A solution to counter wheels of justice turning at a snail’s pace

THE Zondo Commission has recently handed over phase 1 of a three-part report to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The report apparently focuses mainly on state-owned entities. There is damning evidence against alleged perpetrators,with many of them holding high positions in the government.

We should bear in mind that all evidence presented by alleged state capturers and witnesses was done under oath and is binding.

This means law enforcement agencies, such as the National Prosecuting Authority, Asset Forfeiture Unit, Hawks and so on, should be able to undertake prosecutions and convictions unhindered.

This is wishful thinking because the wheels of justice all over the world turn at a snail’s pace and to bring these crooks to book will take years.

In the interim, the president could give the state capturers and many others living on the spoils of their ill-gotten gains a surprise. This is in the form of replacing the South African paper currency.

There has been evidence within the Zondo Commission of bribes worth millions being paid out to dishonest officials in hard cash. The late Bosasa boss Gavin Watson called it “monopoly money”.

Others received cash in brown paper bags. This is just the tip of the iceberg. If the currency is replaced it will give a much-needed shock treatment to the economy.

There will be a mad rush like Black Friday by those sitting with hoards of cash to dispose of it. Businesses, like the motor and retail industry, will experience a surge in sales thereby creating jobs and the South African Revenue Service rake in its share such as VAT.

Such a move would have no impact on the lives of ordinary and honest South Africans. The question is whether the government is bold enough to implement the change.

VIJAY SEWTAHAL

Clare Estate