Raymond Zondo and Jacob Zuma: The man from Ixopo vs the man from Nkandla

Two men, both born into rural poverty in KwaZulu-Natal and raised by their mothers to eventually occupy the highest offices in the land, nonetheless have little in common and might never have had to engage with one another — had not one of them, Raymond Zondo, become the implacable foe of the epochal corruption that the other, Jacob Zuma, presided over, writes Patrick Bulger

13 December 2020 - 00:00 By Patrick Bulger

Nkandla and Ixopo are towns in KwaZulu-Natal, separated by 260km of road and historical differences wide enough to drive a king-size herd of Nguni cattle through. Nkandla has a special place in Zulu history, its forests providing cover for Zulu warriors in times of war. There is some dispute over whether the name signifies “place of hiding” or place where you get so tired trying to find someone hiding that you give up. The last of the Zulu kings, Cetshwayo kaMpande, is buried there. ..

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.