Steyn’s tenacity reaffirms nothing is more powerful than the truth

By Alec Hogg

A healthy democracy requires two unmovable pillars – an independent legal system and a free media. South Africa’s have been stress tested over the past few years. That they were not found wanting is massively important for the country’s long term trajectory.

This week brought more good news on both sides. Attorneys will celebrate newfound competence within the office of the Public Protector which called on the president to act against Zuptoid Malusi Gigaba. Similarly, amaBhungane’s investigative unit broke the Steinhoff scandal wide open by disclosing how CEO Markus Jooste and pals were stealing from shareholders since before the 1998 listing.

In between such dramatic disclosures, it was easy to miss another breakthrough. Peerless investigate journalist and best-selling author Chris Steyn has kept the faith about her story on the Bird Island pedophiles. Despite a wave of very public criticism. And witnessing her co-author’s passing to “suicide”. But her tenacity in uncovering the abuse of young boys by a ring that included three National Party cabinet ministers is about to be rewarded.

This week SA Police Services launched a top-level investigation into what was an ice-cold 30 year old case. This in the wake of a number of victims coming forward providing written statements supporting allegations made by Steyn and the late Mark Minnie in their Bird Island book. These witnesses have been joined by several others with knowledge of the pedophile ring. There is nothing so powerful as the truth. Ever.

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