President Ramaphosa Calls for Unity in Honoring Chief Justice Zondo's Legacy

Chief Justice Zondo, renowned for his leadership of the State Capture Commission, has been pivotal in uncovering the depth of corruption in South Africa during the era of state capture.

In his recent weekly newsletter, President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged all South Africans to join forces with the government to honor the legacy of Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who is set to retire at the end of August after an esteemed 27-year judicial career. Chief Justice Zondo, renowned for his leadership of the State Capture Commission, has been pivotal in uncovering the depth of corruption in South Africa during the era of state capture.

President Ramaphosa highlighted the critical role Chief Justice Zondo played in the country’s fight against corruption. “Through the work of the commission, which Judge Zondo led with diligence and integrity, the country came to understand what happened during the era of state capture," the President stated. The commission, commonly referred to as the Zondo Commission, involved over 400 days of hearings, more than 300 witnesses, and a colossal 1.7 million pages of documentary evidence.

The President emphasized that the findings and recommendations of the Zondo Commission will influence South Africa's public affairs for years to come. The government, according to Ramaphosa, is actively implementing these recommendations, focusing on holding those responsible for state capture accountable and recovering misappropriated funds. He also noted that the government has introduced new laws, institutions, and practices to prevent a repeat of such extensive corruption.

Key Legislative Measures:

Public Procurement Act: This law addresses corruption in procurement, recognized by Judge Zondo as the core of state capture. It prohibits interference in procurement processes and debarred corrupt suppliers from future state contracts. It also bars public office bearers and state employees from conducting business with the state.

National Prosecuting Authority Amendment Act: This Act establishes the Investigating Directorate against Corruption, a permanent agency with full investigative powers aimed at prosecuting corruption. It will also develop capabilities in areas like digital evidence collection and analysis.

Electoral Matters Amendment Act: Signed into law in May, this Act criminalizes donations made with the intent to gain political influence.

Companies Second Amendment Act: Strengthens measures against delinquent directors and company officers involved in wrongdoing.

President Ramaphosa noted that additional draft legislation aimed at curbing political interference is under consideration in Parliament.

Progress in Law Enforcement: The President also highlighted the progress made by law enforcement in holding wrongdoers accountable. Following recommendations from the Zondo Commission, investigations have led to nearly R10 billion in forfeiture orders and settlement agreements linked to state capture cases. Furthermore, preservation and restraint orders valued at R17 billion have been secured while court cases are ongoing.

Ramaphosa assured the public that the government remains committed to bringing all perpetrators to justice and reforming the economy to ensure a corruption-free society. “All of this work demonstrates that the recommendations of the State Capture Commission are being steadily and thoroughly implemented across government. But there is much more to do," he stated, calling for continuous efforts to build a society where corruption has no place.

As South Africa prepares to bid farewell to Chief Justice Zondo, the President's call to action serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight against corruption and the importance of upholding the values of integrity and justice that Zondo championed throughout his career.