2017: President Jacob Zuma appoints Justice Ray Zondo as Deputy Chief Justice. Image: GCIS.
Parliament accuses Chief Justice Raymond Zondo of public attack – here’s why
Parliament said Zondo’s remarks amounted to a public attack, which was inappropriate for a representative of one of the arms of State.
2017: President Jacob Zuma appoints Justice Ray Zondo as Deputy Chief Justice. Image: GCIS.
Parliament was shocked and condemned remarks made by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo recently. The former head of the State Capture Commission said he does not believe lawmakers could stop a repeat of the Gupta years.
READ: State Capture report: ANC was financed by ‘the proceeds of crime’ more than once
Parliament Powerless to Halt Repeat of Gupta Years, Says Zondo
Zondo spoke at a democracy colloquium by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in Pretoria on Thursday, 22 June.
The Chief Justice said Parliament failed to expose and stop State Capture during former President Jacob Zuma’s tenure.
A year after he submitted the State Capture report, Zondo said nothing had changed, and the same could happen again.
“If another group of people were to do exactly what the Guptas did to pursue State Capture, Parliament would still not be able to stop it, and that is simply because I have seen nothing that has changed,” said Zondo.
On the same day these remarks were made, Parliament objected and said it was inappropriate for a Chief Justice – a representative of one of the arms of State – to attack Parliament publicly.
Last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa submitted the government’s plan for implementing the recommendations made by the State Capture Commission. However, little has been done thus far – hence Zondo’s remarks.
Parliament said it needed to be provided with the space to implement anti-State Capture measures, which the Commission’s recommendations would guide.
“We want to emphasise that Parliament, through the diligent efforts of the Programming and Rules Committees, has taken decisive steps to address the recommendations of the State Capture Commission,” read a statement.
“Furthermore, to strengthen oversight over the Presidency, Parliament is further actively conducting research to explore international best practices. This work is vital in laying a solid foundation for enhanced oversight and accountability in relation to the Presidency.”
Parliament said other initiatives that would hold the Executive accountable are also being explored and said that had Zondo reached out with his concerns. He would have been informed about the ongoing work.
“The criticism made by Chief Justice Zondo against Parliament is therefore unfortunate, lacks merit and undermines the principles of separation of powers. As the head of the judiciary, it is essential for the Chief Justice to foster an environment of mutual respect and cooperation.”
Permanent State Capture Commission
According to Daily Maverick, on Thursday, Zondo proposed three solutions to avert future State Capture – electoral reform, an active citizenry and the establishment of a permanent anti-State Capture and anti-Corruption commission that would work in the same way as the body he led for nearly four years.
“[The commission] can call anybody, whether it’s the President or MPs or any minister, to come to answer and give evidence where there are allegations of corruption and State Capture,” said Zondo.
“So that even if the majority in Parliament does not want questions asked or protects ministers and the President from questions, that commission would be an opportunity for everything to be explored and the evidence and answers to be given in the open,” said the Chief Justice.
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