{"id":895101,"date":"2026-03-28T06:26:37","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T11:26:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/the-weekend-wrap-anc-bigwigs-state-capture-sentence-lekotas-legacy-and-earthly-pleasures\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T06:26:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T11:26:37","slug":"the-weekend-wrap-anc-bigwigs-state-capture-sentence-lekotas-legacy-and-earthly-pleasures","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/2026\/03\/28\/the-weekend-wrap-anc-bigwigs-state-capture-sentence-lekotas-legacy-and-earthly-pleasures\/","title":{"rendered":"THE WEEKEND WRAP: ANC bigwig\u2019s state capture sentence, Lekota\u2019s legacy and earthly pleasures"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>\n<h3>From Parliament to prison \u2014 Vincent Smith receives seven-year sentence for Bosasa corruption<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/cWpM3jGiD7HrHcBERZJqJCAtX6I=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/HCpdLHxbkAAd40Q_615347_679789.jpg\" alt title=\"Former MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption linked to payments he received from facilities management company Bosasa. (Photo: Justice \/ Crime Prevention and Security @CrimeWatch RSA \/ X)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Former MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption linked to payments he received from facilities management company Bosasa. (Photo: Justice \/ Crime Prevention and Security @CrimeWatch RSA \/ X)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Nonkululeko Njilo.<\/em><\/strong> Vincent Smith, once a powerful ANC MP and parliamentary committee chairperson, is headed to prison while comrades accused of similar offences walk free.<a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-from-parliament-to-prison-vincent-smithh-receives-sevenyear-sentence-for-bosasa\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>How Mosiuoa Lekota challenged the ANC\u2019s rule and changed the course of SA\u2019s democracy<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/WyxIMx3yszs74Fj3pgRDkolyQcs=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/0000200378_287891.jpg\" alt title=\"Mosiuoa \u2019Terror\u2019 Lekota on 18 October 2013. (Photo: Gallo Images \/ Foto24 \/ Nelius Rademan)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Mosiuoa \u2019Terror\u2019 Lekota on 18 October 2013. (Photo: Gallo Images \/ Foto24 \/ Nelius Rademan)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Stephen Grootes. <\/em><\/strong>While Mosiuoa Lekota, who died on Wednesday, will be rightly remembered for his role in the United Democratic Front and his fight against apartheid, there is a danger that his subsequent \u2014 and equally vital \u2014 contributions to our democracy will be overshadowed. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-04-how-mosiuoa-lekota-challenged-the-ancs-r-ancs-rule-and-changed-the-course-of-sas\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Selebi\u2019s folly: Never an intention to charge Thabo Mbeki for TRC crimes, inquiry hears<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/O7cnqPYOVER_IoSmYbEohkWmw-c=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/DMJackie-Selebi-MAIN-PHOTO_608217.jpg\" alt title=\"Jackie Selebi, the former head of the South African Police Service. (Photo: Reuters \/ Siphiwe Sibeko<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Jackie Selebi, the former head of the South African Police Service. (Photo: Reuters \/ Siphiwe Sibeko<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Marianne Thamm. <\/em><\/strong>Testimony at the Khampepe inquiry into delayed Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) prosecutions indicates that former national police chief Jackie Selebi was set up by old-guard security police. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-selebis-folly-never-an-intention-to-charharge-thabo-mbeki-for-trc-crimes-inquiry\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Cape route becomes shipping lifeline as Middle East crisis disrupts trade, spikes costs<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/fBK-YVh12C6Xfkwo2mXEa-eEo_w=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/13797953_506570_382916.jpg\" alt title=\"Container ships are moored in the Port of Cape Town, South Africa, 02 March 2026. Shipping companies such as Denmark's Maersk and France's CMA CGM reported that their vessels will be rerouted to the Cape of Good Hope, near Cape Town, as the transit route through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended due to the ongoing joint US-Israeli military operation, which began with strikes across Iran on 28 February. (Photo: EPA \/ HALDEN KROG)\" ><figcaption>Container ships are moored in the Port of Cape Town, South Africa, 02 March 2026. Shipping companies such as Denmark&#8217;s Maersk and France&#8217;s CMA CGM reported that their vessels will be rerouted to the Cape of Good Hope, near Cape Town, as the transit route through the Strait of Hormuz has been suspended due to the ongoing joint US-Israeli military operation, which began with strikes across Iran on 28 February. (Photo: EPA \/ HALDEN KROG) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Ed Stoddard. <\/em><\/strong>The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing significant delays and rising costs in global shipping, affecting supply chains and production schedules worldwide. SA retailers, including Shoprite, are already experiencing disruptions, with essential goods stuck in transit and inflation concerns escalating due to rising oil prices. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-cape-route-becomes-shipping-lifeline-as-middle-east-crisis-disrupts-trade-spikes\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Four years, same 18 schools: The recurring maths of Gauteng\u2019s school infrastructure<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/mpWgzMbkyJNmNeDnyJNhs9V2z6Q=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/Taku-lesufi-schoolscopy_759543_762068.jpg\" alt title=\"Illustrative image | A Gauteng primary school under construction. (Photo: gp_infrastructure \/ instagram) | Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (Photo: Gallo Images \/ Luba Lesolle)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Illustrative image | A Gauteng primary school under construction. (Photo: gp_infrastructure \/ instagram) | Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (Photo: Gallo Images \/ Luba Lesolle)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Takudzwa Pongweni. <\/em><\/strong>As learners in Tembisa and Kempton Park finally enter classrooms two months late, Daily Maverick looks at how many education promises have gone unanswered. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-four-years-same-18-schools-the-recurring-maths-of-gautengs-school-infrastructure\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Farewell to Soli Philander, a relentless observer of South African life<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/qes4qOUWajXdMH7y_WmW9RMXcnc=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/000065408_391098_676072.jpg\" alt title ><figcaption><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Herman Lategan.