Those responsible for state capture and corruption in South Africa will be held accountable, President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned.
Speaking during the ruling African National Congress’ final rally for the 8 May polls at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday, Ramaphosa pledged “not to submit or retreat” in the ANC’s quest to fight corruption.
“Let us declare, here and now, that we will never surrender our freedom to corruption and state capture. We will not submit and we will not retreat. We will fight with every means at our disposal to ensure that those who occupy positions of authority serve only in the public interest,” Ramaphosa said.
“We are restoring the rule of law,” he said.
With only three days to go before Wednesday’s national and provincial elections, he urged voters to vote for the ANC, saying the “era of impunity” was over and the ANC was now entering the era of accountability.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) would be strengthened and their independence would be assured so that they could act against those who were corrupt without fear or favour, according to the president.
He said the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture “is uncovering the nature and extent of state capture.”
“We have done much to restore the credibility and effectiveness of the NPA, SARS (South African Revenue Service), SAPS, and the State Security Agency. But the road ahead is long, and there is still much more to do,” Ramaphosa said.
He said if reelected, the ANC would ensure that “those found guilty of corruption or involvement in state capture will not be allowed to occupy positions of responsibility, either in the ANC, in parliament, or in government.”
NM/jn/APA