Zuma’s new grip on state owned entities is worrying

23 August 2016

A new committee that will be giving president Jacob Zuma a big hold over state-owned enterprises and the existing commission under the authority of deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa is extremely worrying, Adv. Anton Alberts, the FF Plus’ parliamentary spokesperson on the Economy, said.

Minister Jeff Radebe, minister in the presidency, yesterday announced that the new presidential co-ordinating committee overseeing state-owned enterprises with president Zuma in control was created to give the country’s economy a ‘boost’.

A similar commission exists under the authority of deputy president Ramaphosa, i.e. the Presidential Infrastructure Co-ordinating Commission (PICC).

Adv. Alberts says the FF Plus finds it strange that the president will be chairing the new committee. He said given the notoriety of the ANC, and in particular, president Zuma, to hand contracts to family and friends, and given the fact that there is already a similar commission, the move should set off the alarm bells.

“It creates the impression that president Zuma is positioning himself to ensure maximum financial gain for him and his family before his term comes to an end.

“Given the increasing possibility that the opposition could take over the provinces and even the national government in 2019, it appears that Zuma and his ANC cadres are digging to secure the maximum amount from treasury before the taps can be closed.

“The president can do much better if he attempts to gain the trust of business sector which will allow for the economy to grow. We, however, know that the ANC is currently a leech that will not change.

“The FF Plus will be asking questions in parliament about the powers of Zuma regarding the new body to manipulate contracts of state-owned enterprises, whether directly or indirectly,” Adv. Alberts said.

Issued by Anton Alrberts, FF Plus parliamentary spokesperson: Economy, 23 August 2016