PRINCE MANGOSUTHU BUTHELEZI MP
PRESIDENT OF THE INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
The IFP was relieved to see the Terms of Reference for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, Corruption and Fraud published yesterday in the Government Gazette. This allows the Commission to begin its critical work of determining the facts and the extent of corruption at the highest level of Government.
We are pleased that the Public Protector’s report on state capture will finally be acted upon. The inordinate delay in addressing the facts of wrongdoing highlighted by the Public Protector has done enormous damage to the credibility of leadership in our country. Those with the responsibility to act have moved towards answers far too slowly, allowing the question to become entrenched in our national discourse: has our State been irreparably captured?
The Terms of Reference instruct the Commission to inquire into, report on and make recommendations concerning outside influence over the National Executive, including in the filling of Cabinet positions, culpability in the unlawful awarding of tenders, undue enrichment, abuse of position, corruption in the appointment process and corrupt awarding of contracts.
Clearly the findings of the Commission will have a serious impact.
We therefore wish the Chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, and the Commissioners, well in their deliberations. They will certainly need wisdom, tenacity and courage. South Africa is relying on them to bring this issue to a head, so that we might finally address the crisis in our nation.
The IFP can only agree with the following pronouncement, made by the Gauteng High Court in its judgement on Mr Brian Molefe –
“What is most disturbing is the total lack of dignity and shame by people in leadership positions who abuse public funds with naked greed for their own benefit without a moments consideration for the circumstances of fellow citizens who live in absolute squalor throughout the country with no basic services.”