity and ostracize those still playing this corrupt game. By doing so, the corrupt politicians and officials would find their looting efforts massively curtailed.

The Imperative of Change

Lord Peter Hayne's lecture wasn't just a revelation of corruption's global reach; it was also a call to action for South Africa. He emphasized the urgent need for a change in trajectory when dealing with corruption. This change, he stressed, requires the collective effort of South Africans, who must rise to the occasion and work together to prevent their beloved nation from becoming a failed state.

He candidly proclaimed, "You won't change this country unless you do it yourselves. Politicians won't do it for you; they become too comfortable in power, too dependent on their privileges. They have a vested interest not to change." His analogy of politicians as political alcoholics and drug addicts hooked on looting powerfully conveys the grim reality of the situation.

South Africans are urged to rise up, unite as a civil society, and declare, "Enough is enough!" They must reclaim the democracy and the ideals of the freedom struggle that have been tarnished by corrupt politicians and officials. Lord Hayne also cautioned against replacing them with equally corrupt and authoritarian populists, be they from the right or left.

He astutely warned, "Be aware of those hankering after old white privilege," emphasizing the need to avoid any form of privilege, whether old or new, that undermines the true spirit of democracy and equality.

In conclusion, Lord Peter Hayne's lecture was not just a presentation of facts and figures but a battle cry for South Africans to unite and fight against the insidious corruption that threatens their nation's future. The fight against corruption is not just a political endeavor; it is a moral imperative, akin to the struggle against apartheid. It's a call for the people to take back their democracy, free it from the clutches of corrupt politicians, and ensure a brighter future for all. The time for change is now, and it starts with the collective will of the people.