The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State
Background and context of Corruption Watch’s interest in the state capture commission
The work of Corruption Watch is driven by the reports of corruption that whistle-blowers bring to us. The success of the Zondo Commission will, in large part, depend equally on whistle-blowers to provide it with the evidence it needs to effectively investigate state capture. Download an overview of the commission from a Corruption Watch point of view:
Zondo Commission overview and context for Corruption Watch
All of our Zondo Commission coverage is contained in the accordion below. Simply click on a month to open up all our articles for that month, and click on it again, or click on another month, to close it.
August 2018
Testimony from day 2 – 21 August 2018
The National Treasury’s acting chief procurement officer, Ndleleni Mathebula, unpacked the inner workings of government’s massive procurement system.
22 and 23 August 2018
The commission is on recess for two days until Friday, 24 August 2018.
What is a commission of inquiry?
In order to understand the complexities of the Zondo Commission, it is very important to also understand what a commission of inquiry is, its origins in this country, and what level of authority it has. This opinion piece, first published in City Press in November 2016, provides this information under the title Do commissions of inquiry have teeth?.
The short voice note discussions answer the following questions:
- Under what circumstances would a commission of inquiry need to be established? English / isiZulu / Setswana
- Does the South African criminal justice system have adequate power to prosecute and convict on corruption-related crimes? If they did have sufficient powers, wouldn’t it prevent the need for establishing commissions of inquiry? English / isiZulu / Setswana
- What authorities/powers do commissions of inquiries have? English / isiZulu / Setswana
- What should we as South Africans hope for the Zondo Commission to achieve? English / isiZulu / Setswana
24 August 2018
Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas delivered extraordinary testimony of how he was approached by a member of the Gupta family and offered a bribe of R600-million to take over as finance minister and work according to the Guptas’ agenda.
Day 4 and 5 – 27 and 28 August 2018
Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor started her testimony by providing context to her early meetings with the Guptas and former president Jacob Zuma. On day two she gave details of a meeting at the Gupta home in Saxonwold, at which Jacob Zuma was present, as well as an indication of the lack of interest from ANC leadership at her concerns expressed in this regard.
Vytjie Mentor part 1 | Vytjie Mentor part 2
Mentor has a strongly supportive family who travelled long distances to be with her as she testified. We spoke to her sister to find out what makes this brave woman tick.
Vytjie Mentor through her sister’s eyes
Day 5 and 6 – 28 and 29 August 2018
In his testimony, former GCIS head Themba Maseko echoed Jonas and Mentor in questioning the conduct of the Hawks.
Themba Maseko part 1 | Themba Maseko part 2 | Themba Maseko part 3
CASAC to oppose extension
CASAC intends to oppose the extension of the commission’s period of operation. Read the organisation’s rationale here.
31 August and 3 September 2018
Acting DG of the government communication and information system, Phumla Williams, testified that former communications minister Faith Muthambi damaged the organisation to an extent that it will take some time to recover.
September 2018
4 September 2018
Faith Muthambi responded to Phumla Williams, describing her as ’emotionally unhinged’.
6 September 2018
Justice Zondo heard applications from implicated persons, to cross-examine those who named them.
10 September 2018
Jan Gilliland, a senior official within the National Treasury, testified that the Guptas got just under R250-million in payments from government for their media companies.
13 September 2018
The Gupta brothers Ajay and Rakesh, who are currently in Dubai, have tried to force the hand of the Zondo Commission by imposing conditions under which they would testify. Consequently, their application was denied.
13 September 2018
Justice Zondo has granted Duduzane Zuma permission to cross-examine Mcebisi Jonas, who implicated him in the Guptas’ offer to him of money and a top cabinet position, provided he would do their bidding.
Duduzane Zuma application granted
13 September 2018
Justice Zondo has asked former president Jacob Zuma to submit his version of events in which he was implicated.
14 September 2018
Former president Jacob Zuma is willing to co-operate with the Zondo Commission. However, he says that his decision not to cross-examine witnesses is being viewed as non-co-operation.
Zuma questions existence of state capture
17 September 2018
Testimony from Standard Bank revealed that cabinet ministers tried to put pressure on the bank after it made the decision to close accounts of the Guptas.
Standard Bank threatened after decision to close Gupta accounts.
18 September 2018
Witnesses from FNB and Absa came forward today to substantiate Standard Bank’s claim of government interference in the closure of Gupta bank accounts.
More banks claim government interference
19 September 2018
Nedbank was expected to pick up where the other three big banks left off, by becoming the Gupta family’s banker – this is the impression that Nedbank CEO Mike Brown got when he met with ANC officials.
Nedbank grilled by ANC over Gupta account closures
21 September 2018
Ajay Gupta, implicated in numerous instance of state capture, has claimed that he never met with Mcebisi Jonas to offer him a R600-million bribe and in fact, was somewhere else when the meeting was supposed to have happened.
Ajay Gupta refures Mcebisi Jonas’ meeting and bribery claim
28 September 2018
The Zondo Commission’s legal team has made an application for the so-called #GuptaLeaks e-mails to be admitted as evidence. In this case, the commission will be obligated to investigate them, according to its mandate.
November 2018
12 November 2018
Former public services minister Barbara Hogan, who was named in the testimony of Vytjie Mentor in August, appeared before the commission today and gave details of how former president Jacob Zuma pressured her to appoint a Transnet CEO of his choosing – one who was not as suitable as the board’s choice, and who at the time was involved in a misconduct disciplinary process to boot.
Barbara Hogan tells commission of Zuma’s meddling
13 November 2018
Former Eskom CEO Jacob Maroga, at the time leading up to his departure from the power utility in late 2009, was a chief executive who had gone rogue, understanding that he had the backing of the president. This is the description of former public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan during her second day of testimony.
Zuma interfered in Eskom leadership
14 November 2018
Barbara Hogan wraps up her testimony, describing former president Jacob Zuma’s complete disregard for good governance in SEOs, while Mwanzele Manyi gets his day before the commission, defending the controversial changes he made while head of GCIS.
Hogans describes Zuma interference in SAA
Manyi defends the changes he made in GCIS
15 November 2018
The Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture sat briefly on Thursday morning to deal only with procedural matters involving the return of two witnesses, former MP Vytjie Mentor and former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene, who testified in August and October respectively.
Nene, Mentor set to make second appearance
16 November 2018 – week 13 overview
After a month-long break, the Zondo Commission into allegations of state capture resumed on 12 November, and immediately gave South Africans much to think about. From former public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan detailing the interference of former president Jacob Zuma in leadership issues in SOEs, to former GCIS head Mzwanele Manyi pointing fingers at his successor Phumla Williams, it was an interesting first week back.
19 November 2018
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan made his highly anticipated appearance before the commission. Gordhan revealed information that showed how keen the South African government was in 2014 to secure the nuclear deal with Russia.
Gordhan tells of government’s push to secure nuclear deal
Read Gordhan’s full statement to the commission.
20 November 2018
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan continued with his testimony, which is expected to wrap up on Wednesday 21 November. He described the efforts made by the Zuma government to push him out of Treasury.
Gordhan was aware of moves to eliminate him
21 November 2018
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan said that a general fear of retribution from powerful people in the state capture machinery was a big reason that many in the ruling party have not reported corruption they see happening. Gordhan finished his testimony and was followed by former treasury director-general Lungisa Fuzile.
Gordhan defends fearful state capture whistle-blowers
21 November 2018
Recalling the events of December 2015, former treasury director-general Lungisa Fuzile said that in retrospect, it all fits like a hand in glove – that this is how the takeover of departments is designed. He added that a similar pattern of events had happened at the Department of Mineral Resources, which was taken over by Mosebenzi Zwane in September of that year.
Fuzile describes plan to put Gupta stooges in senior treasury posts
22 November 2018
Former finance minister Des van Rooyen’s stay in Treasury in late 2015 may have been a uniquely short one, but it had serious consequences for the department – particularly then director-general Lungisa Fuzile – largely because of his lack of attention and appreciation for protocol and procedure.
Van Rooyen’s disregard for proper Treasury procedure
22 November 2018
Insults and derogatory statements, such as those made yesterday by EFF leader Julius Malema, severely undermines the seriousness of the work being done by the Zondo Commission, and could negatively influence the willingness of witnesses to give vital testimony. CW has called on Deputy Chief Justice Zondo to hold Malema to account for his disrespectful words.
Corruption Watch press statement
23 November 2018 – week 14 overview
A treasury in disarray – this was the main focus of this week’s testimony at the Zondo Commission. Former finance minister Pravin Gordhan and his former director-general Lungisa Fuzile painted a disturbing – and at times, amusing – picture of the goings-on in National Treasury during 2014 and 2015.
26 November 2018
Former treasury spokesperson Phumza Macanda told the Zondo Commission that she, like her former colleagues who have testified before her, had the impression that Des van Rooyen did not know the two advisors he brought along to the department when he was appointed finance minister in 2015.
27 November 2018
“The commission will not consider what is said outside the commission and in media, and anyone with credible evidence should come forward and give it,” said Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, responding to allegations made by the EFF against public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan and the commission’s head of legal Paul Pretorius.
Commission will only consider evidence placed before it
29 November 2018
In December 2010, just weeks into Cheryl Carolus’ tenure as chairperson of South African Airways, former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba sought to impose a private Indian-based airliner on the leadership of SAA.
Gigaba wanted Carolus to relinquish Jhb-Mumbai route to Indian airline
December 2018
5 December 2018
The commission of inquiry into state capture announced on Tuesday that it had halted its public hearings until January. The date of the recommencement of the hearings, chaired by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, will be announced next month.
October 2018
3 October 2018
For the first time since his dismissal on 9 December 2015, finance minister Nhlanhla Nene revealed details of the sequence of events leading up to that day. Nene was reappointed as finance minister on 27 February 2018.
Nhlanhla Nene opens up about 2015 dismissal
Photos of former finance minister Nhlanhla Nene at the Zondo Commission. Photographer: Kwazi Dlamini, Corruption Watch.
10 October 2018
The commission of inquiry into state capture has been postponed to 12 November when it will hear the evidence of former public enterprises minister Barbara Hogan.
January 2019
Angelo Agrizzi, the former chief operations officer of controversial facilities management company Bosasa, is the first person to testify before the state capture commission this year. On Wednesday he revealed that the company spent between R4-million and R6-million monthly for bribes to senior government officials on the company’s payroll.
Bosasa spent millions on govt bribes
17 January 2019
On day two of testimony from former Bosasa executive Angelo Agrizzi, attendees watched video evidence that showed CEO Gavin Watson and two of his directors packing and arranging stacks of money while inside a vault at the company offices.
Govt officials kept loyal to Bosasa with bribes
18 January 2019
Bosasa – which enjoys a large number of government contracts – generated cash that would be used to bribe public officials in return for their loyalty and favours., said the company’s former COO Angelo Agrizzi on his third day of testimony.
Money laundering the Bosasa way
18 January 2019
Commission secretary Khotso De Wee is on special leave while an investigation into allegations of corruption against him ensues. De Wee was implicated in the statement of former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi, who said that De Wee was one of the senior officials of the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development who received bribes from Bosasa.
