To fully appreciate the seriousness of this weekend’s report that an estimated $30m of Libyan money had allegedly been stashed at former president Jacob Zuma’s bunker at Nkandla, it is necessary to look back at the events of 2011 when Muammar Gaddafi was killed. The Sunday Times reported Gaddafi had given Zuma the money, asking him to use it for legal representation for him in the event of his being charged at the International Criminal Court, or to give it to his family if he was killed. That apparently did not happen and the report says the money had recently been secretly moved to Eswatini to launder it. Gaddafi’s fall from power and brutal killing is a cautionary tale for any leader who thinks they are invincible. He ruled his country for 42 years, during which time he amassed enormous wealth and aspired to be the president of the “United States of Africa”. But fate turned on him, as did the people of Libya. Gaddafi’s life ended in a gruesome and humiliating way. Protests amid ...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.