SACP reiterates its support for the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, calls upon all whom it may concern to co-operate with the commission to dismantle state capture and other corruption networks

4 February 2021

The South African Communist Party (SACP) reiterates its support for the judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and calls upon all whom it may concern to co-operate with the commission’s process to get to the bottom of the corruption, to protect and deepen democracy in our country, for us as a nation to advance broader social and economic transformation and development.

We have noted a letter attributed to former President Jacob Zuma, which is circulating and reported upon by various media. The SACP resolutely asserts the supremacy of the Constitution, the supreme law of the Republic.

We wish to remind the public about what former President Zuma, in his capacity as the President of the Republic, said on 9 January 2018 when he belatedly established the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. “I would like to emphasise that I have faith in all the judges and their ability to execute their tasks with the requisite levels of fairness, impartiality and independence”, said President Zuma, when announcing his appointment of the Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.

In announcing the appointment, President Zuma said, “I requested the Chief Justice to provide me with the name of the judge to head the Commission. He has selected Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Mnyamezeli Mlungisi Zondo to undertake this task.” An important message to every person, President Zuma said: “I urge everyone to cooperate with the commission of inquiry.” President Zuma then concluded: “I trust that we will all respect the process and place no impediments to prevent the Commission from doing its work.”

It is important for all whom it may concern to walk the talk!

That said, it is important to underline that the law was not written only with those who co-operate in mind. It was written also with those who do not co-operate in mind—to hold them to account or ensure that they are held accountable.

Thus, the law provides for procedures and measures for those entrusted with its implementation to follow in situations involving any person who does not co-operate with investigative, inquisitorial, prosecutorial, judicial, and other processes established lawfully to ensure that justice takes its course. The SACP therefore calls on the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture to strictly exercise its powers and functions in law, including the terms of reference promulgated by President Zuma when he established it, to overcome any impediments placed by any person regardless of their status to prevent it from performing or completing its work.

The inquiry by the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture has revealed a lot of corruption that could perhaps not have been exposed had it not been established. The completion of the commission’s work is central to the national imperative to fight corruption and should be supported by all South Africans. Delays hindering the completion of the commission’s work are not in the best interest of our country and should be avoided.

Issued by Alex Mohubetswane Mashilo, SACP Central Committee Member: Media & Communications, 4 February 2021