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Significance
The case could provide a pretext for President Jacob Zuma to dismiss Gordhan -- a move that would send markets into tailspin and likely result in a junk sovereign credit rating by end-2016.
Impacts
Interpersonal tensions will undermine Zuma and Gordhan's ability to coordinate South Africa's input at the current G20 meeting.
The new anti-graft ombudsman, who takes office next month, will face pressure not to irk the ruling party, particularly Zuma's faction.
Zuma may stall on signing new legislation requiring greater scrutiny of accounts belonging to politically connected individuals.
The ANC's loss of support in recent municipal polls could push it to adopt more populist expenditure priorities.
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2016
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