‘Zuma doesn’t care’
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela accused President Zuma of being ‘either oblivious or unconcerned’ as she opens up about the ‘sad state of the country’.
Former public protector Thuli Madonsela has fiercely accused President Jacob Zuma of being “either oblivious or unconcerned” about the various issues plaguing the country – including vehement allegations of state capture.
Pleading for swift action, Madonsela exclusively told The Citizen that while “the country is in bad shape”, Zuma also seemed “unaware” that such a level of uncertainty and discontent was a threat to national peace, stability and ultimately, democracy.
She further urged Zuma to institute a commission of inquiry as stipulated in her State of Capture report, released as she ended her term last year.
“Many top leaders in government, political parties and civil society believe this to be so and are working hard to get South Africa on track in the pursuit of the South Africa of our dreams.
“Based on his public utterances, President Zuma appears to be either oblivious or unconcerned about the enormous social, economic, political, governance and ethical challenges confronting this great nation at the moment.
“If state capture allegations and the evidence supporting it were not acted on fast, Madonsela pointed out, “it may be too late to arrest the rot, should such rot indeed be there”.
“Furthermore, the suspicion created by the failure to investigate the state capture and related grand corruption allegations and emerging evidence, is creating dysfunctional relationships that are impeding good governance in violation of sections 195 and 237 of the constitution.”
Madonsela said she felt “surprised and confused” by Zuma’s response to the #GuptaLeaks e-mails, which point to large-scale corruption and state capture by the controversial Gupta family.
“The e-mails provide stronger evidence establishing a prima facie case of grand corruption involving corrupt influencing of state appointments, regulatory processes, contracts by the Gupta family and the president’s son through extending various forms of gratification or bribes to state functionaries.
“I expected him to act immediately to appoint the judicial commission of inquiry he has been suggesting, to confirm the evidence or clear the names of implicated people. His continuation as if things are normal is rather confusing,” she said.
“If the evidence is valid, then two things are happening while investigatory action is delayed: evidence is being destroyed and the rot is getting worse.” By the time the probe is conducted, “the enormity of the damage will be overwhelming, investigation outcomes will be weakened and some damage, especially illegal contracts and abuse of state funds, will be irreparable”.
“The cost of not appointing the commission is far more than the cost of the president’s perceived erosion of his powers,” said Madonsela.
“My intention was to help the president by encouraging public trust in the process so that, should the judge find there was no wrongdoing, there is full buy-in by the people, thus strengthening constitutional democracy.”
I expected him to act immediately to appoint the judicial commission of inquiry. Evidence is being destroyed and the rot is getting worse