Government finding resources for Zondo Commission: Lamola

JUSTICE and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola says government is doing everything in its power to respond to the financial challenges faced by the Zondo commission to complete its mandate.

“We have to make sure that the mandate of the commission is not frustrated by the work we do ourselves,” Lamola said yesterday.

He made the statement when he was responding to a follow-up question from ACDP MP Steve Swart during a question and answer session that related to Finance Minister Tito Mboweni not allocating additional funding to the commission when he tabled the Budget for 2020/21 two weeks ago.

This was despite the commission’s term being extended by another three months by an order of the court.

Speaking to journalists on Budget Day, Mboweni said the commission should finish its work.

“I don’t think I am going to sign off on another tranche of cash to the commission,” he said at a press conference.

This prompted Swart yesterday to state that they were concerned about the lack of additional resources given by Mboweni to the commission

He asked if Lamola viewed that as further constraints to the commission.

Lamola conceded the non-provision of additional funding was a further constraint.

“We are in engagement with National Treasury to ensure it does complete its work.

“There are challenges budget of the commission.

“We have to respond to the present challenges the commission is confronted with hence we are in discussion with the secretary of the commission and the director-general of the Department of Justice together with the National Treasury.

“What we can assure the people of South Africa is that the commission will conclude its work and we will find resources for it to conclude its work,” Lamola said. with the