Act on commissions’ revelations
THERE are three commissions of inquiry on the go, a “festival of commissions”, as one famed journalist described these events.
The state capture inquiry continues to give us an insight into the patronage network that greased the wheels of some ANC politicians.
Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions Nomgcobo Jiba and Special Director of Public Prosecutions Lawrence Mrwebi, both suspended, are facing a hearing over their fitness to hold office presided over by retired Constitutional Court Judge Yvonne Mokgoro.
The Commission of Inquiry into the Public Investment Corporation also got under way yesterday to probe allegations of impropriety against its directors over some investment decisions.
The state capture commission and the Inquiry Into the Administration of the SA Revenue Service have showed us how oversight mechanisms at state institutions to shield against corrupt influences were systematically broken down, especially after Jacob Zuma became ANC president in 2007.
While the Guptas’ patronage was aimed squarely at Zuma, Bosasa seem to have hedged their bets, willing to pay anyone who could aid their business interests.
According to former Bosasa chief operations officer Antonio Agrizzi, senior ANC MP Vincent Smith had at first been resistant to Bosasa’s overtures, but after concerted lobbying and a R45000 monthly bribe he was won over.
That bribe was later increased to R100000 a month and the payment of his daughter’s university fees in Wales, and Bosasa was shielded from parliamentary oversight.
According to Agrizzi, Environmental Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane had been paid millions over a 14-year period from the time she was Gauteng Community Safety MEC, to shield Bosasa from prosecution over dodgy tenders.
If President Cyril Ramaphosa is serious about ridding the ANC of a culture of corruption, he will ensure that none of those implicated return to Parliament or positions of power. The National Director of Public Prosecutions, Shamila Batohi, will have to ensure prosecutions follow.