UDM to ‘vigorously push' for the prioritisation of combating corruption
The government needs to prioritise combating corruption, and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) will vigorously push for this by demanding implementation of the Zondo and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) commissions' reports.
The UDM also vowed to advocate for the two commissions' findings to be legislated and institutionalised, ensuring that combating corruption becomes a regular part of the state's operations.
ALSO READ: 'We don't want him to be a pop star': Allegations by KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi sparks uproar
No compensation for mineworkers
The party said that it would ensure the concerns of former TBVC (Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei) states' ex-mineworkers who contracted diseases but did not receive compensation, would be addressed.
All this is contained in a report presented to the UDM caucus by party president and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa, as part of his accountability to the party regarding his performance since his appointment to the executive last July.
In his report Holomisa said: 'The State Capture Commission unveiled architecture of corruption that compromised state institutions and undermined public trust. Yet, implementation of its findings remains inconsistent and slow.
'The UDM, through parliamentary procedures must demand detailed progress reports from the Presidency and the [National Prosecuting Authority], ensure asset recovery is expedited and transparent; create a dedicated oversight structure within parliament to track implementation and prevent institutional regression.'
ALSO READ: Holomisa slams Cabinet and Treasury for crippling SANDF funding
UDM pushing for reforms
The party must push for reforms to seal procurement loopholes and reinforce the independence of law enforcement bodies.
It must lead in championing the expediting of legislation to enshrine the commission's rulings into law, effectively safeguarding the state from any form of corruption.
The Zondo Commission was appointed to probe the extent of corruption involving the capture of the state by corporations and unearth billions of Rand of alleged graft, mainly involving the Gupta brothers' companies.
It found state funds were syphoned from state-owned enterprises, provincial administrations and national government departments, including an attempt to take over the National Treasury.
Senior politicians and officials were found to have facilitated and benefited from the graft. Still, none have been jailed, while attempts to have the Gupta brothers extradited have so far failed.
Regarding the PIC graft, the UDM would also demand accountability from the state and the implementation of the Lex Mpati commission report.
NOW READ: David Mabuza's funeral date confirmed as Mokonyane dismisses ANC criticism claims
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The Citizen
7 hours ago
- The Citizen
UDM to ‘vigorously push' for the prioritisation of combating corruption
UDM also vowed to advocate for the two commissions' findings to be legislated and institutionalised. The government needs to prioritise combating corruption, and the United Democratic Movement (UDM) will vigorously push for this by demanding implementation of the Zondo and the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) commissions' reports. The UDM also vowed to advocate for the two commissions' findings to be legislated and institutionalised, ensuring that combating corruption becomes a regular part of the state's operations. ALSO READ: 'We don't want him to be a pop star': Allegations by KZN police commissioner Mkhwanazi sparks uproar No compensation for mineworkers The party said that it would ensure the concerns of former TBVC (Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei) states' ex-mineworkers who contracted diseases but did not receive compensation, would be addressed. All this is contained in a report presented to the UDM caucus by party president and Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Bantu Holomisa, as part of his accountability to the party regarding his performance since his appointment to the executive last July. In his report Holomisa said: 'The State Capture Commission unveiled architecture of corruption that compromised state institutions and undermined public trust. Yet, implementation of its findings remains inconsistent and slow. 'The UDM, through parliamentary procedures must demand detailed progress reports from the Presidency and the [National Prosecuting Authority], ensure asset recovery is expedited and transparent; create a dedicated oversight structure within parliament to track implementation and prevent institutional regression.' ALSO READ: Holomisa slams Cabinet and Treasury for crippling SANDF funding UDM pushing for reforms The party must push for reforms to seal procurement loopholes and reinforce the independence of law enforcement bodies. It must lead in championing the expediting of legislation to enshrine the commission's rulings into law, effectively safeguarding the state from any form of corruption. The Zondo Commission was appointed to probe the extent of corruption involving the capture of the state by corporations and unearth billions of Rand of alleged graft, mainly involving the Gupta brothers' companies. It found state funds were syphoned from state-owned enterprises, provincial administrations and national government departments, including an attempt to take over the National Treasury. Senior politicians and officials were found to have facilitated and benefited from the graft. Still, none have been jailed, while attempts to have the Gupta brothers extradited have so far failed. Regarding the PIC graft, the UDM would also demand accountability from the state and the implementation of the Lex Mpati commission report. NOW READ: David Mabuza's funeral date confirmed as Mokonyane dismisses ANC criticism claims
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