Zondo Commission secretary implicated in Bosasa bribery
21 January 2019
Bosasa, now African Global Operations, was at the beck and call of former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane for the most part, said Agrizzi, even paying for rented cars for as long as three months at a time for her daughter, during her visits from her studies in China.
Bosasa at Nomvula Mokonyane’s beck and call
22 January 2019
Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi says not only is the Department of Correctional Services captured, but the members of Parliament charged with overseeing its affairs have long been in the pocket of Bosasa, one of its biggest contractors.
Bosasa captured the correctional services department
22 January 2019
Linda Mti, former national commissioner for the Department of Correctional Services, continued to benefit financially for his part for years, despite his resignation from government in late 2006. Mti was but one recipient of largesse from Bosasa, which manages the catering and security services contracts at correctional services across the country.
Prisons catering deal was a cash cow for Bosasa and friends
22 January 2019
The chairperson of the commission on inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, on Tuesday announced the appointment of Peter Pedlar as acting secretary of the commission. Pedlar replaces Dr Khotso De Wee, who is currently on special leave pending an investigation into his implication in corruption by a witness.
Peter Pedlar announced as acting secretary
23 January 2019
Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi told the commission of inquiry how he and other directors had to destroy evidence when they first discovered that the Special Investigating Unit was coming after the company.
Bosasa’s cat and mouse game with SIU investigators
23 January 2019
The Special Investigating Unit recommended as far back as 2009 that the Department of Correctional Services take action against its former national commissioner and CFO, Linda Mti and Patrick Gillingham respectively, for their irregular dealings with Bosasa. To date, this has not happened.
SIU recommended action against Bosasa, DCS crooks in 2009
24 January 2019
With key National Prosecuting Authority people in its pocket, Bosasa could keep tabs on the progress of the case against the company, and therefore influence its direction.
SIU’s Bosasa investigation compromised by NPA bribees
24 January 2019
Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson allegedly boasted about playing puppeteer with former president Jacob Zuma to his colleague Angelo Agrizzi and former commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services Linda Mti.
Bosasa executives privy to sensitive details of NPA case against them
24 January 2019
Former South African Airways chairperson Dudu Myeni was on Bosasa’s payroll, receiving R300 000 per month. She was the conduit between Bosasa and former president Jacob Zuma.
Myeni, Zuma helped smooth the way for Bosasa.
29 January 2019
Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi, still in the witness chair, outlined numerous plans by CEO Gavin Watson and his brothers to buy Agrizzi’s silence over the corrupt activities he had seen and taken part in, in his almost 20 years with Bosasa.
Agrizzi asked to take the fall for Watson et al
29 January 2019
An audio recording played on Tuesday morning revealed witness Angelo Agrizzi making racist, derogatory remarks in the company of other people.
30 January 2019
From a fake prawn farm and duping the South African Revenue Service (Sars) through falsified financials, to violating immigration laws, former Bosasa CFO Andries van Tonder participated in many compromising dealings in his two-decade career at the company.
Van Tonder corroborates Agrizzi’s testimony regarding Bosasa shenanigans
31 January 2019
Cabinet ministers Gwede Mantashe and Nomvula Mokonyane, and deputy minister of correctional services Thabang Makwetla, were named among those who benefited from home security and general maintenance work paid for by the company over some years.
Mantashe, Mokonyane got free home improvements and maintenance from Bosasa
31 January 2019
Former Bosasa IT head Leon van Tonder testified of his participation in the illegal deletion of files relating to the multi-million-rand catering contract with the Department of Correctional Services, a contract that was in the spotlight of the Special Investigating Unit.
Former IT head told to delete incriminating data from Bosasa servers
February 2019
5 February 2019
n assortment of witnesses appeared before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday, all giving evidence relating to Bosasa. They included Adriaan Basson, editor-in-chief of News24, who related how Bosasa employees and service providers threatened him during the time he was investigating the company.
Bosasa employees and service providers threatened journalists
7 February 2019
Former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi is out on R20 000 bail, having been arrested this week on fraud and money-laundering charges. Appearing alongside him at the bail hearing were erstwhile colleagues Andries van Tonder, the former CFO of Bosasa; former Bosasa fleet manager Frans Vorster; former CFO of the Department of Correctional Services (DCS), Patrick Gillingham; and others.
Bosasa execs and pals charged 10 years after SIU investigation
11 February 2019
Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor returned to the hot seat at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday, to answer to allegations she had made in an affidavit last year. Most of the morning’s proceedings focused on travel records of both Mentor and some of the people she had implicated in her testimony in August 2018.
Vytjie Mentor returns to be cross-examined
12 February 2019
Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor stuck to her guns on Tuesday, not deviating from evidence she has submitted to the commission of inquiry into state capture regarding the issue of the Gupta brothers being part of an August 2012 state visit to China, led by former president Jacob Zuma.
Mentor presses on despite discrepancies in testimony
13 February 2019
Former ANC MP Vytjie Mentor, despite being pressed, would not budge on the veracity of her version of the evidence. Mentor faced the legal representatives of former chief of staff in the office of Jacob Zuma, Lakela Kaunda, and advocate Mandla Mtolo of the Hawks. Both questioned her version of events.
Mentor cross-examination reveals inconsistencies
14 February 2019
The credibility of former MP Vytjie Mentor’s evidence to the state capture commission took another knock on Thursday with the testimony of architect Erna Wiese in relation to the layout of the Gupta family home in Saxonwold, Johannesburg. Mentor alleges a meeting occurred in 2010 between herself and Ajay Gupta. Wiese was part of a team of senior architects, valuers and surveyors who accompanied Mentor and a team from the commission on an inspection of the house.
Mentor’s recollection of Gupta house inconsistent with expert findings
14 February 2019
The testimony of IPID executive director Robert McBride was postponed indefinitely on Thursday, because his sworn statement was only received late on Wednesday, and as a result the commission’s lawyers had not had sufficient time to notify the people implicated in his evidence.
McBride testimony postponed until implicated persons have been notified
18 February 2019
Former finance minister Des van Rooyen’s application to cross-examine the department’s former director-general Lungisa Fuzile at the commission of inquiry into state capture was postponed on Monday, because of logistical issues raised by the commission chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Van Rooyen’s application to cross-examine former finance DG on hold
19 February 2019
National Treasury’s chief director of macro-economic policy, Catherine MacLeod, testified at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday, giving insight into the damage caused to the economy by former president Jacob Zuma’s cabinet reshuffles, specifically because of the negative reaction of financial markets.
Zuma’s agenda-driven cabinet reshuffles created havoc in financial markets
20 February 2019
Eskom chairperson Jabu Mabuza will testify before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday, and is expected to give insight into the financial status of the power utility when the new board took over last year. Essentially, the events of 2015, the commencement year of the R3-billion contract with coal supplier Tegeta, will form a large part of the evidence sought by the commission for the coming few weeks.
Eskom’s procurement processes to be closely scrutinised
21 February 2019
Wednesday, 20 February, marked the beginning of the commission’s focus on state-owned entities in the state capture project, with Eskom first in line.
Eskom’s disregard of procurement processes in the spotlight
22 February 2019
Overdue announcement of results, a bad credit record, no funding, and threats of no further funding. This is the Eskom Jabu Mabuza and the rest of the board found when they started in January last year. The board inherited a financially unstable company, and there have been many hurdles to overcome.
Eskom, from world’s top five to total dysfunctionality
22 February 2019
Eskom chairperson Jabu Mabuza has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that it is important for the utility to have the confidence of investors and funders, because it relies heavily on this for survival.
Eskom must have investor confidence to survive
25 February 2019
Eskom board chairperson Jabu Mabuza concluded his appearance before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday. He said that Eskom’s most vulnerable period was between March and December 2015, when a change in leadership enabled third parties affiliated to the Guptas to run amok, pillaging the power utility’s finances along the way.
27 February 2019
Former chief executive of Glencore, Clinton Ephron, has told the commission of inquiry into state capture how a struggling Optimum coal mine was at Eskom’s mercy for years while negotiating for an amendment to their coal supply agreement.
Struggling Optimum helped to its doom by Eskom
28 February 2019
When former sports and recreation minister Fikile Mbalula was informed of his imminent promotion by members of the Gupta family. He reported this at a meeting of the ANC’s national executive committee but to members’ consternation, former president Jacob Zuma did not address the issue on the day, or on any other occasion after that.
March 2019
1 March 2019
Eskom head of treasury Andre Pillay testified that a R25-billion loan facility signed in 2017 by then interim CEO Sean Maritz was a grossly flawed process that exposed interference from then board chairperson Zethembe Khoza and former public enterprises minister Lynn Brown.
Eskom pressed to sign up for dodgy R25bn loan agreement
4 March 2019
For the R25-billion loan deal between Eskom and Chinese firm Huarong to proceed, all repayments from the power utility would have to be paid into the account of an entity called Ideva. This put officials in Eskom’s treasury unit in an awkward situation, and prompted senior manager for funding execution Sincedile Shweni to demand that Ideva submit financial statements, through which he could assess its legitimacy.
Executives bypassed regulations to push through Eskom-Huarong deal
5 March 2019
The controversial advance payment of R659-million that Eskom made to Tegeta Exploration in April 2016 came under the spotlight at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday. The commission heard how procurement controls were breached in order to process the payment on an unusually tight deadline.
Multi-million-rand Tegeta payment rushed through irregularly
11 March 2019
Another manager in Eskom’s primary energy division has testified to the irregular processes that senior executives at the power utility used to impose penalties on Optimum mine while that it was owned by Glencore Minerals and during the lead up to its acquisition by Tegeta Exploration.
Eskom execs helped Tegeta bully Glencore into selling Optimum
11 March 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Monday how Eskom lied to National Treasury about Majuba power station receiving coal from Brakfontein Extension, a part of the Brakfontein mine with which the power utility concluded a coal supply agreement in March 2015.
Power station forced to accept sub-standard coal from Gupta company
12 March 2019
A dismissive Brian Molefe, new in the position of CEO in 2015, wanted to hear nothing of a proposed price hike by Eskom to Optimum, on the basis that the mine had for some time been supplying coal at a higher cost than what they were getting from Eskom for it.
Eskom execs refused to listen to reason in Optimum case
12 March 2019
Standard Bank’s Ian Sinton has revealed how his team had to investigate a trail of transactions over the course of 2014 that the bank deemed suspicious, stemming from Transnet as the original source. Over R200-milliion was moved around in this way, before Standard Bank took action.
Standard Bank probed suspicious transactions between Transnet and contractors
13 March 2019
Tom Moyane’s lawyer, Advocate Dali Mpofu, submitted Moyane’s argument to be permitted to cross-examination, over allegations Pravin Gordhan made against him during his testimony before the commission in November last year.
Arguments for and against Moyane’s application to cross-examine Gordhan
14 March 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Wednesday that former Gupta company Oakbay Investments may have lied about being good for the money to buy Glencore-owned Optimum mine in early 2016.
