Ramaphosa: ‘State Capture era is over, but corruption isn’t’

President Cyril Ramaphosa has used his latest newsletter to reflect on state capture, particularly after he himself made his last appearance before the State Capture Commission and as it wraps up its work.

The commission, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, is now nearing its end, more than three years after it began hearing shocking claims pertaining to corruption and graft under the tenure of Ramaphosa’s successor, Jacob Zuma.

“This exposure of the nature, extent and depth of state capture did not take place behind closed doors, but was broadcast to the entire country. By allowing all South Africans to follow the commission’s proceedings, it has helped to instill public confidence in our democracy in the way it promotes openness and transparency,” Ramaphosa said.

He added that the country owes its gratitude to people who took part in the commission’s work, including those who investigated, researched and compiled a huge amount of information.

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the many individuals, some of whom remain unknown, whose actions led to the establishment of the commission in the first place. These are the people who unearthed these alleged criminal acts, who resisted, who spoke out and who took up campaigns – both public and behind the scenes – to end state capture. It is thanks to them that we now speak of state capture in the past tense,” the president said.

Ramaphosa on State Capture and Corruption

President Cyril Ramaphosa has also emphasised that his administration has done all it can to put the era of state capture behind and put an end to corruption. In his newsletter, Ramaphosa lists the leadership changes at key entities and the rebuilding of bodies like the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), to name but a few, as some of the measures taken to root out corruption and state capture.  

“While we can say that the era of state capture is over, we have not defeated corruption. Fraud and corruption remains pervasive and deeply entrenched in both the public and private sectors. Although it may not be on the scale of state capture, such criminal activities cost our country greatly, weaken our institutions and deprive South Africans of many basic needs”

President Cyril Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa says the damage done by state capture is rather deep, but adds that the recommendations to come out of the Zondo Commission will strengthen efforts to rebuild and restore the country.