The Legacy of State Capture: ANC's Struggle with Corruption and Trust
Former Chief Justice and State Capture Commission Chair Raymond Zondo hands over the Commission's final report report to President Cyril Ramaphosa on June 22, 2022. The Phala Phala matter made a mockery of the President's promise to end corruption, says the writer. Image: Oupa Mokoena/African News Agency(ANA) Prof. Bheki Mngomezulu Advocate Thuli Madonsela made history when she penned report No. 6 of 2016/17 titled 'The state of capture', which has since been referred to as 'State Capture'. This was an investigation into alleged improper and unethical conduct by then-President Jacob Zuma and other state functionaries relating to what was said to be improper involvement of the Gupta family in the removal and appointment of Ministers and Directors of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). Penning the Executive Summary, Madonsela stated that 'State of Capture' is my report in terms of section 182(1)(b) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and section 3(1) of the Executive Members Ethics Act and section 8(1) of the Public Protector Act, 1994.' The sections cited by Madonsela were relevant. They demonstrated her understanding of the Constitutional imperative which guided her in executing her mandate. However, there was a concern that section 84(f) of the Constitution was flouted when Madonsela recommended that the Chairperson of the commission should be appointed by the Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court, not the sitting President. Section 84 talks about the powers and functions of a sitting President. Section 84(f) states that the President is responsible for 'appointing commissions of inquiry.' It does not envisage a situation whereby the chairperson of the commission should be appointed by someone else. Anyway, that is a discussion for the legal fraternity, especially those who specialise in Constitutional Law. What is of interest in this article is to reflect on the report. Madonsela submitted it, yet not all her recommendations have been implemented. The question is, why? Almost ten years down the line, a few questions arise which might shed light on the question above. Firstly, was there the capture of the state by then President Zuma and other functionaries, or was this a political ploy to hide the reality by tarnishing his public image? Secondly, did the Gupta family come into the picture only in 2009 when Zuma ascended to the Presidency of the country? If they were already there, what role did they play in the ANC, in government and SOEs? Thirdly, with the Guptas having left the country, did corruption end in South Africa, in the ANC and government? Fourthly, if there was a 'state of capture', why has prosecution taken a snail's pace, and what role does the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) play? Fifthly and lastly, will the ANC succeed in ridding itself of the impact of corruption and trust deficit between itself and the electorate as discussed in Madonsela's report? Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Regarding the first question, it depends on who provides the answer. To some, the answer is in the affirmative. They usually cite incidents such as the Nkandla gate. However, they fail to acknowledge that Zuma was already renovating his home using Minenhle Makhanya as his architect. They also overlook the role played by the security cluster, which was responsible for installing security features at Zuma's home. Fikile Mbalula, the current Secretary-General of the ANC, is on record saying that the ANC deliberately lied to the nation when it instructed Nathi Nhleko to state that the swimming pool at Zuma's homestead was a fire pool. The question is: how many other lies were manufactured behind closed doors? Did the Guptas have anything to do with that? These questions lead to the view shared by some that there was never any capture of the state by a few. There was corruption then as there is corruption now! On the second question, there is no debate that Zuma found the Guptas already embedded in the ANC. His predecessors interacted with this family in different contexts. Perhaps what changed under Zuma is that the Gupta brothers were more influential in making certain decisions. Surely, some of the allegations made against them remain just that – allegations, because they never presented their side of the story. The answer to the third question is an emphatic no! South Africa is not free from corruption, long after Madonsela's report was submitted. Even President Cyril Ramaphosa promised 'The New Dawn' and to correct the wrongs of the so-called 'nine wasted years' under Zuma, whom he deputised both in the ANC and in government. The Phala Phala matter made a mockery of the President's promise to end corruption. Although state institutions cleared him of any wrongdoing, the stigma remains. Nationally, statistics paint a bleak picture about ending corruption. The fourth question is even more important. Some money has been recovered, which is good. The NPA has understandably claimed victories. But it would be foolhardy to praise the fish for swimming. The NPA staff did what is expected of them. There is still more work to be done. Sadly, in some instances, the accusations do not seem to stick. This raises questions on whether there were cases against certain individuals in the first place or if there was character assassination for political expediency. The last question talks to the ANC, which has been the governing party since 1994 until May 2024. Historically, it is in the culture of the ANC to embrace 'collective responsibility'. It was intriguing when, suddenly, some ANC members (including those in leadership positions) claimed innocence or told the Zondo Commission that they were scared to stop corruption. This was a lame excuse.
The Herald
2 days ago
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UDM donates R300K to flood relief in Mthatha
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