Dodgy machinations behind Eskom’s insistence of Optimum sale to Oakbay
14 March 2019
Former mineral resources director-general, Thibedi Ramontja, told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday that all issues relating to Optimum mine became centralised in the office of former minister Mosebenzi Zwane when he arrived at the department in late 2015.
Zwane took over Optimum Mine-related issues on appointment as minister
15 March 2019
Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas has refuted claims by Duduzane Zuma that the only reason the latter drove him to the Gupta family home in Saxonwold on 23 October 2015 was to help settle a spat between Jonas and Duduzane’s long-time friend Fana Hlongwane.
Jonas sticks to his story under cross-examination
18 March 2019
Former public enterprises minister Lynne Brown brought changes to the Denel board in mid-2015 that contributed to its financial freefall and did not speak to the needs of the arms company at that time.
Denel board appointed without following proper processes
20 March 2019
The board of directors appointed at state-owned arms company Denel in 2015 did not only embark on a deal with VR Laser without sufficiently researching market appetite for this new entity, but a consequence of the deal is that Denel lost a lot of money in the process, while VR Laser was the main beneficiary.
Lynne Brown a major player in Denel’s ill-advised moves
20 March 2019
The takeover of VR Laser, the company allegedly used by the Gupta family to advance a venture with Denel and establish the controversial Denel Asia, was detailed by its former shareholder and COO Madoda Benny Jiyane at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday, 19 March.
VR Laser’s Jiyane swiftly and sneakily forced out by Gupta cronies
21 March 2019
The only reason former Denel head Riaz Saloojee lost his job in 2016 was because he was a stumbling block to all Gupta attempts to do irregular business with the state-owned arms manufacturer.
Denel Asia nothing but a money-making scheme for Guptas
22 March 2019
Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Friday that he told an ANC national executive committee meeting in 2011 of his anger and irritation at finding out from by Ajay Gupta of his impending promotion from deputy minister of police to minister of sports and recreation the previous year.
Mbalula was concerned about the Guptas’ growing influence and power
26 March 2019
Former Bosasa auditor Peet Venter told the Zondo commission that he was threatened by former Bosasa COO turned whistle-blower Angelo Agrizzi to get him to participate in Agrizzi’s plan to expose Bosasa CEO Gavin Watson.
Agrizzi, Van Tonder plotted to expose Gavin Watson and take Bosasa down
27 March 2019
On his second day of testimony at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture, former Bosasa auditor Peet Venter told the commission that the firm’s CEO Gavin Watson asked him numerous times to do illegal things.
June 2019
3 June 2019
Former ANN7 editor Rajesh Sundaram described his role in helping to set up in 2013 what he called a television station for the “mafia” who just wanted to spew out propaganda to South Africans, as the biggest regret of his career. Sundaram started testifying at the Zondo Commission today.
ANN7 train wreck run by Number 9
3 June 2019
Recruited in India in 2013, Rajesh Sundaram was never even interviewed as is the requirement for visa applicants, and his application was largely expedited through Gupta associate Ashu Chawla, who had influence with the office of then president Jacob Zuma. Sundaram had his visa within a day of submitting the relevant documentation.
Visa laws flouted in favour of Gupta employee
5 June 2019
In determining the best choice of loans to fund the multi-billion-rand locomotives procurement project that was concluded in 2014, Transnet executives may have opted to use the concept of interest rate swaps strategically to the benefit of their loan fixers, among them Regiments.
Only loan fixers and banks benefited from Transnet’s interest rate swaps
6 June 2019
The latest former Transnet executive to testify before the commission of inquiry into state capture – Mathane Makgatho, who headed up the treasury unit – has laid bare the deliberate side-lining of her department during the locomotives procurement process, by then group CFO Anoj Singh.
Singh brushed aside concerns with Regiments’ role in Transnet procurement
6 June 2019
Former Transnet group treasurer Mathane Makgatho has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that she often butted heads with her former boss, Anoj Singh, on matters pertaining to project funding within the parastatal. In the lead-up to the acquisition of 1 054 locomotives in 2014 in particular, she would begin to see a pattern forming of the former group CFO deliberately undermining her role.
Singh defended Regiments’ intrusion on Transnet procurement processes
7 June 2019
In concluding her testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday, former Transnet group treasurer Mathane Makgatho described a toxic environment that was so bad for her security and her health, it led to her resignation at the end of November 2014, just 20 months into the position.
Toxic Transnet environment drove people away
10 June 2019
Former Transnet chief information officer Makano Mosidi testified before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday that a memorandum signed by her, recommending that the parastatal award a data services contract to IT company T-Systems, was signed under duress, and while recommendations she had made had not been followed.
T-Systems awarded Transnet tender against CIO’s recommendation
10 June 2019
A Transnet board meeting in January 2017 that was to rubber-stamp a tender process for a data services contract ended up becoming an attack of the parastatal’s systems by former director Stanley Shane.
Transnet’s Gijima/T-Systems data services tender debacle
10 June 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday heard how Siyabonga Gama cautioned a compromised former chief information officer of Transnet, Makano Mosidi, of the dangers of procurement, where one could endanger their life if not careful.
Transnet’s Siyabonga Gama to CIO: Procurement is a dangerous game
11 June 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Tuesday how executives of telecommunications provider Neotel failed to dupe auditors Deloitte in 2015 when the latter picked up irregular payments to Gupta-linked company Homix, in relation to a R1.8-billion Transnet contract awarded to Neotel.
The dodgy dealings of Neotel and Transnet (with a little help from Homix)
12 June 2019
Former National Prosecuting Authority head Mxolisi Nxasana has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that he did not have to undergo an interview ahead of his appointment to the position in 2013. Nxasana is the first witness to have been called on the directive of chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
No interview required for Nxasana appointment
12 June 2019
While on the face of it he was warmly welcomed to the position of national director of public prosecutions in October 2013, Mxolisi Nxasana has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that his predecessor, Advocate Nomgqobo Jiba, was waging an active campaign to have him removed.
NPA officials, including Jiba, manoeuvred to get rid of Nxasana
14 June 2019
What started out as a quest for South African Airways to secure a debt consolidation loan in 2015 became a case of gross flouting of its procurement processes, largely at the hands of its board. This has been the evidence of the financially unstable airline’s former treasurer, Cynthia Stimpel, whose objection to a board-proposed move to get the funding from the Free State Development Corporation led to her suspension in late 2016.
SAA board interfered in procurement processes
18 June 2019
Former SAA chief financial officer Phumeza Nhantsi says her initiation into the state-owned entity involved engaging formal processes in reverse, at the behest of a board that flouted procurement prescripts. Nhantsi told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday that she was used as a vehicle by other people to enrich themselves.
“Throughout this process, I did things in reverse”, former SAA CFO admits
19 June 2019
The former CFO of South African Airways, Phumeza Nhantsi, has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that she endured severe pressure from the airline’s then chairperson Dudu Myeni on the one hand and Masotsha Mngadi of BNP Capital on the other to sign off on an irregular cancellation fee for the company in 2016.
SAA’s former CFO feared for her job and life when dealing with Dudu Myeni
20 June 2019
The focus of the inquiry on Wednesday was a contract for handling services on behalf of SA Express at Mahikeng and Pilanesberg airports. Senior provincial and national politicians have been named at the commission of inquiry into state capture as alleged beneficiaries of an elaborate scheme to move money from the local carrier to the ruling party’s coffers.
SA Express money allegedly financed ANC political activities
24 June 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture has been urged to consider recommending stricter regulation of
businesses involved in the regular movement of money to avoid loopholes used by money launderers and fraudsters.
Evidence leader says commission should seek stricter controls of cash industry
25 June 2019
A company contracted by South African Airways (SAA) in 2016 to provide fuel to some to some of its major route stations has failed to live up to its obligations to the national airline – despite being roped into SAA’s quest to achieve transformation by securing a portion of its fuel business for a black-owned entity.
SAA contractor’s role expanded without following procurement process
26 June 2019
Former South African Airways CEO Sizakele Mzimela told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday that former minister of public enterprises Malusi Gigaba’s tenure saw a breakdown of governance within the national airline.
Gigaba allowed SAA governance and communication to deteriorate
26 June 2019
Of all the issues that former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba preoccupied himself with at crisis-riddled
South African Airways a mere three months in office, the proposed closure of a route between Johannesburg and Mumbai, India was uppermost on his priority list. The proposal had come from a competitor on the route, India-based Jet Airways.
Decision on Mumbai route change seemingly made without SAA CEO’s knowledge
28 June 2019
Former Inline director Brandon King informed the commission by affidavit, to clarify a point in BNP director Daniel Mahlangu’s statement, that sole facilitator Masotsha Mngadi had asked BNP to use King’s details in the documentation, instead of Mngadi’s, to conceal his part in the process.
BNP facilitator’s conflict of interest concealed in SAA tender bid
April 2019
1 April 2019
The 2009 Special Investigating Unit report on facilities management company Bosasa was compromised by a court interdict in the early stages of the probe in 2007 that prohibited investigators from interviewing material witnesses.
SIU’s Bosasa investigation hamstrung from start
3 April 2019
Advocate Marijke de Kock, senior prosecutor with the National Prosecuting Authority, told the commission of inquiry on state capture on Tuesday that the documents relating to Bosasa’s fraud and corruption case, submitted by the company’s former COO Angelo Agrizzi to the commission, were authentic NPA records leaked during her investigation several years ago.
More light shed on NPA papers leaked to Bosasa
5 April 2019
Former Free State MEC for economic development Mxolisi Dukwana told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday how he was set up by his boss Ace Magashule in 2011 to meet with Rajesh Gupta, who demanded a partnership in a major innovation project under his department.
Former Free State MEC tells of Magashule’s relationship with Guptas
8 April 2019
The chairperson of the commission of inquiry into state capture deputy chief justice Raymond Zondo on Monday slammed his legal team for its failure to adhere to the commission’s rules regarding notices given to people implicated by witnesses who testify before the commission.
Chairperson displeased with second McBride postponement
11 April 2019
The crime intelligence component of South Africa’s law enforcement network was primarily used to frustrate the work of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) for years, the commission of inquiry into state capture heard from former Ipid head Robert McBride on Thursday.
McBride tells of systematic weakening of Ipid under state capture
11 April 2019
The bulk of former Independent Police Investigating Directorate head Robert McBride’s testimony on Thursday focused on the illegal renditions case over which his office presided, that involved former Hawks head Anwar Dramat and his then Gauteng provincial counterpart, General Shadrack Sibiya.
Ipid’s independence compromised by ministerial interference
12 April 2019
Former police minister Nathi Nhleko acted incorrectly in suspending former Hawks head Anwar Dramat and his Ipid counterpart Robert McBride in 2014 and 2015 respectively, as he sought to pursue the agenda of rendering the two institutions dysfunctional.
Nhleko worked hard to destabilise Ipid, McBride reveals
15 April 2019
A notion that Robert McBride and former Hawks head Anwa Dramat know each other personally and are from the same background may have been the motivation behind the political smear campaign accusing McBride of trying to protect a guilty Dramat in the alleged 2010 illegal renditions case over which he was suspended in 2014 and later resigned.
