Hello and welcome to the Intelligence on Economist Radio. I'm your host, Jason Palmer. Every weekday, we provide a fresh perspective on the events shaping your world.

With schools and daycare closed during the pandemic, working parents were always going to have

extra trouble. As the data have rolled in, the full effects on mental health, career progression,

and widening gender divides are becoming clear. And think of all the minutes you've spent

trying to eke out the very last of the ketchup or the peanut butter.

Don't worry, material science is here to help.

We look at a super slippery surface that will help you get the most out of your toothpaste tube.

But first... Mr. Zuma, could I ask you to stand, please?

It took more than two decades to begin, and after just one day it was adjourned until July. Jacob Zuma,

a former South African president, was in court last week for the first major hearing of his

corruption trial, involving an arms deal from the 1990s. Mr. Zuma was president from 2009 until

2018, until he was forced to resign after a vote of no confidence.

He led the African National Congress, or ANC Party, which was itself involved in multiple corruption scandals.

You have followed the charges that have been put to you now from the indictment, am I correct?

Yes.

Mr. Zuma faces 18 counts of racketeering, corruption, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering.

Prosecutors leveled the accusation that he had taken some 700 bribes.

How do you plead to them?

I plead not guilty.

But corruption in South Africa goes far beyond one man and one administration.

The case against Jacob Zuma is nearly as old as post-apotite South Africa.

John McDermott is the economist's chief Africa correspondent and is based in South Africa.

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