15-07-2025
Are Ramaphosa's commissions investigative action or political deflection?
Assessing the effectiveness of President Cyril Ramaphosa's commissions in tackling corruption
Image: Jairus Mmutle/ GCIS
Since taking office in 2018, President Cyril Ramaphosa has established numerous presidential commissions and task teams in South Africa. While these are intended to investigate corruption and address crises, critics argue that they serve as a costly substitute for decisive action, often leading to minimal progress.
Ramaphosa's presidency has been marked by an unprecedented number of formal commissions of inquiry and ad hoc advisory bodies, costing millions of rand. Some critics suggest that this approach has prioritised investigations over prosecution, especially of politically connected individuals.
Notable among these are the recent commissions into law enforcement corruption, apartheid-era prosecutions, and the state's response to COVID-19 procurement irregularities.
For instance, earlier this week, Ramaphosa announced aims to investigate allegations of police corruption involving Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, national deputy commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, the judiciary, and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).
The commission's establishment follows mounting public concern over the integrity of South Africa's law enforcement agencies and the government's ability to hold influential figures accountable.
Since 2018, President Ramaphosa has established numerous task forces, committees, and commissions.
Some of the most prominent include the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans, led by the late Deputy President David Mabuza, which focuses on veteran welfare and the Zondo Commission.
The Presidential Climate Finance Task Team tasked with mobilising funds for South Africa's energy transition, the National Logistics Crisis Committee, responsible for addressing infrastructure collapse and vandalism in logistics sectors, G20 Task Forces covering inclusive economic growth, food security, and artificial intelligence/data governance during South Africa's G20 presidency are among some of the commissions.
In addition, several commissions of inquiry have been set up to probe sensitive issues, including the Inquiry into Law Enforcement Agencies and the Commission of Inquiry into Delayed TRC Prosecutions.
Since 2018, more than eight commissions have been established, with some critics questioning their effectiveness.
Opposition parties have been vociferous in their criticism. Vuyo Zungula, leader of the African Transformation Movement, argued that 'appointing commissions is often a way for the president to deflect public outrage rather than pursue real accountability.'
Zungula strongly advocated utilising existing institutions like the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), which he believes has a proven track record of prosecuting corruption.
Similarly, Mmusi Maimane, leader of Build One South Africa, has called for the revival of the now-disbanded 'Scorpions,' an elite police unit known for probing top political figures and corruption allegations. This entity was dissolved amid political controversy.
Political analysts interpret Ramaphosa's extensive use of commissions as a strategic move.
Dr Ntsikelelo Breakfast suggests that 'this is a well-calculated political response,' highlighting concerns over the pace and effectiveness of these investigations.
'While placing Mchunu on leave is a good move, he prolonged timelines of these commissions risk creating a sense of inertia,' Breakfast warned.
Ian Cameron, chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police, voiced a familiar frustration.
'We've seen this movie before. The Zondo Commission cost taxpayers billions, yet few of its recommendations have been implemented, and no kingpin is behind bars.'
In response to mounting criticism of the commission to investigate police corruption, President Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated the government's commitment to transparency and accountability.
'The commission's reports will be delivered within strict timelines- an interim report within three months and a final report in six,' Magwenya stated.
He added, "If any compelling evidence emerges during the process, it will be handed over to prosecuting authorities immediately.'
Magwenya insisted that 'the President is not shielding anyone,' reaffirming Ramaphosa's stance that these investigations aim to uncover the truth and restore public confidence.
[email protected]
IOL Politics
