Never a dull moment in sunny South Africa. Even by local standards, though, yesterday was a lulu. A Zuma cabinet reshuffle featured the leapfrogging of yet another inexperienced backbencher into an important post. But it is senseless trying to comment rationally on the decisions of a desperate autocrat. So I won’t.
More within my circle of competence is multinational McKinsey’s long-awaited statement on its deep infection with the GuptaCurse. To describe its missive as arrogant is an understatement. Like companies exposed by Brazil’s Operation Car Wash, McKinsey is sure to pay heavily for treating South Africans like mushrooms.
The facts are clear: McKinsey raked in billions from Transnet and Eskom because it complied with instructions from corrupt public servants. Had it not agreed to cut in Gupta associates Regiments and then Trillian, McKinsey would not have been awarded the lucrative contracts in the first place. It’s really that simple.
But rather than swallowing humble pie, the arrogant global consultancy went into full defensive mode, spinning a yarn of Bell Pottinger proportions. So instead of achieving its desired result, McKinsey has merely flicked the switch on a ticking time bomb. One sure to explode at the most inopportune time. Believe it.
