South Africa's president says corruption during previous reign was well organized

By Hassan Isilow

JOHANNESBURG (AA) - Corruption that occurred during former South African President Jacob Zuma’s era was well organized and those involved were given protection, President Cyril Ramaphosa told a commission on Thursday.

“State capture was well organized and systematic. It involved a number of people and networks,” Ramaphosa told the Zondo Commission that is probing corruption allegations during Zuma’s tenure.

State capture is a form of corruption where businesses influence politicians to make decisions in favor of business interests.

The commission headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo is interrogating senior politicians, former officials and government officials accused of corruption.

It was established in 2018 shortly before Zuma stepped down amid pressure from his ruling African National Congress party (ANC) regarding corruption allegations and other offenses.

He was accused of giving lucrative state contracts to the wealthy Indian family, the Guptas, that was close to him.

The Guptas are believed to have influenced the appointments of Zuma’s top government officials, including ministers who the family would later use to win lucrative contracts. Zuma and the Guptas deny the allegations.

Ramaphosa who served as deputy president under Zuma, told the commission that all corruption happened for personal gain, to benefit a few individuals. He said he did not resign because he wanted to fight and resist corruption while still in government.

He said he was motivated to campaign for president of the ANC and later became president of the country because he wanted to fight corruption and clean the nation.

Ramaphosa said the aim of state capture was to siphon as much money as possible from state coffers by swindling money meant for contracts. He said it was also intended to weaken law enforcement agencies, including the judiciary and parliament.

“The process of rebuilding is going to take time. I’m afraid because state capture embedded itself in the muscle fiber of the state,’’ he said.

State capture also changed the culture of how things are done, such as following proper processes and procedures, he said.

Ramaphosa praised the commission, saying its work is a watershed moment for the country as far as dealing with corruption and state capture is considered.

He pledged to take the finding very seriously at the end of its work.

Ramaphosa also said his government will stay focused and committed to fighting corruption and change the tide of the previous regime.