Almost half of procurement irregularities arose from an intention to abuse the system, Willie Mathebula, acting chief procurement officer for the National Treasury, has told the Zondo commission. Mathebula was the first witness at the state capture commission of inquiry in Johannesburg on Tuesday. His testimony was largely technical in nature and meant to assist the commission with understanding SA’s procurement legislation. Mathebula described the government’s procurement process and the relevant legislation that governs it. The commission is looking into malfeasance in which high-profile politicians including former president Jacob Zuma, have been directly or indirectly implicated, according to a report by former public protector Thuli Madonsela.

The commission, chaired by deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo, sat for its second day on Tuesday, with proceedings being adjourned until Friday, when former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas will testify. Jonas said in March 201...

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