Latest news with #Zondo
Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- General
- Daily Maverick
The NPA illustrates the rot within South African institutions
The decision by the Free State High Court to withdraw charges against Moroadi Cholota, the former assistant to former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, reveals the level of crisis within the NPA. But the NPA is just one example of a government institution in which officials either resist change or simply refuse to work, often aided by politicians. There will, no doubt, be several legal examinations of Tuesday's decision, in which Judge Phillip Loubser said his court had no authority to try former Free State premier Ace Magashule's former assistant, Moroadi Cholota, because the NPA had instituted her extradition from the US, while legally it should have been the Justice Ministry. While the legal correctness of this decision might be examined by higher courts, the public perception is likely to be dominated by a question of why legal technicalities matter so much. Of course, to lawyers, judges and the rule of law, they absolutely matter. But to many people, they are simply a way for people to avoid justice. The best example of this is former president Jacob Zuma, who has been able to avoid a fair trial since 2003. No accountability for the powerful The message this sends is that there is no accountability for those in power. But it also suggests that despite the reams of evidence heard at the Zondo commission, and the findings that it made, no convictions will come from it. For the moment, it seems that there is no big desire by voters to change our legal system, to remove some of the rights of those accused of wrongdoing. Considering our past, this is entirely legitimate. But if those in power continue to be able to avoid accountability, it is likely that first, trust in the justice system will continue to decline, and second, parties that propose limiting the rights of the accused will grow stronger. One of the important lessons from the NPA is that despite having independent leadership that appears determined to deliver justice, the institution itself is still very weak. The history of how the NPA was captured was being written almost in real time. People like Lawrence Mrwebi or Nomgcobo Jiba were in leadership positions there for many months. Both were found by the courts to be 'not fit and proper' for their positions. During the time they were there, it is likely that they packed the NPA with people who either supported their views or would never challenge their views. Ramaphosa But politicians have played an important role in keeping the NPA weak, too. Perhaps the person who has played the biggest role in weakening the NPA is President Cyril Ramaphosa. One of the important figures in the NPA during the State Capture period was the head of prosecutions in Johannesburg, Andrew Chauke. He was involved in delaying cases against former Gauteng Health MEC Brian Hlongwe and helped to bring a now debunked case against former KwaZulu-Natal Hawks Head Johann Booysen (Chauke has delivered a robust response to the claims against him, including in a TV interview with this writer). In 2023, National Director of Public Prosecutions Shamila Batohi formally asked Ramaphosa to suspend him from his position (under the law, only the President can suspend someone in this job). Two years later, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi said that the matter was at an 'advanced stage'. This is nonsense. If Ramaphosa really believed in the rule of law, and if he wanted a properly independent NPA, he would have suspended Chauke the moment he could. Worse for the NPA has been the Justice Ministry's refusal to share the Zondo commission database with it. Again, this must be deliberate. Even if there is some legal reason to make this difficult for the NPA, this would be for the courts hearing State Capture prosecutions to determine, not the Justice Ministry. However, it must be remembered that the situation at the NPA is repeated in many other institutions. Culture of resistance On Monday, the chair of the National Lotteries Commission, Barney Pityana, told 702's Bongani Bingwa about the difficulties he is facing in fixing the organisation, after the incredible corruption that happened there. Pityana appeared to be particularly critical of former Department of Trade, Industry and Competition minister Ebrahim Patel. One of his problems is that only the minister can appoint distributing agents to distribute funds, and the commission only had two or three when it should have had 11. As Pityana put it, 'For a long time, minister Patel was stuck with this appointment for reasons best known to him.' Pityana also said that within the organisation, 'There's internal resistance to some of the changes being made in the organisation, therefore compliance, we admit, has been a very difficult issue.' Pityana is almost pointing to a culture of people in important organisations that resist change. In some cases, it may simply be that they do not believe there is any reason for change. Or that workers in many government institutions feel that there is no reason for them to work, because it seems virtually impossible for them to be fired. The Sunday Times published an important report last weekend about the situation in Gauteng metros. It would appear that many permanently employed workers tell bosses that they can't be fired, and thus can't be forced to work. This culture has been evident in councils for many years. It could explain why services do not improve, whether it is a DA-led coalition taking over from an ANC-led coalition or the other way round. This toxic mix of a refusal by workers to change, and political interference (or so often just a refusal to act), may help to explain why so many institutions are not improving. Unfortunately, coalition politics is unlikely to make major changes. In institutions where this culture exists, workers may feel they can just outlast a new boss, knowing that they will still be there after she becomes frustrated and leaves. Ministers and others with political authority are likely to continue interfering or just doing nothing. This means that we can continue to expect the NPA, and so many institutions like it, to simply keep stumbling. DM
