JOHANNESBURG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has firmly denied accusations that his administration is ignoring the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Speaking through the Presidency this week, Ramaphosa insisted that far from being swept under the carpet, the recommendations are actively being implemented, albeit amid structural challenges.
This response comes at a time when the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) is facing criticism for its perceived sluggishness and limited success in prosecuting high-profile individuals implicated in the widespread corruption that plagued South Africa’s public institutions for over a decade.
Despite concerns, Ramaphosa maintains that significant strides have been made — both in holding wrongdoers accountable and in strengthening the country’s anti-corruption framework.
Ramaphosa Pushes Back Against Criticism
President Ramaphosa has been under increasing pressure from opposition parties, civil society organisations, and ordinary South Africans to demonstrate real accountability following the findings of the Zondo Commission, which concluded in 2022 after an exhaustive inquiry into state capture during the Jacob Zuma era.
Responding to recent claims that his administration has failed to act decisively, Ramaphosa emphasized that action is indeed being taken.
“There are serious institutional and operational challenges, but we are not ignoring the recommendations. Instead, we are laying the groundwork for sustainable reform,” he said.
His remarks followed growing frustration over the pace of prosecutions and the fact that many of the individuals implicated by the commission remain free, with no successful convictions yet making headlines.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya defended the government’s handling of the post-Zondo report period, pointing out concrete achievements. According to Magwenya, the government has recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds and has significantly enhanced law enforcement capacity.
“Government has taken critical steps, including the restructuring of institutions such as the NPA and the Hawks, to ensure that they are better equipped to deal with complex corruption cases,” said Magwenya. “President Ramaphosa remains fully committed to the full implementation of the state capture commission’s recommendations.”
Magwenya further noted that Ramaphosa’s leadership has been focused on rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions and ensuring that such extensive corruption does not happen again.
Last week, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who chaired the commission, expressed concern over the lack of adequate resources available to prosecutors and investigators. Zondo warned that without urgent intervention and proper support, the justice system may fail to bring the corrupt to book.
His concerns echoed sentiments heard in recent Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) hearings, where it was revealed that a shortage of skilled investigators is among the leading causes of delays in prosecuting big corruption cases.
However, Magwenya reassured the public that these issues are not being ignored. “There is alignment between the President’s agenda and the Chief Justice’s concerns. Ramaphosa is ensuring that capacity is built and the system is fixed — but this process takes time.”
Despite the government’s reassurances, opposition parties have remained vocal in their criticism. ActionSA and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have both called out what they perceive as the NPA’s failure to prosecute, accusing Ramaphosa of protecting high-ranking ANC members implicated in the Zondo Commission’s findings.
In a recent statement, ActionSA said: “We see no political will to pursue justice. These cases are being delayed while South Africans grow tired of waiting.”
Ramaphosa, however, has pushed back against the notion that his administration is shielding anyone. “No one is above the law,” he said during a previous briefing. “Accountability will prevail, and our institutions will become stronger through this process.”
With national elections looming in 2026, Ramaphosa’s handling of the state capture aftermath may define his presidency. His legacy will depend on whether his promises of reform and accountability translate into high-profile prosecutions and institutional transformation.
Public expectations remain high. The Zondo Commission’s report implicated hundreds of individuals and detailed how billions were siphoned from state-owned enterprises. South Africans are demanding not just recovery of funds, but also criminal accountability.
Ramaphosa, aware of the stakes, reiterated: “The fight against corruption is ongoing. It is complex, and it will not be resolved overnight. But we are committed to seeing it through.”
Source- EWN
