State Capture inquiry: 'A little too late'

In a statement, Zuma says any further delay will "make public doubt government's determination to dismantle all forms of corruption, and entrench the public perception that the state has been captured by private interests."

Zuma had embarked on various legal battles to overturn and nullify former public protector Thuli Madonsela's findings.

The North Gauteng High Court ruled in December that Thuli Madonsela's State of Capture report was binding and ordered Zuma to pay the legal costs of opposing the radical action.

The Democratic Alliance's (DA) Mmusi Maimane is of the view that Zuma "deserves no credit for this decision".

ALSO READ: President Zuma announces state capture inquiry

"His hand has been forced, as he knew he had no further avenue for delay."

Maimane says they will closely monitor the commission.

"Its [commission of inquiry] Terms of Reference must be framed as broadly as possible to include the activities of the Gupta family and their relationship with President Zuma and his family. All dealings by Gupta-linked companies with the State, including all SOEs."

ALSO READ: Zuma’s state capture application dismissed by High Court

The South African Communist Party (SACP) welcomed the appointment of the judicial commission of inquiry.

Spokesperson, Alex Mashilo, has also called for a broad investigation.

"It does not matter whether those complicit in the corruption of state capture are members of the public. The State of Capture report prescribes that its contents should be the basis for the investigation. It would be inappropriate for the President to decide the terms of reference for an investigation on allegations he is implicated."