Ramaphosa threatens tough action against corruption

Any member of the ANC implicated or involved in corrupt activity must be subjected to the party’s rules and the criminal justice system. There can be no exceptions, ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa said on Sunday.

Ramaphosa continued his tough-talking stance as he delivered the party’s January 8th statement during the ANC’s 111th anniversary at the Dr Petrus Molemela stadium in Mangaung, Free State.

He said the party reaffirmed its longstanding principle that corruption was an enemy of the people and was a counter-revolutionary act that must be defeated.

“This means that our movement must take a tough stance against corruption within its ranks. Any ANC member implicated or involved in corrupt activity must be subjected to the ANC’s rules and the criminal justice system. There can be no exceptions,” he said. 

“To address issues of corruption within its ranks and to enhance the integrity of the organisation, the 55th national conference has reaffirmed the step-aside guidelines, strengthening of the Integrity Commission and the ANC disciplinary structures and processes. 

“The ANC calls for speedy implementation of the recommendations of the commission of inquiry on state capture.

“Those implicated by the commission in acts of corruption and fraud must be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted. This is in addition to the ANC’s own commitment to implement those recommendations of the commission that are relevant to the organisation.

“Safeguards need to be put in place to ensure that state capture should never again occur. Among the steps being considered is the establishment of a vibrant and independent anti-corruption agency and greater coordination between the various law enforcement and other anti-corruption institutions,” Ramaphosa said.

Following the conclusion of the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, more than 200 names of ANC members appeared in the final state capture report. 

During the build-up of events leading to the January 8th statement, the ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile said a committee appointed by the ANC national executive committee had vetted the names that appeared in the report and those would be dealt with by the party.

Those implicated in the Zondo report include ANC first deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane. Others implicated include ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe, Zizi Kodwa, Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo, Faith Muthambi, Thabang Makwetla and Mosebenzi Zwane. 

Not out of the woods yet, a report which the ANC in parliament used its majority to squash found that Ramaphosa had a case to answer on his Phala Phala robbery. 

He is also being probed by several investigative authorities, including the public protector, regarding his role in or knowledge of the matter. 

Meanwhile, the Dr Molemela Stadium in Rocklands, Bloemfontein, was filled with patrons and supporters of the ANC standing in the scorching sun listening to Ramaphosa as he delivered his nearly two-hour long speech.

While delivering a message of support, ANC alliance partner and Cosatu president Zingiswa Losi said workers were tired of the factionalism and corruption that many leaders are guilty of.

“Workers were clear in the 2021 local elections. They have put the entire movement on notice. 

“Dismantle the factions, remove incompetent deployees, unite the ANC and rebuild its structures. We are deeply worried that whilst workers support the step aside resolution, it appears that we are backtracking on it.  We cannot compromise on matters of principle and the rule of law. 

“Those who have been charged and convicted for criminal offences must step aside. We cannot have leaders with criminal convictions and expect society to take us seriously. If we are to rebuild the state, then we need a sane, credible and clean ANC,” Losi said.

SACP general secretary Solly Mapaila said the  immediate challenges facing not only the ANC but also the alliance and the entire country included stopping loadshedding as a matter of urgency, overcoming the overall energy production and supply security crisis, and moving forward to ensure a just transition in all respects.