President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement of a commission of inquiry over corruption within the police force was lacklustre
Image: GCIS
President Cyril Ramaphosa really needs some lessons on how he engages with us during these family meetings. South Africans were hyped up, heightened anxiety – predictably so, given the serious allegations by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alluding to capture of our judiciary and police by drug cartels, corrupt businessmen, dodgy politicians and state entities. And that our national Police Minister, Senzo Mchunu had a finger or hand in it somehow.
Ramaphosa delivered the expected outcome, in typical Ramaphosa fashion. Deflated, neither shaken nor stirred and emotionally spent. No oomph and no presidential urgency in delivery. Just a 12 minute prompt reader announcing Mchunu to take 'special leave' while a commission of enquiry investigates Mkhwanazi's allegations. That's it. Bada-bing bada-boom. Twelve minutes, done and dusted. Another much loved ANC project - commission of inquiry to the rescue of brand reputation.
No mention of the term for this commission of inquiry – a critical oversight. Ramaphosa also chose a fellow comrade, an ANC veteran to step in as acting police minister – lawyer and politician Firoz Cachalia. An astute and respected cadre nut an odd choice, given he lacks any track record in state police but perhaps that may be a good thing, who knows.
But South Africans expected more. The Zondo commission of inquiry into state capture has not led to a single arrest. Out of that report emerged our president promising an end to corruption, a new dawn and a country which will 'emerge from a dark and difficult period'. The Zondo report also raised some of the same concerns flagged by Mkhawanazi. Promises were made to fix those state entities, to strengthen levels of governance.
Yet, here we are, in a very dark and difficult period again. Echoes of the past.
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Ramaphosa is a billionaire. He doesn't need to grease his hands. But he is fiercely protective of brand ANC. He is also fiercely loyal to his inner circle. And Mchunu being one of them. But he had no choice. He had to calm public anger and neutralise opposition clamour. Ramaphosa heeded the call for a commission of inquiry and suspended Mchunu - even if he called it 'special leave' - tomatoes, tomatos, same difference.
Appointing a commission of inquiry should be done expeditiously to ensure public confidence is regained in those critical areas compromised by allegations of corruption - crime intelligence, police and the judiciary. Having South Africans wait six months or more with the integrity of these state organs hanging in the balance is not a wise decision. Especially given some of the allegations have also emerged out of the Zondo commission of inquiry - but are yet to be acted on.
South Africans, as usual, are not afraid to speak their minds. And most are not impressed. There's anger at Mchunu being placed on paid leave while another acting police minister steps in. A double whammy for taxpayers footing the bill. There's also questions over why Mchunu's deputy could not have acted as the minister, saving money. Then there's anger over alleged glaring evidence. Mkhwanazi's alleged proof during his explosive tell all media briefing. He read out whatsapp texts and detailed - with specific references to dates, examples of what he claimed, was interference by Mchunu.
Given all that, why did Ramaphosa not call on Mkhwanazi to produce proof of his allegations? Call him in, have that conversation. Would that have saved us from another wasteful expense of a commission of inquiry? If Mkhwanazi did accept that offer and met with Ramaphosa, produced the receipts, so to speak, and if the proof is there - Mchunu would have had no choice but to resign.
Ramaphosa is no fool. He is a strategist. A commission of inquiry gives the ANC time to cushion any blows to the brand if Mchunu is found guilty of any wrongdoing. It's true that Mchunu has been tried in the court of public opinion since Mkhwanazi's claims. Mchunu's denial seems to have made little difference. Its either that Mkhwanazi's popularity or that he has the audacity to name Mchunu publicly in wrongdoing - and a timeline of evidence.
Interestingly, while those implicated by Mkhwanazi have denied his allegations - including Mchunu, further hint that Mkhwanazi has a trove of evidence to back up his allegations came from another popular South African figure, Gift of the Givers founder, Dr Imtiaz Sooliman. Just three days ago, the good doc says he spoke to Mkhwanazi. "It didn't take more than one minute for me to realize this man knows exactly what he's talking about. He's taken it to the Portfolio committee, to ANC branches, he told me a lot and that's why I'm prepared to back him," says Sooliman.
That gives serious no smoke without fire vibes.
Ramaphosa should have just settled this the African way. A meeting with Mkhwanazi. And this should have happened months ago when Mkhwanazi dcdsq sounded the alarm says Sooliman - but nobody listened. Until Mkhwanazi turned public whistle-blower.
Now, the horse has bolted. And a commission of inquiry is likely to expose what South Africans fear, another state capture.
It's never left. Same game, new players. Tom-ah-toes, tom-ay-toes.
* Zohra Teke is a seasoned freelance journalist and contributor.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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