THE THIRD UMPIRE

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA

Chief justice Raymond Zondo blasted the president in the final state capture report for his inaction and unwillingness to damage the ANC despite clear evidence of systematic political corruption. It seems the long game was the wrong game.

ARTHUR FRASER

The former spy boss’s preemptive strike against the president by belatedly reporting the Phala Phala burglary saga to police may yet inflict mortal wounds, but it hasn’t got him off the hook. Zondo has set the Hawks on him and several other spooks.

JOE PHAAHLA

The health minister’s repeal of Covid-19 regulations mandating face masks to be worn in public and proof of vaccination for international travel may not be the official end of the pandemic, but it feels like a weight has been taken off SA’s collective shoulders.