Campaign against McBride, Dramat politically motivated
15 April 2019
Robert McBride, former head of the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid), and two of his executives were exonerated in 2015 following what he calls a politically charged campaign to get rid of him. This, he said, was for the corruption he exposed in the South African Police Service over his five-year Ipid term.
Determined efforts to get rid of McBride, Dramat
15 April 2019
Former Ipid head McBride told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday that his successor, Israel Kgamanyane, who was appointed in an acting capacity, lied to Parliament when he reported that the performance of the agency had improved while McBride was suspended.
Mdluli, Zuma investigations the reason for dismissals of Dramat and Sibiya
16 April 2019
The South African Police Service (Saps) runs on a system of patronage – “I do favours for my seniors, I get promoted” – which has a serious consequence for South Africa’s fight against corruption, unless it is curbed, said former Ipid head Robert McBride on Tuesday.
Saps used dirty tricks to go after Ipid, O’Sullivan and Trent
17 April 2019
Before the first whistle of the iconic 2010 Fifa World Cup had gone off, controversial KwaZulu-Natal businessman Thoshan Panday had started making himself lots of money by supplying the provincial police office with services for which invoices were grossly inflated, with the help of senior officials.
Hawks investigation into KZN businessman Panday ruffled feathers
17 April 2019
A mutual friend of former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen and Edward Zuma attempted to get the latter’s father, former president Jacob Zuma, to intervene during a tense period when Booysen was investigating an apparent business associate of Edward’s, Thoshan Panday, in 2010. Booysen began testifying before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday.
Panday called in Zuma assistance when the trap tightened
17 April 2019
Detailing what sounded like the plot in a Hollywood detective movie, former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday of events that occurred between 2010 and 2011 while he investigated the alleged corruption between Durban businessman Thoshan Panday and senior officials in the province’s police headquarters.
KZN police commissioner protected controversial businessman Panday
18 April 2019
Despite all efforts of the KwaZulu-Natal Hawks to bring Durban businessman Thoshan Panday and Navin Madhoe, his accomplice in the provincial South African Police Service (Saps), to book after a lengthy investigation of corruption, charges against them for the attempt to bribe Johan Booysen were withdrawn.
Corrupt accused pulled out all the stops to avoid prosecution
26 April 2019
Advocates Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mrwebi, who were both implicated in Bosasa’s bribery scheme, have been sent packing from the National Prosecuting Authority by President Cyril Ramaphosa, on the recommendation of retired Constitutional Court Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, who oversaw a commission of inquiry that sought to determine the pair’s fitness for office.
The Zondo Commission is on a break at the moment and will resume on 2 May 2019.
May 2019
2 May 2019
Not long after he fingered Durban businessman Thoshan Panday for attempting to bribe him in 2011 to evade prosecution, former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks head Johan Booysen was himself facing prosecution and fighting to keep his job.
Booysen describes determined efforts to work him out of KZN Hawks
3 May 2019
Former KZN Hawks head Johan Booysen told the Zondo Commission that in mid-August 2015 he too was invited to the Johannesburg home of the Gupta family, by Duduzane Zuma, the son of former president Jacob Zuma.
Booysen was also invited to the Gupta family home
3 May 2019
Johan Booysen told the Zondo Commission that former police crime intelligence boss Richard Mdluli enjoyed the protection of not only former national police commissioner Riah Phiyega and police minister Nathi Mthethwa, but also senior prosecutors within the National Prosecuting Authority, who stopped at nothing to get rid of his enemies.
Booysen details Saps’ dodgy manoeuvres to get rid of him
3 May 2019
Richard Mdluli was the Achilles Heel for politicians and senior law enforcement officials alike, because of the protection he required from prosecution for his alleged crimes while he headed up the South African Police Service’s crime intelligence unit.
Mdluli was protected by Phiyega, Mthethwa, and NPA prosecutors
7 May 2019
Brian Molefe spearheaded Transnet’s capture from the time he was appointed in 2011, but it was former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba who enabled it by appointing the directors that he did, when he came into the portfolio in late 2010.
Brian Molefe, Malusi Gigaba drove Transnet capture
9 May 2019
One of the reasons for state-owned freight and rail entity Transnet’s vulnerability to capture was that although it had an extensive governance structure on paper, it applied only to tenders under a certain value, and on many occasions, contracts were signed off without the stipulated processes of evaluation being followed.
Transnet group procurement processes were opaque and inconsistent
10 May 2019
An unbundling of a R619m payment by Brian Molefe into four separate payments meant that although the full value of the funds went to McKinsey, the payments avoided scrutiny because board approval was not required.
Molefe did not have to get board approval for unbundled payments
15 May 2019
The biggest winner out of Transnet’s multi-billion-rand locomotives contract in 2014 was Gupta-linked consultancy firm Regiments, which had not even been part of the original bid for the contract, but was slipped in through the back door with the help of Brian Molefe and Anoj Singh.
Cost of Transnet locomotive deal inexplicably increased by billions
16 May 2019
The projected cost of Transnet’s locomotive procurement project – which was approved by the parastatal’s board on the back of a memorandum by then group CEO Brian Molefe – stood at R54-billion, via a confinement that did not follow supply chain processes.
Transnet paid agency millions for work it could have done in-house
16 May 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Thursday how in May 2016 consultancy firm Regiments ceded its contractual obligations for Transnet’s multi-billion-rand locomotives contract to Trillian Capital Partners, with the help of a confinement process facilitated by former group CEO Siyabonga Gama.
Trillian paid R82m for work it did not do
17 May 2019
A business proposal presented to the Transnet board in January 2014 to request a confinement to China South Rail (CSR) in the procurement of 100 electric and diesel locomotives for use on the company’s coal line between Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal was grossly flawed, and should never have been approved.
Flawed proposal for locomotives approved despite engineer’s questions
20 May 2019
Transnet’s alleged irregular management of its R54-billion locomotives contract in 2014 did not end at the bias displayed in the manufacturer contracts, or the inflated costs of supplier services, obtained from a monopoly of Gupta-related companies, but also extended to the delivery programme for the 1 064 locomotives being procured.
Accelerated locomotive delivery plan a financial burden for Transnet
23 May 2019
A shelf company that made over R70-million for the supposed relocation of manufacturing operations in the implementation phase of Transnet’s 1 064 locomotives project was at the centre of the proceedings at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday.
Company that scored millions from Transnet probably not genuine
24 May 2019
Transnet’s tender dispute regulations came under scrutiny at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday during the testimony of Sharla Chetty (nee Pillay), the chief information officer of Transnet Port Terminals – particularly in relation to her award of a multimillion-rand network services tender to Neotel in October 2013, during the absence of group CEO Brian Molefe, in whose position Chetty was acting at the time.
Transnet’s tender dispute regulations under discussion
27 May 2019
An offer to Transnet from IT company T-Systems of a R248-million discount in pursuit of the parastatal’s network services tender in late 2013, actually came from government – according to Gerhard van der Westhuizen, who worked in the procurement division of Transnet until 2014.
Molefe deliberately flouted Transnet procurement policy
28 May 2019
An ongoing investigation by Mncedisi Ndlovu and Sedumedi Attorneys (MNS) has found that China South Rail (CSR), the Chinese company that won a R2.6-billion Transnet tender for 95 locomotives enjoyed preferential treatment from executives at the state-owned entity – so much so that Transnet’s own procurement rules were bent to suit CSR, when it failed to qualify in the very first round of the tender evaluation process.
Transnet favoured CSR by changing its own rules
28 May 2019
Former public enterprises minister Malusi Gigaba allegedly played the role of enabler in Transnet’s contravention of government’s preferential procurement law in the state-owned entity’s R54-billion locomotives project, first entered into in 2012.
Gigaba encouraged Transnet to flout Treasury conditions
28 May 2019
China South Rail’s second contract with Transnet, for 100 locomotives, saw CSR calling the shots after being approved on an allegedly flawed confinement basis, a high-level investigation into Transnet has found.
Transnet allowed CSR to dictate terms and defy contract conditions
July 2019
1 July 2019
Apart from giving instructions for the appointments and dismissals of senior executives without following due processes, former South African Airways chairperson Dudu Myeni was not above fabricating whistle-blower complaints to taint members of staff whom she wanted removed.
Myeni hired and fired at will at SAA
2 July 2019
Tony Gupta wanted government to allow his family to hold a welcome party on the tarmac of OR Tambo International Airport in 2013, most likely to prove his influence and importance to guests from India who were coming to a family wedding.
Guptas pushed for permission to hold a party on ORTIA tarmac
3 July 2019
The commission of inquiry heard how former chief of state protocol and now ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane, abused the names of former president Jacob Zuma, as well as ministers Ben Martins and Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, to approve the landing.
Guptas defied govt resistance to special aircraft landing arrangements
8 July 2019
Jerry Matjila, former director-general for the Department of International Relations (Dirco), has described to the commission of inquiry into state capture the panic within the department after the Gupta family landed a private aircraft at Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria in 2013.
Dirco panic as unsanctioned Waterkloof landing was followed by wayward guests
8 July 2019
“I was just acting purely under the presumption that there had been total compliance [by the high commissioner],” said former chief of state protocol and now ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane, in relation to the approval of the landing of a civilian aircraft, carrying Gupta wedding guests, at Waterkloof air base in 2013. “It’s important to note that I didn’t say approve or decline the request. I just said process the request so the process of clearance can be conducted.”
Koloane claims misunderstanding led to DoD’s Gupta Waterkloof approval
9 July 2019
Six years after the Gupta plane landing saga at Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria, South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane, has admitted to name dropping, using the names of former president Jacob Zuma and two of his cabinet ministers to expedite the flight clearance process for the aircraft carrying the Gupta family’s wedding guests.
Koloane on Gupta Waterkloof landing: “I abused the power of my office”
10 July 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday received a reconciliation of payments made by Transnet in respect of the locomotives deals that were the focus of its attention in May. The biggest shocker was the amount paid to Gupta-linked Regiments for R305-million for advisory services in relation to the R49-billion 1 064 locomotives deal of 2014.
To date, Regiments has scored R305-million from Transnet
11 July 2019
Major Thabo Ntshisi, the Department of Defence official who cleared the private flight from India in April 2013 that landed at the Waterkloof air force base with guests of the Gupta family, denies that he acted under duress from Bruce Koloane to do so, despite the former chief of state protocol having not supplied the requisite paperwork for such a request.
Wheeling and dealing for Gupta Waterkloof landing clearance
12 July 2019
A second company allegedly used to re-channel funds from a R51-million per annum contract by SA Express (SAX) in 2015 has come under the spotlight of the commission of inquiry into state capture. Neo Solutions CEO Vivien Natasen testified on Friday to transactions by former SAX general manager for commercial, Brian van Wyk, which involved Natasen’s company.
Bribes for politicians all in a day’s work for SAX’s Brian van Wyk
15 July 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture, like many other structures before it, is the product of intelligence forces within and outside the ANC who are conducting a campaign to discredit former president Jacob Zuma. The spies have long had a campaign to discredit Zuma and remove him from any position of leadership. This was the gist of Zuma’s opening remarks before the commission on Monday.
