Zondo Slams Ramaphosa: A Stinging Rebuke Over State Capture

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has publicly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for appointing ministers with serious findings against them, stemming from the state capture commission's report.

The commission, chaired by Zondo, investigated allegations of corruption and maladministration in the public sector, implicating over 1,400 individuals and entities.

Zondo expressed his disappointment, stating that promoting individuals with adverse findings was like the President saying, "I don’t care what you have found about these people. I think they are good enough to be promoted." This criticism comes after Ramaphosa accepted most of the commission's findings in October 2022 and implemented some changes, such as leadership changes at SARS and freezing R14 billion in assets.

However, progress has been slow, with only 51 of those implicated facing criminal charges. Zondo questioned the inconsistent treatment of ministers facing corruption allegations, citing the cases of Ministers Thembi Simelane, Senzo Mchunu, and Nobuhle Nkabane. Ramaphosa's spokesperson responded, stating that a public exchange via media would be "very unpalatable" and that the President would respond directly to Zondo if needed.

The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing state capture and corruption in South Africa. Zondo also expressed doubts about the upcoming National Dialogue, questioning its necessity and emphasizing the need to address basic failings in the country, such as municipal incompetence and healthcare issues.

The state capture commission, established in 2018, investigated allegations of corruption and maladministration in the public sector. The commission's report implicated over 1,400 individuals and entities, including government officials, politicians, and business leaders. The report highlighted widespread corruption and maladministration in various state-owned enterprises, including Eskom, SABC, and PRASA.

The commission's findings were damning, revealing a complex web of corruption and cronyism that had penetrated the highest echelons of government and state-owned enterprises. The report called for prosecutions, further investigations, and systemic reforms to prevent future instances of corruption.

President Ramaphosa accepted most of the commission's findings in October 2022 and implemented some changes, such as leadership changes at SARS and freezing R14 billion in assets. However, progress has been slow, with only 51 of those implicated facing criminal charges.

Zondo's criticism of Ramaphosa's appointment of ministers with adverse findings raises questions about the President's commitment to implementing the commission's recommendations. The appointment of ministers with serious findings against them undermines the public's trust in government and suggests that the President is not serious about addressing corruption.

Zondo questioned the inconsistent treatment of ministers facing corruption allegations, citing the cases of Ministers Thembi Simelane, Senzo Mchunu, and Nobuhle Nkabane. Simelane was recently appointed as Minister of Human Settlements, despite facing allegations of corruption related to the VBS scandal.

In contrast, Mchunu and Nkabane faced disciplinary action and were eventually removed from their positions. The inconsistent treatment of ministers raises questions about the criteria used to determine who faces disciplinary action and who does not. It also undermines the public's trust in government and suggests that some ministers are above the law.

Zondo also expressed doubts about the upcoming National Dialogue, questioning its necessity and effectiveness. The National Dialogue aims to bring together South Africans from all walks of life to discuss the country's challenges and find solutions.

However, Zondo believes that the country's basic failings, such as municipal incompetence and healthcare issues, need to be addressed urgently."I’m concerned about municipalities having competent people who are doing their job," Zondo said. "I’m concerned about hospitals. People are going to hospitals and not finding doctors, nurses, or medicines."

Zondo's concerns about the National Dialogue highlight the need for tangible action to address the country's challenges. The National Dialogue should focus on finding practical solutions to the country's problems, rather than just providing a platform for discussion.

The controversy surrounding Ramaphosa's appointment of ministers with adverse findings highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing state capture and corruption in South Africa. Zondo's criticism of the President's actions raises questions about his commitment to implementing the state capture commission's recommendations.

The inconsistent treatment of ministers facing corruption allegations undermines the public's trust in government and suggests that some ministers are above the law. The National Dialogue should focus on finding practical solutions to the country's problems, rather than just providing a platform for discussion.

Ultimately, the country needs tangible action to address its challenges, rather than just rhetoric. The government must demonstrate its commitment to implementing the state capture commission's recommendations and holding those implicated accountable. Only then can the country begin to rebuild trust in government and address the scourge of corruption.