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Sebokeng Ajax FC celebrates 25 years
SEBOKENG.- Former Orlando Pirates darling Steve 'Chippa' Lekoelea stole the show when Sebokeng Ajax FC celebrated its 25th Anniversary. This celebration took place at the Ajax FC soccer ground in Zone 12, with the club legends playing against each other in the Legend Elite Top 4, followed by a Gala Dinner. It was a trip down memory lane with the club's legends and current crop of players coming together to mark 25 years of the club's existence on Saturday. Lekoelea was among the legends who graced this occasion. Not only that, this former Pirates dazzling midfielder scored a brilliant goal for Sebokeng Ajax FC Legend Team when they beat Samdoria Legends 3-2. Lekoelea reminded those in attendance of his playing days when he used to bang free kicks. He stunned the crowd when he scored a brilliant goal from a free kick. This was his specialty when he was still playing in the top-flight football. Many goalkeepers can attest to this. This is the day many will remember, especially with that free kick, well deserved, to mark the 25th anniversary. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Master Zondo said it was a great day for the Sebokeng community, young and old. He said the presence of the former Pirates midfielder, Lekoelea, was a great thing to happen to celebrate this day in style. Zondo said Lekoelea is still a brand in South African football, although he has retired from top-flight football a long time ago. 'I was humbled by the positive response from those legends, especially Steve Lekoelea, who is a crowd puller everywhere he goes. The man is still famous and people still love him, and on Saturday, he didn't disappoint them. As Sebokeng Ajax FC, I want to thank everyone, especially those legends who put their busy schedules aside and celebrated this day with us. It was a special day for the Zone 12 community to be part of this celebration. This club belongs to them, and their support means a lot to me. They have been loyal to this club since its establishment 25 years ago until now,' said Zondo. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Bishop Zondo's legal battle: Accusations of rape and the quest for acquittal
Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo, who is facing rape charges in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, lost his application for recusal of the judge, based on claims that the judge is biased against him. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers It has been months since the State closed its case against Rivers of Living Waters Church leader Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo, but rather than proceeding with his defence against the 10 mostly rape charges against him, Zondo is using all the legal avenues open to him to avoid this. When it was his turn to present his defence and to decide whether to take the witness stand or not, he chose to ask for his acquittal as he argued that at this point, the State did not prove that he had a case to answer to. According to him, the evidence against him presented by the seven rape accusers was weak. Gauteng High Court, Pretoria Judge Papi Mosopa, however, in March turned down his application and said at this point, Zondo did have a case to answer to. In hitting back, Zondo's legal team, headed by Advocate Piet Pistorius, has asked for the judge to recuse himself. But Judge Mosopa yet again shot this application down as he found the recusal application to be without merit. If the application was granted, it would have meant that the trial had to start from scratch and that witnesses who had testified over more than four years would have had to do so yet again, before a different judge. Zondo is, however, set on taking matters further, as he, through Pistorius, indicated that he is set on appealing the judge's refusal to recuse himself. The case was postponed to June 13, when Zondo will launch a leave to appeal application. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It is expected that if this application also fails, Zondo and his team will turn to the Supreme Court of Appeal to ask for leave to appeal. In his earlier application for recusal of the judge hearing his trial in which he is accused of raping members of his church, he claimed that Judge Mosopa is biased and had already made up his mind about his guilt. Pistorius argued that in the eyes of the reasonable observer, it is clear that the judge is unable to decide the matter impartially. According to his argument, Judge Mosopa made findings at this stage of the trial - only after hearing the evidence of the State witnesses - which he should have made at the end of the trial. 'The only reasonable conclusion is that Judge Mosopa believes that Mr Zondo is guilty of the crimes… That alone disqualifies this judge from further participation in this trial,' Pistorius said. Prosecutor Jennifer Cronje, in opposing the application, argued that the judge never made any credibility findings against Zondo. He simply pointed out that at this stage of the trial, the witnesses delivered credible evidence, to which Zondo must answer.
