South African Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Tuesday said he was ready to probe the state capture allegations “since yesterday [Monday]” but has to wait for commission terms of reference from President Jacob Zuma.
“We are waiting for terms of reference to be finalised by the Presidency. Furthermore, the regulations will have to be first published in the Government Gazzete in order to enable the commission to appoint personnel,” Zondo told reporters in Johannesburg.
“I have no doubt in my mind that the Presidency appreciates the urgency of this matter, As you know, the commission doesn’t come up with terms of reference.”
He added that the state capture allegations, especially at state enterprises were of “serious concern”.
“These allegations are of serious nature that they go straight into the foundation of our constitutional democracy. There are allegations that certain state companies have been influenced so that looting can take place...in the end, any looting or corruption robs South Africa of the money meant for its citizens.”
Zuma announced Zondo as head of the state capture enquiry as per the former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's recommendations that the chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng recommend a judge to head the inquiry, instead of Zuma appointing one as he was implicated. Madonsela prescribed that her report should be the basis on which the inquiry is based.
It has taken nearly two years for Zuma, who is challenging the report in courts, to establish the long-awaited commission.
However, in the aftermath of the African National Congress (ANC) 54th national conference, the governing party resolved that the matter be expedited even though Zuma has appealed the December 14, 2017, judgment of the North Gauteng High Court ordering him to appoint the commission within 30 days.
Political parties such as the SA Communist Party (SACP) have warned against Zuma setting the terms of reference as he is implicated.
Zondo said the commission would, as soon as it starts with the probe, further take into consideration similar investigation reports such as the Eskom probe underway in Parliament and then decide on the way forward.
It was not yet clear when the terms of reference would be submitted or what the budget would be for the inquiry, he added.
- African News Agency (ANA)