Zuma claims conspiracies and smear campaigns against him
15 July 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma told the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture that he does not recall making the call to Themba Maseko, telling him to assist the Gupta brothers. Maseko at that time was CEO of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). During his appearance at the commission in August 2018, Maseko said Zuma had called him and told him to help the Guptas in their pursuit for an alternative newspaper and television station.
Zuma’s memory blank on asking Themba Maseko to assist Guptas
16 July 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma returned to the stand before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday. He testified that he did not recall interfering in the work of the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) in relation to the Gupta-owned New Age newspaper, as per the testimony of former GCIS CEO Themba Maseko in August last year.
Zuma claims limited contact with Guptas during set-up of the New Age
16 July 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma’s legal counsel has accused the head of the state capture commission’s legal team, Advocate Paul Pretorius, of trying to invoke certain emotions with his way of questioning. Zuma’s legal team objected to the line of questioning at this morning’s session, claiming Pretorius wants the commission chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, to read something into it, and that Zuma was ambushed in an unfair cross-examination.
Zuma’s counsel objects to “unfair” line of questioning
17 July 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma refutes the claims made by the former minister of public enterprises Barbara Hogan. Hogan told the commission in November last year that Zuma interfered heavily with senior appointments and wanted specific candidates even if they did not meet the requirements. Zuma denied this on his third appearance at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture.
Zuma cannot remember insisting on Gama’s appointment as Transnet CEO
19 July 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma will continue to participate in the process of the commission of inquiry into state capture, despite having withdrawn earlier on the basis of unfair conduct. Zuma’s lawyer, Advocate Muzi Sikhakhane, had earlier on Friday declared that his client may even consider challenging the commission’s conduct against him in court.
Zuma reverses direction on withdrawal from state capture commission
19 July 2019
After a meeting between Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, the commission’s counsel and Zuma’s counsel in the chairperson’s chambers, all parties reached common ground for Zuma to continue giving evidence before the commission. This was after he had earlier said, through his lawyers, that he was withdrawing.
Zuma supporters demand equal treatment for all witnesses
22 July 2019
The Free State provincial legislature failed to hold former premier Ace Magashule and his agriculture MEC Mosebenzi Zwane accountable in 2013 after the alleged looting in the Vrede dairy farm project started, the commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Monday. On the witness stand to kick off the commission’s focus on the project – through which over R280-million is alleged to have been looted – was Roy Jankielsohn, a member of the legislature representing the DA.
Free State govt failed to act on alleged Vrede Dairy corruption
August 2019
13 August 2019
Former Free State agriculture MEC Mosebenzi Zwane pressured Phumelela municipality into leasing farming land for the Estina dairy farm project in 2012, to the extent that his team drew up the resolutions – usually done by council – that would give the project the green light. This was the testimony of former municipal manager Moses Moremi before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Phumelela municipal council rushed into Vrede deal with no consideration
15 August 2019
The Free State government went with Indian company Paras in the Estina integrated dairy farm project in 2012 because no-one in South Africa was interested in supporting it, according to Peter Thabethe, the former head of the provincial agriculture department – and implicated by several witnesses in spearheading the project, which was allegedly mismanaged and from which over R200-million has reportedly been looted, leaving its intended beneficiaries out in the cold.
Former Free State agriculture head Thabethe discusses his role in Vrede saga
19 August 2019
Former justice minister Jeff Radebe initiated the push in 2014 for Mxolisi Nxasana to vacate his position as the national director of public prosecutions, which eventually happened in 2015. According to Nxasana, former president Jacob Zuma seemed to be under immense pressure to fire him, following some false rumour peddling by Nomgcobo Jiba and Lawrence Mrwebi that Nxasana would reinstate corruption charges against Zuma.
Jiba, Mrwebi spread rumours to induce Zuma to fire Mxolisi Nxasana
20 August 2019
Former head of the Free State agriculture department Peter Thabethe has conceded that he went into an agreement with Gupta-linked Estina in 2012 to run the provincial government’s multi-million-rand dairy farm project in Vrede with no feasibility study in hand, nor approval from the local municipality to use its land.
No due diligence or feasibility study done before Estina deal drawn up
26 August 2019
A former senior staffer in the office of former minister in the presidency, the late Collins Chabane, has confirmed before the commission of inquiry into state capture that the minister did indeed receive an instruction in 2011 from former president Jacob Zuma to fire Themba Maseko. In his testimony before the commission Zuma denied that he had given such an instruction.
Zuma lied about Maseko sacking, says official
28 August 2019
Former Free State MEC of economic development Mxolisi Dukwana wants to see ANC secretary–general Ace Magashule in jail for his involvement in what he calls the “asbestos heist” during Magashule’s time as premier. Dukwana is testifying before the commission of inquiry into state capture, and is into his second day.
“Blesser” Ace should be in jail
29 August 2019
Evidence led at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday focused on the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) funding to EML Energy, the black-owned company roped into the fuel procurement strategy of South African Airways (SAA) in 2016 in the name of transformation. The IDC’s chief risk officer, Mark Mainganya, was in the witness chair.
Lax approval process for multi-million-rand IDC loans
29 August 2019
Two months after giving evidence before the commission of inquiry into state capture in June, Mahikeng businesswoman Babadi Tlatsana has fled the country in fear for her safety. Tlatsana’s destination remains a secret.
September 2019
03 September 2019
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) CEO Mzwamadoda Mxakwe says the public broadcaster has met all the pre-conditions for a government bailout, but to date has not received it. A bailout is the only way that the SABC – currently sitting on a debt of R1.8-billion – will be able to rise to the surface again. He testified on Tuesday before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
SABC needs bailout to survive, says CEO
03 September 2019
The editorial integrity of the SABC suffered a knock when a breakdown of governance systems was allowed over a long period, leading to a newsroom that operated on “auto-pilot”. This is according to Phatiswa Magopeni, the public broadcaster’s head of news, who testified before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday.
External interference caused ‘serious decay’ at SABC
04 September 2019
The commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday heard how, in early 2012, members of the Gupta family lobbied for an SABC channel to start up their broadcast news offering to then group CEO Lulama Mokhobo, just one week after she had occupied the position. Mokhobo testified that then acting COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng took her to the Saxonwold home of the Guptas, only telling her that someone wanted to congratulate her on her appointment.
SABC’s irregular dealings with the Guptas
05 September 2019
Bruce Koloane has resigned as South Africa’s ambassador to the Netherlands, said Naledi Pandor, minister in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), in response to an oral question in Parliament on Wednesday.
Bruce Koloane resigns as Netherlands ambassador
09 September 2019
“Everything was done in good faith, on the understanding that it was helping the SABC.” This is the justification given by former SABC board chairperson Dr Ben Ngubane on Monday for the appointment of Hlaudi Motsoeneng as acting COO in 2011. It was his strong people skills that won Motsoeneng the confidence of the board. Ngubane was testifying before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Motsoeneng’s ‘people skills’ helped him rapidly climb the ladder
10 September 2019
Hlaudi Motsoeneng has blamed bad advice given to him in 1995 by Marie Swanepoel, an official at the SABC in the Free State, for the narrative of lying about his lack of matric, that has dogged his profile at the public broadcaster. He conceded that he had never applied for any of the positions he held at the public broadcaster, but was head hunted from the start, due to his talent.
Motsoeneng “I’m the main man who influenced decisions of the SABC”
17 September 2019
Because it is very easy to abuse state assets when you work in the crime intelligence unit of the South African Police Service (Saps), some of its senior officials did so with impunity for years. As a result of this, crime intelligence abused the system of classifying documents to hide corruption and fraud.
Police crime intelligence corruption revealed
18 Sepember 2019
On his second day of testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday, Hawks investigator Kobus Roelofse named senior journalist Ranjeni Munusamy and Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa as beneficiaries of proceeds from an illegal scheme in which the secret service account (SSA) of the crime intelligence (CI) unit of the police was abused.
Cars, private trips, home security upgrades paid for by illegal CI scheme
19 September 2019
The almost decade-long investigation into alleged fraud and corruption against former head of crime intelligence (CI) Lieutenant-General Richard Mdluli and former procurement head Colonel Heine Barnard has been frustrated at all levels, including that of national police commissioner. It became clear to Hawks senior investigator Colonel Kobus Roelofse, though, that the classified documents kept from him possibly incriminated more than just Mdluli and Barnard, but important people outside the South African Police Service (Saps) too. He returned for his third day of testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday.
Mdluli investigation deliberately hampered at all levels
25 September 2019
“No matter how much we tried to explain these issues, it was clear that the decision had already been made that we must be removed.” This is the evidence of the head of investigations for the Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) Matthews Sesoko to the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday. He was describing the distress suffered by himself and the directorate’s former executive director Robert McBride after they stood up against the purging of senior Hawks officials.
Nhleko was out to get Ipid’s Sesoko and McBride
26 September 2019
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has ordered that the testimony of crime intelligence (CI) official Colonel Dhanajaya Naidoo be heard in camera by the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday.
The order, which was in response to an application by Naidoo, is the first of its kind for the commission, which began with public hearings in August last year.
First in-camera witness for Zondo
30 September 2019
Journalist Ranjeni Munusamy had her car repaired by the police’s crime intelligence (CI) unit in 2008 in return for her positive reporting on the division. This was alleged by former CI official Colonel Dhanajaya Naidoo on his second day of testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday. Naidoo continues to testify in camera as he is currently under witness protection.
October 2019
01 October 2019
Although he never had any cash advances made out in his name, former crime intelligence (CI) head General Richard Mdluli was responsible for about R5-million of the unit’s funds being spent on the salaries and workrelated expenses of seven relatives employed under suspicious circumstances by CI. These employees very rarely presented themselves for duty, and would spend their time either shopping or maxing out petrol cards issued by CI. Theirs were among 250 appointments that would later catch the eye of the Hawks.
Mdluli nepotism, lease scheme revealed-converted
02 October 2019
Former crime intelligence (CI) officer Dhanajaya Naidoo closed off his testimony at the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture with a tearful apology for his role in the looting of CI’s secret service account. Naidoo made more revelations about the looting of the slush fund and the intelligence officers who unlawfully benefited from the account.
CI slush fund used for private perks-converted
03 October 2019
The Vrede dairy farm project was again the topic under discussion at the commission of inquiry into state capture as former head of the Free State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Peter Thabethe, made a return to the stand. Thabethe’s first round of testimony had to be adjourned after his legal team allegedly ditched him. He came back to give evidence about his role in the controversial dairy farm project.
Gupta wedding flight opened Vrede dairy can of worms
07 October 2019
For years there has been a strong narrative of Duduzane Zuma being a fixer and conduit between the Gupta family and influential government leaders, and it does not surprise him that details of such would surface before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Zondo commission – Duduzane denies all allegations of impropriety
08 October 2019
Duduzane Zuma has told the commission of inquiry that the court of public opinion has rendered him a corrupt individual, despite the contrary being true, mainly due to the narrative put forward by the media over the years. He returned to the commission on Tuesday to wrap up his testimony
“I am looked at as a criminal,” says Duduzane
11 October 2019
The US has blacklisted the Gupta family, in a move praised by Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, on Thursday. Meanwhile, the dates for the return of former president Jacob Zuma to the commission of inquiry into state capture were confirmed.
