Many of the original players in the Schabir Shaik saga, especially those who were involved in whistle-blowing and investigating claims of corruption relating to the arms deal, have since been pushed out of their positions, or moved to other jobs voluntarily.

Andrew Feinstein, former ANC MP:

Feinstein was a leading ANC member on Parliament’s Standing Committee on Public Accounts (Scopa) and, along with Inkatha Freedom Party MP Gavin Woods, played a key role in the committee’s probe into the arms deal.

But after being frustrated by attempts within the ANC to thwart the investigation, Feinstein eventually resigned in August 2001. He later left South Africa to take up a private sector job in London.

Speaking from London on Friday, Feinstein said the judgment against Shaik was “a great day for South African democracy” as it “reinforces the independence of the judiciary”.

What is required now, he said, is a comprehensive investigation into the entire $4.8-billion deal, as he believes that there were many other irregularities.

Gavin Woods, IFP MP:

Woods, who was one of the state witnesses in the Shaik trial, was the chairman of Scopa when allegations of irregularities in the arms deal first emerged. Under his leadership, the multi-party committee was instrumental in the investigation — until Zuma wrote a letter to Scopa, in his capacity as leader of government business in Parliament, attacking the committee for its probe. In February 2002, Woods resigned from Scopa, citing ANC influence in the investigation as his reason. However, last year he rejoined the committee as an ordinary member.

Shaik’s conviction, he said, demonstrates that there was “dishonesty” in the arms deal and that many questions remain unanswered. “The outcome does raise critical questions about the arms deal, especially the potential conflict of interest between Shaik and his brother Chippy, who was in charge of awarding the contracts.”

Bulelani Ngcuka, former National Director of Public Prosecutions:

Although he declined to comment on the judgment, it is safe to assume that Ngcuka felt vindicated by the court ruling. As head of the Scorpions, he was the public face of the state’s fight with Shaik. This led to Shaik’s brother Mo and former Transport Minister Mac Maharaj accusing Ngcuka of being an apartheid-era spy. Ngcuka was eventually cleared by the Hefer Commission in 2003 but resigned from his post a few months later.

He is the chairman of Amabubesi Investments which was part of the consortium that recently bought into Old Mutual.

With acknowledgements to S'Thembiso Msomi and the Sunday Times.