Ramaphosa ‘will face FOUR tough questions’ at State Capture Inquiry today

Almost three years after proceedings at the State Capture Inquiry began, the sitting president – Cyril Ramaphosa – will finally take to the hot seat. Ministers, disgraced politicians, and even South Africa’s previous head of state have made dramatic appearances at the ongoing corruption probe – and the 68-year-old isn’t in for an easy ride on Wednesday.

Cyril Ramaphosa set for the Zondo Commission

Although Ramaphosa has vowed to root-out corruption within the ANC, the president isn’t so squeaky clean himself. The leader of the ruling party has been accused of several suspicious financial acts – yet all claims made against Cyril have so far proved to be unsubstantiated. However, a robust line of questioning may challenge CR’s unflappability.

Cyril Ramaphosa will take questions at the State Capture Inquiry from 28 – 29 April, and then again from 13 – 14 May. Today, he is appearing in his capacity as the ANC’s elected leader, rather than as the president of South Africa. Whether he will choose to dish the dirt remains to be seen – but we do know what burning issues will be brought up later…

Questions the president will face at the State Capture Inquiry on Wednesday 28 April

What was discussed when Ramaphosa met the Guptas?

The president admitted in 2019 that he had encountered the architects of state capture ‘several times’ between 2012 – 2014 – and this seems like as good a time as any to delve further into these claims. It’s understood their paths crossed at a number of media briefings, as well as a private meeting with Tony Gupta about the family’s South African bank accounts.

What is the president’s relationship with Bosasa like?

It all started when Ramaphosa had to explain why he’d received R500 000 from the corruption kingpins – but things only got worse from there. Both Gavin Watson and Angelo Agrizzi have met Cyril before, with the former attending his son’s wedding three years ago. On Wednesday, SA’s most powerful politician must clarify his ties to the company.

Why does the ANC insist on ‘cadre deployment’?

The recycling of old, out-of-touch, and usually disgraced ANC members has become a pet peeve amongst many South Africans in recent years – and even some of those within the ruling party see the process of cadre deployment as something of an embarrassment. AfriForum recently filed a claim about this matter, and now, the response is due.

And… could Ramaphosa talk about his infamous colleagues?

Cyril Ramaphosa has had to work with everyone from Brian Molefe at Eskom, to Dudi Myeni at SAA, via Pravin Gordhan in his own Cabinet. Many of the questions lined up on Wednesday will relate to various implications of others.