Key Highlights :
The dictionary definition of “illusion” is “a deceptive appearance or impression”, and this definition certainly fits what we, as a nation, have been led to believe is a relentless fight against corruption and state capture. President Cyril Ramaphosa has been at the helm of this fight for more than five years, and yet, here we are. This week, former minister Mosebenzi Zwane – one of the key strands in the Gupta-orchestrated network which looted in the Free State – was given a sanction by parliament which hardly even qualifies for the term “slap on the wrist”.
For various counts of unethical behaviour as an MP – ranging from facilitating the sale of Optimum Coal to Gupta company Tegeta; to taking a Gupta-paid trip from Switzerland to Dubai without declaring it; then appointing Gupta-linked advisors, as well as abusing his position on an inter-ministerial committee – Zwane was fined the princely sum of five days’ pay. His chastisement follows hot on the heels of the collapse of the legal case to get the Guptas extradited from the United Arab Emirates and the similar implosion of the state case against the Gupta company Nulane.
Effectively, none of the big fish connected to state capture has yet had to answer the allegations against them. Is this because they are innocent? No – it is because the state apparatus has failed in its job of ensuring they are held legally and ethically accountable. This could be yet another case of incompetence of the sort which characterises the ANC administration. But, could it be something more sinister?
The truth is that the illusion of justice is a powerful one, and it is one that is perpetuated by the lack of legal or ethical accountability of those involved in state capture. It is a tragedy that in a country where justice is so desperately needed, it is being denied to those who have been robbed and pillaged by those in positions of power.
The only way to truly fight corruption and state capture is to ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. This means that the justice system must be strengthened, and those responsible must be brought to justice. Until that happens, the illusion of justice will remain, and the big fish connected to state capture will remain free to continue their nefarious activities.