Commissions of inquiry have become a feature of political life in the democratic South Africa since 1994. However, the Seriti and Zondo commissions arguably represent the most explicit evidence of the scourge of corruption in South Africa.
The Seriti inquiry into the arms deal that costed R137 m and handed over to former Pres. Jacob Zuma in 2016, found no evidence of the 1999 arms deal corruption. It was led by Judge Willie Seriti. Justice Raymond Zondo handed over one of his three reports – arising from work over six years – to Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa early in January.
Despite similarities – their role in investigating allegations of widespread corruption and the stern rebuke that the commission heads received from certain public sections – there are several fundamental differences between them.
The most fundamental involves that the Seriti Commission’s chairperson and commissioner were referred to the Judicial Service Commission on charges of gross misconduct.
A panel of the Gauteng High Court found that the Seriti Commission mysteriously omitted crucial facts before concluding that there was no proof of corruption.
Contrarily, evidence presented to the Zondo Commission has already had dire consequences for several individuals, politicians and state-owned and private companies in South Africa and abroad. While it is still early days, and perhaps unfair to make this comparison, the Zondo Commission has removed some dark stains from the judiciary that do not augur well for democracy.
The Zondo report makes abundantly clear that South Africa is struggling to respond effectively to the complexities of corruption and money laundering. As a nation still being forged, too many men and women entrusted to lead this glorious nation have abandoned the cardinal rule that ethical conduct is central to leadership.
No competent government will fold its hands and watch as its citizens’ livelihoods are destroyed by criminal elements within and outside its ranks.
We need to credit Pres. Ramaphosa – with all his leadership flaws – for his continued bold statement about implementing the commission’s recommendations without fear or favour.
There are incidences signalling what we can expect when the Zondo Commission final report is released. Notably, some ANC members’ statements seemed to differ from Ramaphosa about the need to support the implementation of the commission’s recommendations.
Somehow, Ramaphosa will be on trial – fairly or unfairly – during the year.
– Prof. Sethulego Matebesi is associate professor and head of the Department of Sociology at the University of the Free State
(UFS)
