BOSASA Corruption Scandal Haunts ANC Leaders: Former Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla Faces Court

Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

The ghost of the BOSASA corruption scandal continues to haunt ANC leaders, with former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla, recently appearing in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

Makwetla faces serious charges related to contravening the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and fraud.

The allegations against Makwetla stem from a security upgrade to his private home carried out by BOSASA in 2015, valued at approximately R350,000. He is accused of failing to disclose this benefit to Parliament over a period of four years, violating his legal and ethical duties as a member of parliament.

The BOSASA scandal has exposed a vast web of corruption involving high-ranking government officials and politicians. The company allegedly paid large cash bribes to secure lucrative contracts, including a R718 million catering contract with the Department of Correctional Services.

Other implicated individuals include Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, who remains in his position despite recommendations for investigation; Angelo Agrizzi, former BOSASA COO, who became a whistleblower and faces charges of fraud and corruption; and the late Gavin Watson, former BOSASA CEO, who allegedly masterminded the corruption.

The scandal has led to significant consequences, including arrests and charges, investigations by the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption and the Zondo Commission, and asset seizures worth over R53 million linked to BOSASA corruption by the NPA.

Following his court appearance, Makwetla was granted R10,000 bail, and his matter has been postponed to November 4, 2025. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to hold accountable those implicated in the BOSASA scandal.