Corruption Watch wants state capture inquiry to keep SA more in the loop

The Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, which is expected to resume today, should consider releasing interim reports and not wait for the end of its term to inform the public of its findings, Corruption Watch executive director David Lewis said yesterday.

In making public its interim reports, the inquiry – which has been credited for unearthing compelling evidence from witnesses – should also pronounce on policy implications of state capture and make proposals on how the scourge could be stopped.

“So far, the commission has lived up to the country’s expectations when one looks at submissions made,” said Lewis.

“We look forward to instances in the future when the inquiry issues subpoenas to hostile witnesses to bring out hostile evidence.

“It would be interesting to hear from those who have been fingered as perpetrators of state capture, who should be compelled to come forward.”

Referring to last year’s demonstration outside the commission’s Parktown building by the Economic Freedom Fighters while Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan was giving evidence, Lewis said: “The commission should be robust about defending itself and protecting witnesses who appear before it.”

According to commission spokesperson Mbuyiselo Stemela, the postponement of the hearings from Tuesday was due to “logistical changes”.

Stemela could not elaborate further when confirming that hearings would resume today on applications lodged by witnesses.

Towards the end of last year, former president Jacob Zuma’s son Duduzane applied to commission chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to cross-examine former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas – which was granted by Zondo.

Jonas, who claimed to have declined R600,000 in cash and a finance minister position offer from the Guptas at their Saxonwold family compound, said Duduzane and businessperson Fana Hlongwane were present when the bizarre bid to capture government’s most strategic ministry was made.

Duduzane and Hlongwane’s cross-examination of Jonas and former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor could not be heard last year as Jonas, who serves as President Cyril Ramaphosa’s international investment emissary, was out of the country.

Mentor was also not available at the time to be cross-examined by Hlongwane’s legal team.

Since it began, the commission has been praised for uncovering evidence pointing to widespread state capture and graft within government and state-owned enterprises such as South African Airways.

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