Simon Cameron, the US secretary for war under president Abraham Lincoln, became famous for his definition of an honest politician. He said an honest politician is, “one who, when he is bought, stays bought”.Lincoln, who took the blame for wrongs committed by his cabinet members, fired Cameron after corruption had been uncovered in his war department.In South Africa we are facing the prospects of President Jacob Zuma being confirmed “bought”. Investigations into his relationship with the Gupta family have been launched by the public protector, the Hawks and the office of the ANC secretary-general.There is the possibility Zuma conforms to Cameron’s definition of an honest politician: he is bought and stays bought. This is so because he has not denounced his friends, the Guptas, for allegedly brokering business and cabinet deals through his name.Anyone who is seen or suspected of usurping the constitutional powers of the president to appoint or dismiss ministers should incur the wrath ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
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.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.