State capture inquiry not yet formally endorsed

PARTIES in Parliament have not formally endorsed a proposal for an ad hoc committee to be set up to probe state capture following the leaking of thousands of e-mails seemingly implicating top government officials, including ministers, in the business operations of the Gupta family.

The DA tabled a proposal for the setting up of such a committee at a meeting of the parties’ Chief Whips last week.

The ANC said yesterday it had not yet taken a position on the matter.

ANC caucus spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli said she would not comment on caucus decisions as they remained internal matters.

The DA and EFF have laid criminal charges against those who appear to be implicated in state capture.

In her report State of Capture released in October last year, former public protector Thuli Madonsela said a commission of inquiry was needed to investigate state-owned entities and other government agencies.

However, President Jacob Zuma has objected to Madonsela’s report, and has taken it on review.

Zuma is opposed, among other things, to being directed by the public protector to appoint a commission of inquiry. The law and the constitution give such powers to the president, he has argued.

In his reply in Parliament last week, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said he fully supported the commission.

He said South Africa needed to get the matter behind it. He said the ANC had also backed it after the meeting of the National Executive Committee a few weeks ago.

Zuma will face questions on state capture in Parliament on Thursday.