(3 minutes read)
· South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted in his deposition before the judicial panel that the country’s ruling party (ANC) , which he represents, could have done more to halt the state graft under his predecessor Jacob Zuma
· While admitting that more could have done during that time to uphold constitutional values, Ramaphosa said the that ANC could have been more vigilant in enforcing president’s accountability
· Central to the present inquiry is the Gupta business family, who won lucrative contracts with state companies
South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa admitted in his deposition before the judicial panel (commission set up to inquire into the corruption charges during the Zuma administration) that the country’s ruling party (ANC) , which he represents, could have done more to halt the state graft under his predecessor Jacob Zuma. The judicial panel is probing allegations of corruption and fraud under Zuma. Ramaphosa conceded to the panel said graft charges against Zuma had compromised constitutional values undermining the rule of law.
While admitting that more could have been done during that time to uphold constitutional values, Ramaphosa said that the ANC could have been more vigilant in enforcing president’s accountability. Ramaphosa appeared in his capacity as the current leader of the African National Congress (ANC). It is for the first time in the history of the country a sitting president was appearing before a judicial panel.
The panel has questioned a few ministers and former ministers, elected officials, businessmen and senior civil servants. Central to the present inquiry is the Gupta business family, who won lucrative contracts with state companies. They were alleged to be so powerful to play an important role in appointments of high ranking officials including cabinet ministers.
Zuma has testified before the panel only once, in 2019, before staging a walkout. alleging political interference. Even though Zuma was asked to appear before the panel later, he resisted all such efforts.
Ramaphosa took over from Zuma presidency in 2018. The following year, he won the election. He exhorted all party members to cooperate with the commission. He would continue to depose before the commission in his capacity as head of state later probably in May.
