PETER BRUCE: What looks like inaction from Ramaphosa is actually inspired thinking
You may consider Cyril Ramaphosa insipid and weak, but stand back a bit and take stock of what he’s doing
OK, so here comes another commission of inquiry. This time it’s into the Public Investment Corporation (PIC). Cue groans from the public, a few cheers. President Cyril Ramaphosa gets insulted again for “not doing anything”.
But I’m afraid this is the way of it. And, when you think about it, it’s inspired. You may consider Ramaphosa insipid and weak, but stand back a bit and take stock of what he’s doing. The Zondo and Nugent commissions, into state capture and the mismanagement at the SA Revenue Service (Sars), are beginning to lay bare the bones of Jacob Zuma’s destruction of the state.
Retired judge Robert Nugent perhaps has the best start, and the most experience. He has already reached the point where he is able to advise Ramaphosa to sack suspended Sars commissioner Tom Moyane without a moment’s more hesitation. Now he is thinking about a parallel inquiry into the so-called “rogue unit” story at Sars, which led to the forced departures of some of its best managers. Deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo is just beginning. His brief is so wide it is hard to know where it might all end. But the fact is that as more facts come out, the lighter I feel on my feet. And where I have assumed wrongly, I find I’m released by the truth I’m hearing. And though some of this is frightening people away from SA, it just has to be in our long-term benefit. Yes, I wish there was already a new national director of public prosecutions in place of Shaun Abrahams. But Ramaphosa has (again) taken the cautionary route, assembling, hastily, a panel to recommend candidates for the job befor...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.