<\/em><\/strong> Soli Philander, Cape Town\u2019s versatile actor, comedian, and passionate activist, has died from cancer. He bravely fought for human rights, fearlessly voicing his views on progressive politics and social justice, leaving an indelible mark. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-farewell-to-soli-philander-a-relentless-observer-of-south-african-life\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Cycle Tour categorised as a \u2018rolling disaster\u2019 \u2014 but one that inspires Cape Town<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/4VFzgHoFoXlA6HyXrV0apVC47Hg=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/TL_2366100_514039_751990.jpg\" alt title=\"Tyler Lange, left (in blue), wins the elite men's race at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour. (Photo: Peter Heeger \/ Gallo Images)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Tyler Lange, left (in blue), wins the elite men&#8217;s race at the 2025 Cape Town Cycle Tour. (Photo: Peter Heeger \/ Gallo Images)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Craig Ray. <\/em><\/strong>The 48th staging of the Cape Town Cycle Tour \u2013 the 109km loop around the Mother City on 8 March \u2013 continues the tradition of innovation in 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-06-cycle-tour-categorised-as-a-rolling-disaster-but-one-that-inspires-cape-town\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Showmax is dead \u2014 here\u2019s the maths that killed it<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/ge-A-sbfcjf_-SrudbVAahw6Fk0=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/BMCanalshowmaxshutdowncopy_842540_170283.jpg\" alt title=\"Illustrative image | Stressed streamer. (Photo: Freepik) | Showmax logo. (Photo: Showmax) | Canal+ logo. (Photo: Wikimedia)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Illustrative image | Stressed streamer. (Photo: Freepik) | Showmax logo. (Photo: Showmax) | Canal+ logo. (Photo: Wikimedia)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Lindsey Schutters. <\/em><\/strong>The widely circulated Canal+ corporate statement was four careful paragraphs of saying almost nothing. The numbers, though, tell a story of a streaming experiment that burnt billions. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-showmax-is-dead-heres-the-maths-that-killed-it\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>An Iliad: War\u2019s horror and heroism in Alan Committie\u2019s take on Homer\u2019s epic<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/l_MaahzXBt1NZ9CF84x5uafnuSU=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/AlanCommittieasThePoetinAnIliad_ClaudeBarnardo_497519_815076.jpg\" alt title=\"Alan Committie as The Poet in An Iliad. (Photo: Claude Barnardo)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Alan Committie as The Poet in An Iliad. (Photo: Claude Barnardo)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Keith Bain. <\/em><\/strong>Unstuffy, primal, urgent and deeply compelling, the one-man play is an evocative modern-day, colloquial spin on the ancient bard\u2019s epic account of the Trojan War, shot through with an overriding sense of humanity\u2019s tragic inability to shake off its lust for the violence, carnage and chaos inflicted by military action. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-04-an-iliad-wars-horror-and-heroism-in-alan-committies-take-on-homers-epic\/?\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>From pot-au-feu to other earthly pleasures<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/_7FaWVOQOCEhkgchHhn3o5TvqLc=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/Pot-au-feuwasoriginallyknownaspote-fieuandliterallymeantapothangingoverafire_Pexels_702090_397538.jpg\" alt title=\"Pot-au-feu was originally known as pote-fieu and literally meant a pot hanging over a fire. (Photo: Pexels)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Pot-au-feu was originally known as pote-fieu and literally meant a pot hanging over a fire. (Photo: Pexels)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Marita van der Vyver<\/em><\/strong>. She shares the experience of tasting what is considered to be the foundation of French cuisine, pot-au-feu, revealing its connections to art and literature. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-from-potaufeu-to-other-earthly-pleasures\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<h3>Yellow angels: Table Mountain\u2019s firefighting helicopters<\/h3>\n<figure><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.dailymaverick.co.za\/i\/2jZ4_BJUsYZyRghzQUX7nRbJcRM=\/200x100\/smart\/filters:strip_exif()\/file\/attachments\/2989\/Firebirds-5_168961_745098.jpg\" alt title=\"Dipping the bucket which holds a ton of water takes a brief moment and then a button-press to drop. (Photo: Grant Duncan-Smith)<br \/>&#8221; ><figcaption>Dipping the bucket which holds a ton of water takes a brief moment and then a button-press to drop. (Photo: Grant Duncan-Smith)<br \/> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong><em>By Don Pinnock<\/em><\/strong>. In Cape Town you know there\u2019s a fire before you see or smell it. The thud thud of the big old Huey helicopters trailing buckets is a sure sign that somewhere the mountain\u2019s burning. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/2026-03-05-yellow-angels-table-mountains-firefighting-helicopters\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p> Georgianna Pepper<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailymaverick.co.za\/article\/anc-bigwigs-state-capture-sentence-lekotas-legacy-and-earthly-pleasures\" class=\"button purchase\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From Parliament to prison \u2014 Vincent Smith receives seven-year sentence for Bosasa corruption Former MP Vincent Smith has been sentenced to seven years in prison for corruption linked to payments he received from facilities management company Bosasa. (Photo: Justice \/ Crime Prevention and Security @CrimeWatch RSA \/ X) By Nonkululeko Njilo. Vincent Smith, once a<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":895102,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[142210,3430],"tags":[142209,5354],"class_list":{"0":"post-895101","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-bigwigs","8":"category-weekend","9":"tag-bigwigs","10":"tag-weekend"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=895101"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/895101\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/895102"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=895101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=895101"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/newsycanuse.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=895101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}