From the start, the investigation into the landing of the Guptas’ chartered Jet Airways Airbus at AFB Waterkloof was a carefully crafted damage control exercise designed to protect President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet from the political fallout generated by “Guptagate”. It comes as no surprise therefore that the investigation effectively exonerated President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet.

The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Jeff Radebe, was at pains to point out that “no ministers were involved in this matter”. He went on to say, “Members of the Executive were not required to issue instructions, did not issue any instructions, and did not create the impression that they ought to have issued any instructions”.

However, with respect, the fact that some ministers sat on their hands and did not issue any instructions is part of the problem and should have been investigated.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, received and turned down a request for landing rights at AFB Waterkloof. Had the Minister officially notified the Secretary of Defence, Sam Gulube, and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke, the Guptas’ chartered Jet Airways would never have been allowed to land at AFB Waterkloof.

The Minister was clearly negligent in not placing on record the fact that she had turned down the request and issuing a clear official instruction that the Gupta family may not use AFB Waterkloof.

This is why we need an independent investigation to be conducted by the Public Protector into “Guptagate”.

The scope of the investigation must include the role played by President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet. In the end, President Jacob Zuma and members of his Cabinet are responsible and should be accountable for "Guptagate".