In an unprecedented public outburst, former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has expressed anguish over swearing in ministers implicated in his state capture report, accusing the government of ignoring his corruption findings.
Speaking at a church anti-corruption summit, Zondo revealed his discomfort at administering oaths to cabinet members he had personally flagged for misconduct – including a promoted deputy minister and a former transport minister.
“It felt like the president was saying ‘I don’t care about your findings,'” Zondo told the Sunday Times, questioning how such appointments undermine anti-corruption efforts. His remarks represent the strongest judicial rebuke yet of Ramaphosa’s administration.
The Presidency avoided direct engagement, stating Ramaphosa would only respond through private channels if Zondo requests discussion. The comments have renewed scrutiny on government’s slow implementation of state capture recommendations.
Civil society groups have rallied behind Zondo’s statement, with Corruption Watch calling it “a watershed moment for accountability.” Political analysts note this rare judicial intervention signals growing institutional frustration with political inaction on graft.
As pressure mounts, all eyes are on whether Ramaphosa will address these concerns in his upcoming cabinet reshuffle or risk further erosion of public trust in his anti-corruption pledge.