Durban - Analysts have questioned the timing of the release of a response plan by President Cyril Ramaphosa on the steps the government is taking to implement the state capture commission’s recommendations.
Last night in a public address, Ramaphosa outlined the key actions to be taken to implement the recommendations.
He announced that he had handed over a document to Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, which sets out the approach to the commission’s findings and recommendations, the methodology for developing the response plan and the implementation of the response.
However, questions have been raised about the state capture report compiled by inquiry chairperson Chief Justice Raymond Zondo after the Pretoria High Court earlier this month approved his application for corrections to the report.
He applied for the corrections in August, saying they were in the public interest and would not prejudice anyone.
In his address, Ramaphosa announced that the recommendation that a dedicated corruption commission be established to respond to state capture would be put out for public comment; government would consider a commission of inquiry into Prasa, government would apply all the commission’s recommendations on the intelligence sectors and to curb the abuse of public procurement a new bill would be completed in March next year.
He added that this would include stronger legislation, and establishing a body for public procurement officials. There would also be lifestyle audits and ministers would be prevented from playing any role in procurement, Ramaphosa said.
“In addition to the commission’s recommendations, government has, since 2018, embarked on far-reaching measures to restore the integrity and rebuild the capability of the country’s law-enforcement agencies and criminal justice system more broadly.
“This work, which is ongoing, includes building the capacity of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the establishment of the NPA Investigating Directorate; establishment of a dedicated Task Force to investigate and prosecute state capture matters; consideration of specialised courts and dedicated court rolls; and tracking disciplinary cases across government spheres and public enterprises,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that through the implementation of the actions contained in the response, “we can start a new chapter in our struggle against corruption”.
“We are indebted to the many courageous and brave whistle-blowers who brought various allegations of fraud and corruption to the attention of the Public Protector and those who gave evidence at the State Capture Commission.”
Political analyst Dr John Molepo, of the University of Mpumalanga, said the address by Ramaphosa was an important opportunity to discuss the issues that had been brought up in the commission.
“The president has to provide direction and advise on what steps would be taken. The issue of dealing with state capture should not be used as a tool to fight political battles in December,” Molepo said.
He said those who had done wrong should be dealt with accordingly and be given an opportunity to challenge the matter through the court process.
“This should not be seen as something that is used as a political battlefield,” Molepo said.
Another analyst, Professor Bheki Mngomezulu, said the fact that there were so many versions of the report meant that it was already tainted.
“The delays and changes have raised eyebrows about its authenticity and that it no longer serves the purpose of what it was meant to and (raises questions) that is it now designed to serve the political purpose for the December elective conference.”
Mngomezulu said Ramaphosa had indicated that he would pronounce on the implementation of the report this or next month.
“He will indicate to the nation that he is taking it into his confidence by implementing aspects of the report, but will he discuss the issues in which he was implicated at the commission – I don’t think so,” Mngomezulu said.
IFP leader Velenkosini Hlabisa said the timing of the report was problematic as it had been sitting on Ramaphosa’s desk for some time.
“He is starting now with the implementation of the report and we know people, the majority of whom might be counterparts in the build-up to the conference. This is not for the benefit of the country, but for the interest of campaigning in the internal battle for leadership.”
Hlabisa said state resources should never be used in the internal politics of the ANC and should rather serve the interests of the people of the country.
“The president is running away from the Phala Phala farm (scandal) without having had to account in full. This has rendered him weak and not a person we trust to put South Africans first.”
Hlabisa said in the eyes of the public, Ramaphosa’s timing was wrong.
“This does not give confidence to the public that this is a fair process … done in good faith. This is no help except to fix internal rivals and as long as Phala Phala hovers and there is no full accountability, there will be no trust and he will remain tainted.”