Millions of South Africans believe that Jacob Zuma’s forced resignation as the head of state was the best news we could have wished for in our new democracy. As a nation, we have read the headlines and affidavits that detailed numerous incidents of Zuma’s irrational, dubious and corrupt conduct. Those days are over and we need not dwell any further on explaining why he needs to go. He has gone. At OUTA, we have been preparing for this day and the potential impact that Zuma’s exit from power will have, not only for the country, but for the evolution of our role in addressing corruption, maladministration and irrational tax policies within Government. The fact that Zuma has left the building in no way signals the end of corruption in South Africa. We know that our role as a trusted organisation that has worked tirelessly to hold those in power to account over the abuse of taxpayers’ money will become more important going forward. We have a lot of work to do, as we seek to have hundreds of people involved in the machinations of corruption held to account for their transgressions. More importantly for OUTA, is our role in driving and working with (hopefully a more willing) Government, to entrench mechanisms and processes to limit corruption and maladministration. This element of our work excites us immensely, as it aims to future-proof our country from those who wish to stray from the path of good governance. The 14th of February will now have a new meaning for South Africa and will be celebrated as a day of recognising the power of civil activism. For us it will be regarded as the day of “Freedom from a Corrupt President” and, while this development signals great energy for change, as a civil activist movement we must never again allow civil society to drop its guard. Whilst bringing an end to the e-toll scheme remains squarely in our sights, we will continue to grow this organisation – your organisation – into a formidable entity to that plays a greater role in representing all sectors of society when Government fails to act in the best interests of its people. We are because of you. Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to making you even prouder of the work we do to improve South Africa’s future.