Naledi Pandor on Zimbabwe crisis

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Dr. Naledi Pandor, hosting a Breakfast Meeting with Members of the Diplomatic Corps in Cape Town, / Image by GCIS

Naledi Pandor is set to discuss Koloane’s discipline with Ramaphosa

Bruce Koloane remembers the truth and confesses, but will it be enough to save him his ambassadorial role with government? Naledi Pandor wants a word.

Naledi Pandor on Zimbabwe crisis

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Dr. Naledi Pandor, hosting a Breakfast Meeting with Members of the Diplomatic Corps in Cape Town, / Image by GCIS

International Relations Minister, Naledi Pandor is set to sit down with Cyril Ramaphosa to discuss the conduct of South Africa’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane.

This week, at the Zondo Commission inquiry into state capture, Koloane admitted he was affiliated with the infamous illegal landing of the Gupta plane with wedding guests at the Waterkloof Air Base.

Ajay Gupta Guptas naturalisation
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Ajay Gupta (Gallo Images / Esa Alexander)

Koloane remembers the truth and confesses

The commission played recordings of telephone conversations between Koloane, and the South African National Defence Force official. Koloane is heard putting pressure on the SANDF officials, to permit the landing of a Gupta private chartered aircraft at Waterkloof Air Force Base. He admits his actions, saying he wanted to “impress” the Indian High Commissioner.

South Africa – Johannesburg – 03 July 2019 – Former chief of state protocol Ambassador Bruce Koloane, is seen at the state capture inquiry. Pictures: Itumeleng English/African Agency (ANA)

On Tuesday, 9 July he came to the commission and made a confession to the Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo:

“It was an error of judgment in wrongfully using the name of the then Transport Minister Ben Martins, the current Minister of Defence, as well as the Presidency in the statement I made to try and exert pressure on the officials who were supposed to facilitate the processing,”

Bruce Koloane.

Koloane was charged and suspended for lying to the SANDF officials, regarding the unauthorised landing before his appointment as South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands. Despite his foggy memory, he further told the commission he believed his suspension was unlawful.

What is next for regarding the discipline?

According to 702, Koloane stated to the commission:

“I do think we do need to have a discussion with the president, and it is my intention that we discuss whether any particular action might be merited. Be it some sort of letter, further training or any other action the president may deem necessary. So it is a matter I will be taking up.”

Bruce Koloane.

Department of International Relations Cooperation has Koloane’s back:


“In law, there is something called double jeopardy. Even though some people are hearing Koloane’s version of events for the first time. At Dirco this was a process undertaken during his disciplinary hearing, and he pleaded guilty to all charges and that process was concluded.


In other words these issues of dishonesty, name-dropping and all these things, he admitted them at the disciplinary hearing before he was made ambassador. He is not admitting these things for the first time.”

Clayton Monyela, DIRCO.

Naledi Pandor is set to discuss Bruce Koloane’s conduct and discipline with president Cyril Ramaphosa, and find a resolution to the matter moving forward.