Corruption has long been the hallmark of the ANC-led national government. Since the first allegations relating to the now infamous “Arms Deal”, corruption has been rampant across government – fed by the patronage politics of the ruling party.
President Ramaphosa has had a seat at the table throughout the majority of the Zuma years, witnessing and turning a blind eye to the corruption within government. Therefore, it remains difficult to know where Ramaphosa stands when it comes to corruption.
During his State of the Nation Address, he said the word “corruption” six times, four of which related to public sector corruption, and the other two touching on private sector corruption.
“This is the year in which we will turn the tide of corruption in our public institutions”
This signalled an intention to tackle corruption head-on during his first year as President. He also said he would “urgently” deal with the National Prosecuting Authority “to ensure that this critical institution is stabilised and able to perform its mandate unhindered.”
Over the past 100 days, the evidence of Ramaphosa tackling corruption head-on has been scant, and he has left much to be wanting. His appointment of Arthur Fraser as National Commissioner of Correctional Services is a move from the Jacob Zuma playbook, whereby questionable and compromised individuals are reshuffled and rehired, instead of fired.
For the President to stamp his mark and be taken seriously when it comes to corruption, he needs to take the following decisions:
- Ensure the independence of the NPA by Immediately appointing a National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) with the ability to restore the integrity of the NPA;
- Support the DA’s move to remove the current Public Protector, Busisiwe Mkhwebane;
- Ensure justice is served in the ongoing trial of Jacob Zuma by cancelling the agreement for the state to continue to pay Zuma’s legal bills;
- To not oppose the DA’s legal action in this regard;
- To reverse this decision to appoint Arthur Fraser as National Commissioner of Correctional Services and
- To take firm again against those accused of corruption within the ANC, including Secretary-General, Ace Magashule, and National Spokesperson, Pule Mabe.
The above was presented by DA Leader Mmusi Maimane at a press conference to review President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first 100 days in office. Read the full report here