Zuma backs down on bid to block corruption report

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South Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has abandoned his court bid to block the release of a report by former anti-corruption chief Thuli Madonsela.

She investigated allegations that he let the wealthy Gupta family wield undue influence in his government.

Mr Zuma’s lawyer informed the High Court in the capital, Pretoria, of the decision, but the reasons are unclear.

Opposition groups are holding rallies in South Africa’s major cities to protest against Mr Zuma’s rule.

The report is believed to contain damning allegations against Mr Zuma, reports the BBC’s Milton Nkosi from Pretoria.

Mr Zuma’s bid to block the report’s release was challenged by opposition parties, which are now demanding that he pays their legal costs.

It is still unclear when the report will be made public.

Mr Zuma has been dogged by allegations of corruption for more than a decade.

Both Mr Zuma and the Guptas have denied any wrongdoing.