‘I take full responsibility for my decisions’ – Ramaphosa tells Zondo

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded his business with the State Capture Commission, having wrapped up his testimony on Thursday, 12 August 2021. In his closing statement, Ramaphosa reflects on the extent of damage caused by grand looting in the country.

Ramaphosa has often been criticised for failing to effectively challenge state capture as it was being pursued under the leadership of his predecessor Jacob Zuma, whom he deputised. He has admitted to there being red flags about the Guptas as early as 2011, but nothing was done, nor could be done as according to Ramaphosa, the family enjoyed ample access and protection.

“In my statement to the Commission and in the course of my testimony, I have sought to indicate my personal knowledge of the events under investigation, the decisions I took, and the considerations that informed those decisions. As a person who occupied a position of authority during the state capture era, I take full responsibility for the choices I made and the actions I took. I will not run away from those decisions”

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa, who has outlined some of the measures underway to address state capture, told the commission’s chairperson acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, that the progress made since being sworn into office, should serve as a testament to his administration’s commitment to ending corruption.

Ramaphosa reflects on State Capture

As the State Capture Commission wraps up its work, President Cyril Ramaphosa has applauded the witnesses who have taken the stand to give their own accounts.

“While there have been certainly been systemic failures, governance lapses and errors, the fundamental reality is that state capture happened because certain individuals each made a deliberate decision to engage in acts of corruption and criminality. It is just, correct and necessary that they face the consequences of their actions,” he said.

In his lengthy statement, Ramaphosa admits that state capture damaged people’s confidence in the rule of law, in public institutions, in law enforcement agencies and, even to some extent, in the democratic process.

He also touched on the negative impact state capture has had on the public work force – mainly because highly qualified and experienced people have had to leave their jobs, either because they were part of it or were a threat to those who pursued it.

“It is likely that State capture also discouraged many talented young people from joining government, which has significant implications for the public service of tomorrow,” the president said.