#StateCaptureInquiry: Zondo Commission struggling to get clearance from SSA

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Screengrab from video.

Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo. Screengrab from video.

Published Aug 20, 2018

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Johannesburg - Deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo says the commission is still having issues with getting the necessary security clearance from the state security agency (SAA).

Zondo said he has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa earlier this month outlining the issues with the SSA. The deputy chief justice said the commission has received poor feedback on requests for public submissions to assist the commission to investigate allegations of state capture. 

 Zondo used his opening remarks at the first day of the state capture inquiry on Monday to plead with members of the public and state entities to make submissions to the inquiry.

The commission was established to investigate allegations of state capture levelled against the Gupta family, some government officials and former president Jacob Zuma. 

Zondo said the inquiry was critical in investigating allegations of corruption and state capture. 

Some government departments had been helpful, but others have delayed in providing the commission with the support needed, said Zondo.

The deputy chief justice outlined the terms of reference for the commission which will be guided by the State Capture report released in 2016 by former public protector Thuli Madonsela.

The first session is expected to take up to two weeks but could last longer depending on delays. The commission is likely to sit again before the end of the year. 

No witnesses were expected on the first day. During the first session, the commission is expected to call witnesses which include former finance minister Mcebisi Jonas. 

Other witnesses include; former GCIS head Themba Maseko, former minister Vytjie Mentor, Phumla Williams from GCIS and Treasury official Ndleleni Willie Mathebula. 

Investigators assigned to the commission will continue with their work while the commission is underway.

IOL

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