Guptas on US blacklist, and the imminent return of Jacob Zuma
16 October 2019
The Guptas were no strangers to the structures of the Free State provincial government and were known to many officials who worked there – so much so that a mid-2010 executive committee meeting discussing a proposal to advertise in, and subscribe, to their New Age newspaper gave the administration the green light to do this.
Guptas were familiar in Free State government circles
17 October 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma will no longer appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture next week as previously announced by its chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo.
Zuma’s October appearance cancelled, November still on the schedule
31 October 2019
Mark Pamensky, the man reported to have been the Gupta ally within the board of Eskom when the family held lucrative coal contracts, took the stand at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday. Pamensky, a qualified auditor, told the commission that he applied for a position on the power utility’s board in response to a newspaper advert in late 2014, with the intention to help the company reverse the financial disarray it was in at the time. He was at Eskom from December 2014 to November 2016.
November 2019
01 November 2019
The Chairperson has decided to postpone the evidence of the witnesses scheduled to appear on Monday, 4 and Tuesday, 5 November 2019 to a date to be determined in due course. The hearings of the Commission will therefore resume on Wednesday, 6 November 2019 at the City of Johannesburg Council Chamber, 158 Civic Boulevard, Braamfontein.
Media statement 01 November 2019
05 November 2019
The former President, Mr JG Zuma, will will continue testimony before the Commission from 11 November 2019 to 15 November 2019.
Media statement (Mr JG ZUMA) 05 November 2019
05 November 2019
The Commission has been informed by the legal representatives of the former President, Mr JG Zuma, that he is ill and unable to attend the hearings scheduled for 11-15 November 2019.
Media statement (Pres ZUMA) 05 November 2019
06 Novemebr 2019
Former government spokesperson Themba Maseko returned to the witness chair at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday to provide more information on his 2011 transfer from the Government Communications Information System (GCIS) to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA).
Procedures not followed in Maseko removal from GCIS
07 November 2019
Mzwanele Manyi told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday that he did not have a special relationship with the Guptas during his tenure in government, but supported their New Age newspaper on the basis that it challenged the industry status quo with its unique approach to advertising.
Manyi defends GCIS’ liaison with the New Age-converted
18 November 2019
Former British MP Lord Peter Hain told the Zondo commission today that South African banks were complicit in the Gupta family’s money laundering activities.
Banks complicit in Gupta money laundering, says Hain
19 November 2019
Former director-general (DG) in the Presidency Reverend Frank Chikane is of the view that state capture could have been arrested if the political will to do so had existed when it first reared its head.
Chikane says state capture could have been stopped
19 November 2019
Former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas refused to co-operate with the Hawks in its investigation of the Gupta family, even after the intervention of then Hawks head General Berning Ntlemeza, despite his public announcement that Ajay Gupta offered him a bribe.
Hawks deputy head questions truth of Jonas’ testimony
21 November 2019
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 21 November at 10h00.
Media Advisory The Commission Of Inquiry Into Sate Capture Resumes On 21 November 2019
21 November 2019
Former minister of international relations and co-operation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane told the Zondo commission today that former president Jacob Zuma was aware of who Bruce Koloane was before he appointed him as the South African ambassador to the Netherlands.
Koloane’s Waterkloof transgression not a problem for Dirco
24 November 2019
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 25 November at 10h00.
Media Advisory The Commission Of Inquiry Into State Capture Resumes On 25 November 2019
25 November 2019
Former South African Revenue Service commissioner Tom Moyane should be able to defend himself against state capture allegations made against him by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan before the Zondo commission – provided that by 15 January 2020, he submits an affidavit stating clearly his position on Gordhan’s assertion that he used his position as commissioner to advance the objectives of state capture.
Moyane may cross-examine Gordhan, subject to affidavit submission
26 November 2019
The make-up of the state intelligence services in South Africa changed drastically when former president Jacob Zuma came into office in 2009, notably going against the principles in the Constitution that aimed to preserve it from interference and capture.
Intelligence services restructured to protect the state, says Mo Shaik
27 November 2019
Transnet’s procurement plan for its 1 064 locomotives project in 2013 saw an unreasonable increase in estimated cost from R38.6-billion to R54.9-billion, which is unjustifiable. The estimated cost to company (ETC) included in the business case approved by the board around the middle of 2013, made allowance for a 41% increase, whereas an 11% increase would have done just fine.
Unjustifiable increase in cost of Transnet locomotives project-converted
December 2019
03 December 2019
Former president Jacob Zuma has until next Monday to respond through a written submission to an application by journalist Redi Tlhabi to cross-examine him at the commission of inquiry into state capture. This is in connection with evidence given by Zuma during his appearance in July that relates to Tlhabi.
Zuma and Tlhabi may yet face off-converted
03 December 2019
Themba Maseko was not only aware of his move from the Government Communication Information System (GCIS) to the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) in 2011, but even agreed to it, despite telling the commission of inquiry into state capture differently. This is what Maseko’s former boss and then DPSA minister Richard Baloyi told the commission on Tuesday.
Check Maseko’s version properly, commission told
04 December 2019
Fana Hlongwane remembers a lot about a meeting arranged by Duduzane Zuma in which former deputy finance minister Mcebisi Jonas was also present in October 2015, but not the core subject of the trio’s discussion. This despite the fact that the meeting was meant as a platform for him and Jonas to iron out issues that had surfaced, with Zuma being the conduit.
January 2020
13 January 2020
Former president Jacob Zuma plans to oppose an application for a summons to be issued to him to appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture later this month. He has failed to appear on two previous occasions scheduled by the commission, in October and November last year.
Zuma set to oppose Zondo summons say reports
14 January 2020
The application to have the commission of inquiry into state capture issue a summons on former president Jacob Zuma to appear at the end of this month was adjourned on Tuesday for procedural reasons. This is to give the commission’s legal team some time to prepare an answering affidavit to one submitted by Zuma on Monday, citing his unavailability for medical reasons.
14 January 2020
Lieutenant Colonel Christine Anderson, the official in charge of movements at Waterkloof air force base at the time of the landing of the private Indian aircraft carrying guests of the Gupta family, took the stand before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday.
Gupta guests’ landing at Waterkloof in the spotlight again
15 January 2020
Former KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Mmamonye Ngobeni received so much protection from members of the South African Police Service (Saps) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) that a corruption case that implicated her was swept under the carpet.
Thoshan Panday’s dodgy connections with Saps-converted
20 January 2020
The smoking gun in the Thoshan Panday corruption case involving the KwaZulu-Natal South African Police Service (Saps) took the form of a simple-looking notebook in which the businessman’s personal assistant recorded every single detail of his scheme. Forensic investigator Trevor White told this to the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday.
Panday’s dealings with police revealed in assistant’s notebook
22 January 2020
Forensic auditor Trevor White started his 2009 investigation into alleged procurement irregularities in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial government from the bottom up. The accountant-general in National Treasury advised White to proceed thus to avoid the possible muddling of the probe, should he end up finding against politicians.
Details of Amigos case surface in auditors testimony
23 January 2020
Whether or not the commission of inquiry into state capture ends up hearing from former president Jacob Zuma or members of the Gupta family implicated in the evidence of witnesses who have appeared before it, the show will go on and it will conclude its work without their input.
Extension application to be heard on 11 February (1)
23 January 2020
Former Eskom chairperson Zola Tsotsi has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that the blessing for a R43-million sponsorship contract for the Gupta-owned New Age newspaper’s livebroadcast breakfast briefings came from former CEO Colin Matjila soon after his appointment in an acting capacity.
Eskoms Gupta contract under scrutiny
24 January 2020
As was the case with Eskom, Transnet signed a partnership agreement with TNA Media, then owners of the New Age newspaper, without a termination clause, in 2013. Officials who reported to the general manager for shareholder impact Mboniso Sigonyela testified before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday.
February 2020
03 February 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 04 February 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA ADVISORY THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO STATE CAPTURE RESUMES ON 04 February 2020
04 February 2020
An October 2012 meeting with Rajesh “Tony” Gupta at his family’s Saxonwold home was the catalyst for the demise of former South African Airways chairperson and acting CEO Vuyisile Kona, he told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday.
Refusal to treat with Guptas led to former SAA chair’s downfall
05 February 2020
Former SAA board member and SAA Technical (SAAT) chair Yakhe Kwinana has been implicated in a kickback scandal by a witness appearing before the commission of inquiry into state capture. It was in relation to a R1.2-billion contract for aircraft components for SAAT.
R1.2bn SAAT contract, kickback accusers point fingers at each other
06 February 2020
SAA Technical (SAAT) has to date spent just over R1-billion towards a contract that is shrouded with irregular processes, bidder favouritism and possible corruption, according to a senior official. SAAT is the national carrier’s aircraft maintenance division and is solely owned by SAA.
SAA, SAAT procurement irregularities revealed
13 February 2020
Advocate Nontsasa Memela, former head of procurement for SAA Technical (SAAT), has denied all claims of irregularities in the 2016 R1.3-billion tender for aircraft components and maintenance that was awarded by SAAT to a joint venture between South African company JM Aviation and US-based AAR Corp. The SAAT board approved the JM/AAR joint venture, despite recommendations from management of another supplier, Air France, following procurement process.
SAAT procurement head denies claims of irregularities in R1.3bn tender
17 February 2020
Thalente Myeni, the son of former SAA chairperson and close associate of former president Jacob Zuma, Dudu Myeni, appeared before the commission of inquiry into state capture under subpoena on Monday. Myeni was meant to answer to some of the consultancy work linked to his company, Premier Attraction 1016, which has enjoyed numerous consulting contracts across the country, including government-based.
Thalente Myeni kept no records of his company’s business
18 February 2020
Had it not been for the probe into his business affairs by the state capture commission late last year, the safety of the family of KwaZulu-Natal businessman “Mr X”, who has testified in-camera, would not be a cause for concern. For the period that he has testified on Monday and Tuesday, they have been forced to flee their home and take refuge with neighbours, unsure of what might happen to them, he said.
Myeni laundered R3m to Zuma foundation, says scared Mr X
19 February 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Wednesday how former South African Airways chairperson Dudu Myeni ordered the vetting of over 100 executive managers of the airline, supposedly for purposes of combating corruption.
Myeni’s invasive vetting of SAA execs uncovered
21 February 2020
“In as much as SAA is an airline, it can’t operate on autopilot.” This was one of the closing remarks of Polani Sokombela, the man who oversaw the auditing of South African Airways (SAA) by government for the first time in 2017. Sokombela is the head of the business executive unit for the Auditor-General of South Africa (Agsa).
