South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said its anti-corruption strategy would be overhauled to ensure the independence of prosecution.
This development was in response to the recommendations from a state inquiry into alleged corruption under his predecessor.
Recall that a judicial commission of inquiry was established to examine allegations of high-level graft during former President Jacob Zuma’s nine years in power from 2009 to 2018.
But speaking in a live television broadcast, Ramaphosa said, “The people of South Africa are tired of corruption and want it to end. As a country, we are emerging from a dark and difficult period.”
The inquiry found Zuma had allowed businessmen close to him – brothers Atul, Ajay, and Rajesh Gupta – to plunder state resources and influence policy, commonly known as ‘state capture’ in South Africa.
Ramaphosa said, “Through the implementation of the actions contained in this response, we can start a new chapter in our struggle against corruption.”
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, the president has outlined steps government would take to catch suspects and other reforms.
Ramaphosa, who served as deputy state president under Zuma, testified at the inquiry that he chose to “remain but resist” rather than resign when allegations surfaced.