South Africa watchdog report increases pressure on president

Economic Freedom Fighters supporters march in downtown Pretoria, South Africa, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2016. Some thousands of South Africans are demonstrating for the resignation of President Jacob Zuma, who has been enmeshed in scandals that critics say are undermining the country's democracy.AP/Denis Farrell

South African President Jacob Zuma faced growing calls to resign on Wednesday after the release of a state report that found possible evidence of corruption at top levels of a government whose leader has been enmeshed in scandal.

The report by a state watchdog agency came out as thousands of South Africans demonstrated for the removal of Zuma, who apologized earlier this year after the Constitutional Court said he flouted the law in a scandal over millions of dollars in state spending on his rural home.

A commission of inquiry should be established to investigate new allegations that center on Zuma’s close relationship with the Guptas, a business family of Indian immigrants that has been accused of meddling in the government for its own financial benefit, according to the report by the state public protector’s office.

The government did not immediately comment on the report.

The prospect of a lengthy judicial inquiry could slow calls for Zuma to quit, though opposition parties said they could push for a vote of no confidence in the president in coming weeks.

The release of the 355-page report by former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, who completed a seven-year term last month, had been delayed because of efforts by Zuma and associates to block its release.A similar vote earlier this year was rejected because the ruling African National Congress has a majority in parliament, though some ANC members have since become openly critical of Zuma. The president still has the support of some powerful factions in his party.

Titled “State of Capture,” it explores “alleged improper and unethical conduct” by Zuma and other state officials in connection with allegations that the Guptas were involved in the removal and appointment of Cabinet ministers and directors of state-owned firms.

The Guptas have denied they illegally tried to obtain state contracts and other benefits, and previously said they were the victims of hate speech.

from TODAY.