SA almost on the brink of becoming a mafia state, says SACC

RAMPANT corruption driven by efforts to capture all apparatus of the state and a cabinet with “a diminishing integrity” are pushing South Africa to the brink of becoming a mafia state, with no point of return, the SA Council of Churches (SACC) said yesterday.

The organisation released its report of the Unburdening Panel at the iconic Regina Mundi church in Soweto.

The report is a consolidation of information received from corruption whistle-blowers opting not to approach authorities due to fear of victimisation.

The establishment of the panel was triggered by former finance deputy minister Mcebisi Jonas’s allegations last year that he was offered cash by the controversial Gupta family to accept the post of finance minister. The family has close ties to President Jacob Zuma.

SACC general secretary Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana said the ANC government has lost “the moral radar” that should charter its Batho Pele policy.

“South Africa may be inches away from a mafia state from which there could be no return… a recipe for a failed state. We urge the ANC to examine itself, find a way… and act as this has implications for it and its government.”

Mpumlwana said South Africa was in a desperate need of divine intervention. “What is patently clear is we are in desperate need of divine intervention… and I hear this all the time. We need prayers and action, we need to kneel and pray and get up to work on reversing the national hurdle of misgoverning and chaos.”

Some of those who disclosed information to the panel also forwarded details to the public protector, whose accounts are part of the “State of Capture” report compiled by Thuli Madonsela.

Among those at the briefing were former cabinet minister Essop Pahad, former government spokesperson Themba Maseko, former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and former IEC chairwoman Brigalia Bam. – ANA