Pravin Gordhan sheds light on state capture
AUCKLAND PARK– State capture debate raises fundamental issues in government structures and policies.
Former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas engaged with students at the University of Johannesburg about the current state of state capture in South Africa.
The politicians were joined on the panel by a senior lecturer at Wits University School of Economics and Business Science, Lumkile Mondi, on 26 July. Student members from the ANC and EFF, including other supporter’s presence, were evident as they heckled at the contents of each speakers address.
Gordhan started off his address by highlighting the role of the Constitution and how freedom is enjoyed by all members of society. He went on to question what difference is society making in the lives of others, where state capture affects the lives of others and existence of white or black monopoly capital.
“State capture can be defined as the stealing of certain institutions in the state by a small group of people whose only intention is to put money either into their pockets in South Africa or in bank accounts in Dubai. To those of you that are booing me, means you approve of state capture,” said Gordhan.
He went on to say when you start stealing institutions it leads to stealing money which affects every single citizen regardless of their social class. These very people are aware who is stealing, who is responsible for what is going on in this country and know what needs to be done to stop these problems.
His statements caused an uproar from the audience accusing him of being a sell–out and questioning where the country’s funds are being used. Jonas, who was the second speaker during the debate, highlighted that the country is in a leadership crisis.
“You can’t have leaders who spend 80 per cent of their time defending their problems.The country’s state-owned enterprises had become centres for money racketeering,” said Jonas.
He uses the high budget of contracts available at Eskom and Transnet as an example of racketeering.
Audience members were given the opportunity to pose questions after the speakers had addressed them. The debate ended in members of political parties disrupting proceedings and exiting the auditorium before proceedings had officially ended.
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