If you didn’t catch Sunday’s media briefing on the Gupta report, you missed nothing. It was the usual bullshit smokescreen and blame-shifting game we’ve grown accustomed to. “Name-dropping” seems to be the problem. Not that it matters, as the ANC/Gupta mafia nears a media-free utopia.

The ANC is not aware how their use of words exposes an ego the size of which we cannot comprehend. For a ruling party to openly describe the opposition as “mischievous,” it is quite clear that their arrogance is beyond reproach. Speaking down to the opposition is one thing, but to use the words “name-dropping” as a replacement for “the President has verbally given the go-ahead before to allow the Guptas to do what they want,” is a bold-faced insult to the entire nation.

From the Mail & Guardian:

Name-dropping is the main cause behind the unlawful landing of an aircraft carrying 270 guests to the Gupta family wedding at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in April, according to a report by the government.

“It was not a name that was dropped, but names. The defence minister’s name [Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula], the transport minister’s name [Ben Martins] and the president’s name were all used,” Justice Minister Jeff Radebe told journalists in Pretoria on Sunday.

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And that’s all we got. How, in fact, those names were “dropped” is another story altogether. I’ve heard of name-dropping to impress people by “accidentally” letting them know who you know, but I’m not sure I’ve heard name-dropping used to describe a verbal instruction from someone.

And yes, the DA are correct in saying that there should be an independent investigation, but at the end of the day, what is the point? This will be the last time anything like this will happen. Because once the Information bill is passed (i.e. signed by Zuma) then he and the Guptas will live happily ever after – landing anywhere they want without fear of any investigation whatsoever.

This, from the DailyMaverick:

While Radebe claims that the government system works, in spite of the breach, the truth of the matter is that the uproar and public accountability around the incident would not have happened had the plane landing not been revealed in the media. But once Protection of State Information Bill is signed into law by Zuma, it will be almost impossible for the media to report on stories involving national key points or strategic military bases.

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It should be noted that this article has been placed in the categories “politics” and “crime.”

Further reading:

The Great Gupta Farce – DailyMaverick.

Many Questions, Few Answers – DailyMaverick.

Name Game Blamed For Gupta Debacle – Mail & Guardian

Unclear If Guptas Will Be Charged – news24

Evasion Still The Game – Timeslive

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