Withholding preliminary truth reshapes loyalty

THERE'S an old saying, “Once the rain is over, the umbrella becomes a burden.”

- NYANISO QWESHA

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa appointed a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to probe criminality, political interference and corruption in the criminal justice system. Members of the Commission (from left) Advocate Sesi Baloyi, SC, Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga (Chairperson) and Advocate Sandile Khumalo, SC. | OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers

(OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers)

In the storm, an umbrella is precious, shared, defended, and trusted.But when the clouds clear, it suddenly feels heavy, unnecessary, and awkward to explain.

Loyalty often ends when the benefit stops. This old truth hits uncomfortably close to home as South Africans learn that the preliminary report of the Madlanga-led commission will not be made public. The storm seemed to have passed; the groundwork was done. The country waited for sunlight, for truth, only to find the umbrella remained closed.

Who holds the umbrella?