SAA was in state of disarray for years
25 February 2020
Former communications minister Yunus Carrim says his stance on the controversial digital migration led to personal attacks aimed at him by those who benefited from the current analogue broadcasting format. Before the Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture today, the ANC veteran listed media companies Naspers and Multichoice as the ones that went out of their way to destroy his name.
Determination to forge ahead with digital migration was Carrim’s downfall
March 2020
13 March 2020
Popo Molefe’s board arrived in August 2014 to find the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) in the initial stages of an ambitious R172-billion modernisation programme that included infrastructure development and the procurement of trains for commuter services.
Fake qualifications, non-existent job offers, and dodgy contracts at Prasa
13 March 2020
Former Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) board chairperson Popo Molefe has detailed a corrupt state of affairs in place when he took up office at the parastatal – a state which he says operated on the whim of former group CEO Lucky Montana.
Update2-Popo Molefe names Zuma in Prasa shenanigans
16 March 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 16 March 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA_ADVISORY_FOR_COMMISSION_OF_INQUIRY_INTO_STATE_CAPTURE_RESUMES
17 March 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture has heard how the legal department within Prasa is often consulted at the crisis stages of supplier contracts, to save the parastatal, but hardly ever for advisory services in the beginning.
Dodgy suppliers and escalating contract costs all in day’s work at Prasa
May 2020
03 May 2020
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo expects the public hearings of the commission of inquiry into state capture, which he chairs, to resume by the end of June. Among the first group of witnesses expected is former president Jacob Zuma. Zondo addressed a virtual media briefing on Wednesday.
June 2020
30 June 2020
Not only the top structure of the ANC, but also Parliament, were alerted of the widespread corruption at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) that remains unaccounted for. According to former Prasa chairman Popo Molefe, his board made all attempts to hold looters accountable, without success, after the departure of the parastatal’s GCEO Lucky Montana in 2015.
Prasa board fired for pursuing corruption investigation, says Molefe
30 June 2020
Law enforcement agencies came under fire from state capture commission chairperson Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Raymond Zondo on Tuesday, when he bemoaned their sluggish approach to dealing with corruption allegations at the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa).
Hawks and NPA ignored Prasa corruption allegations for years
July 2020
01 July 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday heard of the alleged inappropriate conduct of Judge Nana Makhubele, who chaired an interim board of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa) from 2017 to 2018, in a litigation process brought against Prasa by a service provider.
Conduct of former Prasa chair in question
01 July 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture spent Wednesday probing links between former Prasa CEO Lucky Montana’s property deals from 2013 to 2016 and their suspicious takeover by a company called Precise Trade and Invest. Precise is a shelf company owned by lawyer Riaan Van der Walt, who was at the time a partner at Loubser van der Walt Incorporated.
Montana’s lavish wheeling and dealing in property
05 July 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 06 July 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO STATE CAPTURE RESUMES ON 06 JULY 2020
09 July 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption, and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 10 July 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO STATE CAPTURE RESUMES ON 10 JULY 2020
14 July 2020
The commission of inquiry into allegations of state capture has received praise and criticism alike for its work since its establishment in 2018, but never has its chairperson, Deputy Chief Justice (DCJ) Raymond Zondo, been the subject of a personal complaint, until now.
Zondo commission – Zondo biased, says Montana to JSC
15 July 2020
Mbongiseni Majola, a programme manager at Mhlathuze Water Board who is accused of facilitating a money-laundering scheme that cost the entity millions of rands between 2015 and 2016, is too ill to appear before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Zondo commission – Myeni wingman too ill for inquiry
16 July 2020
PricewaterhouseCoopers auditor Pule Mothibe on Thursday conceded before the commission of inquiry into state capture that his company failed to capture significant irregularities during its auditing of South African Airways (SAA).
PwC’s SAA audits not as clean as auditor made out
17 July 2020
Former Transnet chairperson Mafika Mkwanazi has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that his relationship with members of the Gupta family was limited to two meetings in early 2011 – soon after he was appointed. Mkwanazi met Tony Gupta at the family’s home in Saxonwold in January of that year, at the invitation of the family. Also present on the occasion was Duduzane Zuma.
Mkwanazi_I’m no friend of the Guptas
20 July 2020
Former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane has told the commission of inquiry into state capture that Angelo Agrizzi is motivated by a hatred for women and black people in general, coupled with a political naïveté in which he played into political divisions of the ANC in accusing her of corruption.
Mokonyane denies any relationship with Agrizzi
21 July 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture had a false start on Tuesday to what was meant to be the hearing of further evidence related to Bosasa. It was expected that former national commissioner of prisons, Linda Mti, would take the stand, but he was a no show.
Glitches put halt to Bosasa evidence
21 July 2020
The Commission will no longer have a sitting tomorrow, 22 July 2020, and, on Thursday, 23 July 2020. This follows a decision taken by the Chairperson of the Commission.
24 July 2020
The evidence of Pretoria High Court Judge Nana Makhubele before the commission of inquiry into state capture has been postponed to Monday 3 August 2020, while she is ordered by chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to submit an affidavit responding to allegations made against her by past witnesses, by Wednesday next week.
Another no-show as Makhubele makes excuses
26 July 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will resume on 27 July 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO STATE CAPTURE RESUMES ON 27 JULY 2020
27 July 2020
Former police minister Nathi Nhleko was grilled on Monday over his decision in late 2014 to suspend then Hawks head Anwa Dramat on the recommendation of an internal report that made a different finding against JAhim to that of the Ipid. An investigation by Ipid had been underway since 2012, probing Dramat’s involvement in the renditions of two Zimbabwean nationals sought in that country for murder.
Nhleko in hot seat over Dramat suspension
28 July 2020
The issue of the two Independent Police Investigative Directorate (Ipid) reports of an investigation into misconduct allegations against former Hawks head Anwa Dramat came under the spotlight again on Tuesday at the commission of inquiry into state capture. Dramat was accused of overseeing the illegal rendition of two Zimbabwean nationals in late 2010.
Nhleko says Ipid tried to cover up for Dramat
29 July 2020
The hearings of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State will continue on 30 July 2020 at 10h00.
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR COMMISSION OF THE INQUIRY INTO STATE CAPTURE CONTINUES ON 30 JULY 2020
31 July 2020
If it were not for the arrival of Robert McBride at the Independent Police investigative Directorate (Ipid) in March 2014, there would not be a debate over two back-to-back Ipid reports with conflicting findings on the conduct of former Hawks head Anwa Dramat in a rendition case 10 years ago.
August 2020
03 August 2020
On Monday morning the chairperson of the commission of inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, dismissed yet another application for the postponement of the oral evidence of Judge Nana Makhubele.
Chairperson dismisses another Makhubele application to postpone
04 August 2020
Former director-general (DG) of the Department of Human Settlements Thabane Zulu has been named as one of the alleged indirect beneficiaries of an irregular contract awarded by the Free State government in 2014 in respect of a housing project that never took off, but cost the state over R200- million nevertheless.
Former DG Zulu scored a Maserati from failed FS project
05 August 2020
Judge Nana Makhubele, the former board chairperson of the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (Prasa), has denied that former president Jacob Zuma deployed her to the position in October 2017. Hers was an independent, economic decision that had nothing to with politics.
Prasa role had nothing to do with Zuma says Makhubele
06 August 2020
Former director-general of the Department of Human Settlements Thabane Zulu has denied receiving any benefits for his role in the asbestos eradication project entered into by the Free State government in 2014.
Zulu denies benefiting from asbestos deal
07 August 2020
Slain businessman Ignatius “Igo” Mpambani was not only the mastermind behind the R255-million joint venture (JV) contract entered into with the Free State government for the eradication of asbestos roofing in the province’s houses, but he also offered to “unlock opportunities” in this regard.
Well-connected Mpambani unlocked R255m asbestos deal
07 August 2020
The director of a company that was involved in the 2014 Free State asbestos project has told the commission of inquiry into state capture of a possible concealment of evidence in the matter. Kgotso Manyike’s ORI Group is the only company that did any work in the project, auditing and assessing over 300 000 houses across the province in 2014 in an effort to determine the extent of the need for the replacement of asbestos roofing across the province.
Hidden evidence and false promises in FS asbestos deal
11 August 2020
If government were to insist on cabinet ministers only appointing special advisors from among people known to them, South Africa could run the risk of nepotism and cronyism in these all-important roles. This was the parting shot from former finance minister Des van Rooyen as he responded to the last question, completing his testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday.
Hasty advisor appointments because of time pressure, claims Van Rooyen
12 August 2020
The chairperson of the commission of inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, had harsh words for public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan on Wednesday as he was a no-show for his cross examination by former Sars commissioner Tom Moyane.
No-show Gordhan earns harsh words from chairperson
12 August 2020
Former Prasa attorney Madimpe Mogashoa has confirmed that he received instructions in December 2017 from then interim board chairperson Judge Nana Makhubele to settle claims brought against the agency by contractor Siyaya Group. Until that point, Prasa had urged him to defend the claims.
Former Prasa chair pressured lawyer to settle Siyaya claims
13 August 2020
Frequent trips to Saxonwold, money bags in boots of state cars, and death threats. These are some of the shenanigans about which the commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Thursday.
Former bodyguards reveal shady dealings of high profilers
19 August 2020
Businessman Edwin Sodi struggled to find his way out of a barrage of questions over a spreadsheet presumably meant to detail expenses his company, Blackhead Consulting, was to incur in relation to the R255-million asbestos eradication contract it entered into with the Free State government in 2014.
Deceased Mpambani behind kickback spreadsheet says partner
20 August 2020
Former Ipid head Robert McBride told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday that if the directorate received enough funding from the state, it would not have to rely on outside help in its cases. He was defending Ipid’s use of information and assistance from private investigator Paul O’Sullivan in a case involving former acting national police commissioner Kgomotso Phahlane in 2016.
McBride defends Ipid stance on Phahlane probe
25 August 2020
The evidence of former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane that no birthday party of hers was ever paid for by Bosasa nor hosted at the Victoria Guest House in Krugersdorp has been contradicted by the owner of the venue, Frederick Coetzee. He appeared before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday.
Mokonyane birthday party evidence challenged
28 August 2020
The Free State human settlements head of department Nthimose Mokhesi has admitted that his department failed to comply with provisions for unsolicited proposals when it accepted one for the R255-million asbestos eradication project in 2014.
Provisions flouted for asbestos project deviation, says HoD
31 August 2020
On Monday the commission of inquiry into state capture heard the evidence of Sandy Thomas, personal assistant to former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane.
September 2020
03 September 2020
It was actually a surprise gala dinner for close family and friends, and not a full-on party, for her 40th birthday that was hosted at the Victoria Guest House in 2003, former environmental affairs minister Nomvula Mokonyane told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Thursday.
Mokonyane backtracks on party venue
04 September 2020
Former ANC member of parliament Vincent Smith has denied before the commission of inquiry into state capture that payments made by former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi towards his daughter’s tuition in 2015 were because he had a corrupt relationship with the company.
Former MP Vincent Smith says relationship with Agrizzi was above board
08 September 2020
The ANC’s 2014 anniversary gala dinner, held in Nelspruit on the eve of the party’s January 8 rally, ignited a line of questioning from state capture commission chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Tuesday.
