The recent failure to extradite the Gupta family to South Africa has brought a sense of relief to many within the ANC, as it spares the party from potential exposure in a corruption case that could implicate high-ranking officials.
The ANC’s involvement in state capture, which unfolded over a nine-year period under former President Jacob Zuma, cannot be solely attributed to his actions alone. The party’s full cabinet and parliamentary caucus, including current President Cyril Ramaphosa, turned a blind eye to the corruption that was taking place.
The unsuccessful extradition application raises questions about whether deliberate incompetence played a role, given the ANC’s track record of shielding its members from accountability.
The ANC government has a long-standing culture of failing to punish offenses across various levels of governance. Despite multiple investigations and recommendations by judicial commissions, there have been no meaningful consequences for those implicated in corruption. This pattern of impunity within the ANC has persisted since 1994.
While the ANC claims to be at the forefront of fighting corruption, the reality is quite the opposite. Corruption continues to erode South Africa’s potential, leaving its citizens without jobs, food, and essential services. Public funds intended for national development end up lining the pockets of party cadres, while infrastructure and road projects suffer.
State capture remains a significant threat in South Africa, perpetuating a culture of self-enrichment and impunity that the ANC itself has nurtured. The party’s apparent disregard for the suffering of the country’s people is evident in its failure to address corruption adequately.
However, the power to bring about change lies with the people of South Africa. The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for citizens to challenge the ANC’s corrupt practices and demand accountability. The future of the nation depends on the electorate’s willingness to break free from the grip of a party that prioritizes its own interests over those of the nation.
Wouter Wessels, an FF Plus MP, emphasizes the urgent need for change and urges South Africans to use their voting power to bring an end to the ANC’s culture of corruption and impunity. Only through decisive action can the nation begin to rebuild and prioritize the needs of its citizens.
