Statement of the ANC on release of Public Protector's State Capture report

14 October 2016

The African National Congress (ANC) has noted developments surrounding the release of the outgoing Public Protector’s report into “State Capture”.  The ANC affirms and appreciates the rights of all individuals implicated in the investigation to legal recourse, including seeking interdicts, where they feel aggrieved. The ANC further anticipates and looks forward to the imminent release of the State Capture report, pending the decisions of the courts in this regard.

The African National Congress has been a vocal opponent of the purported capture of the state by private interests. Allegations of undue influence in the appointment of Cabinet ministers, amongst others, are an attack on the character of the revolutionary movement, an attack on our democratic state and an assault on the confidence our people place on our movement and government. It is for this reason that the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) said in March 2016, “Such actions can have no place in the ANC or its government as they have the potential to undermine and erode the credibility and confidence of our people in the leadership of their organization, the ANC and its government”; and thus consequently instituted an internal investigation into the allegations in order ascertain facts and to allow the ANC to act on this matter.

The Public Protector’s final report into the matter, with its binding recommendations, which are at all times subject to judicial review, will assist the ANC and South Africa to gain clarity on the allegations and point to the resolution of the reported challenges. The ANC commends the outgoing Public Protector, Advocate Thuli Madonsela, on her committed service to South Africa and wishes her well in her future endeavours.

Issued by Zizi Kodwa, National Spokesperson, ANC, 14 October 2016