Zondo questions Eskom sponsorship of ANC dinner
08 September 2020
Former Eskom chairperson Zola Tsotsi has told the commission of inquiry into state capture of a tumultuous period in early 2015 when former president Jacob Zuma instructed the board to suspend certain executives, including then acting CEO Tshediso Matona.
Eskom execs suspended on Myeni’s call
09 September 2020
Former Eskom chairperson Zola Tsotsi told the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday that the events in the lead-up to the suspension of four members of the power utility’s executive in March 2015, and afterwards, show that there was an orchestrated move to bring Gupta people in.
Board about-turn was sign of Gupta influence, says Tsotsi
10 September 2020
Former Eskom director Venete Klein has defended her part in the suspension of four of the power utility’s executives in March 2015, saying that she could not confirm that they were purged in favour of Gupta appointees.
Eskom suspensions only addressed non-performance, says Klein
11 September 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture concluded the week of Eskom evidence with the testimony of former chairperson Ben Ngubane on Friday. He led the board of the power utility from 2015 to 2017, succeeding Zola Tsotsi.
Ngubane cornered on Guptaleaks emails
15 September 2020
It was through Matshela Koko that former Eskom company secretary and later head of legal Suzanne Daniels first met Gupta associate Salim Essa in 2015. She had several encounters with him, at one of which she met Ajay Gupta, while at another she was offered a bribe of R800-million.
Daniels claims Koko was Gupta enabler at Eskom
21 September 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture will not negotiate dates of oral evidence with witnesses, said chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo on Monday. He was announcing the dates for former president Jacob Zuma’s expected appearance before him – from 16 to 20 November.
Zondo tells Zuma to show up or face summons
23 September 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture has this week heard how former Free State MEC for human settlements Mosebenzi Zwane defied orders from then minister Tokyo Sexwale to stop an unlawful prepayment scheme devised in 2010 for an ambitious low-cost housing project worth over R1-billion.
Zwane pushed for unlawful housing scheme
25 September 2020
Former Free State MEC of human settlements Mosebenzi Zwane has thrown officials of the department at the time of the failed 2010 R1.4-billion housing project under the bus.
Failure of housing project not my fault, says Zwane
28 September 2020
A property transaction between Nthimotse Mokhesi, head of the Free State human settlements department, and Edwin Sodi, a contractor in the R255-million asbestos eradication project, came into the spotlight at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday.
Free State HOD’s apparent property bonanza under scrutiny
28 September 2020
The dismissal of six Free State human settlements officials for the failure of a housing project in 2010, following the implementation of an advance payment scheme, haunts the author of the only existing document that backed it up.
Contradictions and conniving in 2010 Free State housing project
28 September 2020
A second call for Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to recuse himself from the commission of inquiry into state capture has come, this time from former president Jacob Zuma.
Zuma calls for Zondo to recuse himself
29 September 2020
Edwin Sodi, the man whose company was appointed as part of a joint venture (JV) to eradicate asbestos across townships in the Free State in 2014, is a regular donor to the ANC, often at the request of officials of the party.
October 2020
1 October 2020
North West Premier Job Mokgoro has defended his authorisation of a 2015 payment of R50-million to subsidise SA Express (SAX) for airline operations relating to new flight services between Mahikeng and Johannesburg.
R50m payment to SA Express not my responsibility says Mokgoro
2 October 2020
ANC MP Cedrick Frolick has refuted the evidence of former Bosasa COO Angelo Agrizzi during an appearance before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday.
Agrizzi lied to inquiry, says Frolick
5 October 2020
Not only did former president Jacob Zuma want an inquiry into the affairs of a poorly performing Eskom in early 2015, but he was also present at the meeting at which the suspensions of three executives of the power utility were first mooted.
6 October 2020
Former Eskom executives who were controversially suspended in March 2015 under a cloud of confusion went for months without any word from the board that assured them that there was nothing untoward about their suspensions.
Murky suspension process stunned Eskom execs
9 October 2020
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has granted permission for the secretary of the commission of inquiry into state capture to issue a summons for former president Jacob Zuma to appear from 16 to 20 November 2020.
Zondo grants summons forcing Zuma to appear
12 October 2020
“From where I am seated I think it will be unfair of this commission to want to say I, as a layman politician there, should have taken the responsibilities of an accounting officer who himself had actually signed this document,” former Free State human settlements MEC Mosebenzi Zwane told the commision today.
Zwane’s ‘layman politician’ defence before Zondo
13 October 2020
The blame game continued among former Eskom board members on Tuesday with the testimony of former chairperson Ben Ngubane before the commission of inquiry into state capture. This was his second appearance.
Ngubane cornered over Gupta links during Eskom tenure
15 October 2020
“Transnet’s board was not trying to look after good governance in the reinstatement of Mr [Siyabonga] Gama. I can’t think of a reason where a board acting in a manner that is in the best interest of the company would ever do it. The likelihood, logically, is that the reason lies elsewhere,” said Christopher Todd, a director of Bowman Gilfillan, who provided legal services to Transnet at the time of Gama’s dismissal in June 2010.
Transnet’s reinstatement of Gama irrational, Zondo hears
16 October 2020
Former public enterprises minister sympathised with Siyabonga Gama for having been dismissed from his position as CEO of Transnet Freight Rail in 2010, calling it an unfair move.
Cabinet, board supported Gama in reinstatement drive
19 October 2020
Former Transnet chairperson Mafika Mkwanazi saw for the first time on Monday the total amounts paid to Siyabonga Gama after he was reinstated to his position as CEO of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) in 2011. Mkwanazi concluded his testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture.
Mkwanazi stunned by R17m payment to Gama
20 October 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Tuesday that Gupta associate Salim Essa appeared to know back in 2014 that then Transnet GCEO Brian Molefe would move to Eskom a few months later.
Essa bragged to Transnet contractor about influence in SOEs
23 October 2020
Former special advisor to Malusi Gigaba, Siyabonga Mahlangu, has denied that he put pressure on a senior Transnet legal official to expedite the reinstatement of Siyabonga Gama to his position as CEO of Transnet Freight Rail in 2011.
Gigaba advisor denies interference in Gama matter
26 October 2020
Former Denel board member Nonyameko Mandindi spoke of what she viewed as the unfair, hasty removal of the company’s top structure, with no basis, in September 2015.
No sound justification for Eskom-style suspensions at Denel
27 October 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Tuesday of the decision for Denel Land Systems (DLS) to enter into three contracts – by means of deviations – with Gupta-linked VR Laser between 2014 and 2016, despite warnings from the then head of procurement that the company’s own policies were being flouted.
Red flags ignored over Gupta-linked VR Laser, Zondo hears
28 October 2020
Had the 2014 procurement process of platform hulls – part of arms manufacturer Denel’s Hoefyster
project – gone through the office of the group executive in charge of supply chain management,
Gupta-linked VR Laser would not have won the contract.
November 2020
2 November 2020
Former chairperson of SAA Technical and SAA board member Yakhe Kwinana kicked off the week’s proceedings at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Monday by addressing what she called double standards of its legal and investigations teams.
Kwinana’s whataboutism thwarted by Zondo
2 November 2020
Yakhe Kwinana has denied bullying Swiss ground handling services company Swissport into pulling in JM Aviation as its BEE partner in early 2015. Swissport entered into a contract with SAA Technical – of which Kwinana was chairperson – in 2012 for ground handling services.
Kwinana denies meddling in SAAT ground handling contract
3 November 2020
The chairperson of the commission of inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, said on Tuesday that there needs to be a review of processes involved in the appointment of board members of state-owned companies.
Appointment process to SOE boards needs review, says Zondo
4 November 2020
“Chairperson, may I not answer that question, in case I incriminate myself.” This was the line of the day at the commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday, when former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni testified via video link.
Myeni refuses to answer SAA-related questions from Zondo
5 November 2020
While former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni may feel aggrieved that the commission of inquiry into state capture is selective in its pursuit of cases within its mandate, it is up to her to report any corruption that she knows of before the commission’s term ends.
Zondo tells Myeni to report corruption she knows of
5 November 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture should charge former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni for breaching an order of its chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo by disclosing the name of a witness who appeared in-camera in February this year.
Charge Myeni for rules breach, says evidence leader to Zondo
6 November 2020
Dudu Myeni has registered prejudice from the commission of inquiry into state capture through her lawyers, citing what they see as inefficiencies on the part of its legal team.
Myeni lawyers cry prejudice from Zondo
8 November 2020
Yakhe Kwinana walked away from her chairperson role at SAA Technical and non-executive board membership at SAA in August 2016, taking with her an undue benefit of millions of rands from a R1.5-billion irregular contract for the supply of components, and a conflict of interest that benefited her private auditing business.
Dishonest Kwinana’s evidence explained
9 November 2020
The chairperson of the commission of inquiry into state capture, Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, on Friday concluded the day’s proceedings by explaining the circumstances surrounding the testimony of former SAA chairperson Dudu Myeni and her refusal to answer most of the questions set to her.
Myeni’s silence amid damning evidence
10 November 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture heard on Tuesday of the events in 2015 and 2016 surrounding the suspension of Denel’s CEO, CFO and company secretary, allegedly without following proper processes.
Zondo hears of Denel board’s mistreatment of execs
10 November 2020
Former Denel CFO Fikile Mhlontlo has confirmed that the leadership of subsidiary Denel Land Systems (DLS) favoured Gupta-linked VR Laser over LMT, which is majority owned by the parastatal, for a 2014 tender to manufacture platform hulls as part of its Hoefyster project.
Denel CFO unaware of favouritism towards Gupta company
11 November 2020
Gupta-linked VR Laser got the nod from former Denel GCEO Zwelakhe Ntshepe to partner with the parastatal in a foray into the Asian market in 2015, despite warnings from a due diligence process that warned against it.
Rushed Denel Asia deal explored
11 November 2020
The commission of inquiry into state capture on Wednesday shone the spotlight on a decision by former Denel GCEO Zwelakhe
Former Denel CEO grilled over policy violation to favour Gupta company
11 November 2020
While former Eskom CEO Tshediso Matona fought his suspension from the power utility in early 2015 through the courts, the board was preparing for his exit and to negotiate a settlement with him.
Koko favoured by biased board, says Daniels
12 November 2020
It was former Denel GCEO Riaz Saloojee who proposed to a CEO within one of its divisions to favour Gupta-linked VR Laser in the awarding of a single source contract in 2015 because the company was politically connected.
Denel CEO Saloojee ordered favouring of Gupta company
13 November 2020
Former Denel board chairperson Daniel Mantsha kicked off his testimony before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Friday by defending his board’s decision to suspend the company’s top three executives in September 2015.
Former Denel chair Mantsha takes the stand before Zondo
16 November 2020
Former president Jacob Zuma will return before the commission of inquiry into state capture on Tuesday to hear the way forward on his application for chairperson Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo to recuse himself. Zondo spent the day on Monday listening to arguments from both his legal team and that of Zuma, who brought the application forward for a number of reasons.