Your question - How did Jacob Zuma, the freedom fighter, a man of the people, transform into a corrupt and disreputable figure?

Very simple - he was always corrupt and disreputable, except that he had no influence.  If you read the KPMG draft report on his personal finances it is abundantly clear from the dozens and dozens of examples that he was already despicable.  Even Mandela bailed him out with a million Rand.  However, no-one in the ANC, no-one close to him, except, much later, Tabo Mbeki, saw fit to make that public, or to dissuade the ANC of empowering him!

The ANC has, with open eyes, empowered JZ783++ and now our country and all its people, and especially the poor, are to bear the brunt of it.

Shame on the ANC!

By the way, Ronnie, you had more than ample opportunity to see his true colours!