Stephen Grootes' analysis sends my mind back to president zuma's budget vote this week and questions about the state of ANC MPs.  'Forbidden' to vote against the ANC yet told by ANC stalwarts not to fear and vote as representatives of the people. Whether they read or not, they must be aware of mounting evidence about insidious Gupta tentacles contaminating government spheres. The Opposition excoriates them for this. Allies SACP and Cosatu are baying for Zuma's departure. There is a perfect example of conflict that must be testing in their minds. At close of the zuma budget debate, I watched deputy minister Buti Manamela try to tear down the DA and, by extension, defend zuma. Here is a member of the ANC who at the same time is a member of the SACP politburo, a body wanting zuma to go. What does he really believe in? What do ANC MPs really believe in. Is it bums in butter that overrides everything. Or will #Gupta Leaks revelations be a tipping point. Conflicted? History will judge them.