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Bishop Zondo's legal battle: Accusations of rape and the quest for acquittal
Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo, who is facing rape charges in the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, lost his application for recusal of the judge, based on claims that the judge is biased against him. Image: Oupa Mokoena / Independent Newspapers It has been months since the State closed its case against Rivers of Living Waters Church leader Bishop Bafana Stephen Zondo, but rather than proceeding with his defence against the 10 mostly rape charges against him, Zondo is using all the legal avenues open to him to avoid this. When it was his turn to present his defence and to decide whether to take the witness stand or not, he chose to ask for his acquittal as he argued that at this point, the State did not prove that he had a case to answer to. According to him, the evidence against him presented by the seven rape accusers was weak. Gauteng High Court, Pretoria Judge Papi Mosopa, however, in March turned down his application and said at this point, Zondo did have a case to answer to. In hitting back, Zondo's legal team, headed by Advocate Piet Pistorius, has asked for the judge to recuse himself. But Judge Mosopa yet again shot this application down as he found the recusal application to be without merit. If the application was granted, it would have meant that the trial had to start from scratch and that the witnesses who had testified over more than four years would have had to do so yet again, before a different judge. Zondo is, however, set on taking matters further, as he, through Pistorius, indicated that he is set on appealing the judge's refusal to recuse himself. The case was postponed to June 13, when Zondo will launch a leave to appeal application. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ It is expected that if this application also fails, Zondo and his team will turn to the Supreme Court of Appeal to ask for leave to appeal. In his earlier application for recusal of the judge hearing his trial in which he is accused of raping members of his church, he claimed that Judge Mosopa is biased and had already made up his mind about his guilt. Pistorius argued that in the eyes of the reasonable observer, it is clear that the judge is unable to decide the matter impartially. According to his argument, Judge Mosopa made findings at this stage of the trial - only after hearing the evidence of the State witnesses - which he should have made at the end of the trial. 'The only reasonable conclusion is that Judge Mosopa believes that Mr Zondo is guilty of the crimes… That alone disqualifies this judge from further participation in this trial,' Pistorius said. Prosecutor Jennifer Cronje, in opposing the application, argued that the judge never made any credibility findings against Zondo. He simply pointed out that at this stage of the trial, the witnesses delivered credible evidence, to which Zondo must answer.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Concerns rise over appointments of former Zondo Commission leaders
The implications of appointing Zondo Commission evidence leaders to key prosecution institutions Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers The appointment of Advocate Paul Pretorius SC to strengthen the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) has ignited a wave of concern among political analysts and legal experts. They question the appropriateness of elevating former evidence leaders involved in the Zondo Commission to influential prosecutorial roles. The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) announced that Pretorius's appointment will strengthen efforts to pursue cases arising from the Zondo Commission's report into State Capture. However, critics are raising alarms over the potential conflict of interest, given Pretorius's previous role as an evidence leader during the commission's inquiry into corruption at the highest levels of government. A Troubling Pattern of Appointments Adding to the controversy, Advocate Pule Seleka SC, former evidence leader and current Chair of the Legal Practice Council (LPC), was appointed chair of the LPC in November 2024, a move that has also been scrutinised. Seleka played a pivotal role in the Zondo Commission, serving as a key evidence leader during the hearings into state corruption. This has led many to question whether such appointments could undermine public trust in the justice system. Political analysts warn that these appointments risk creating a perception of bias and conflict of interest, especially when individuals directly involved in investigations or evidence collection are handed influential roles in prosecution. Expert Opinions Sound the Alarm Professor Sipho Seepe, a respected political analyst, expressed deep concern over the implications of such appointments. 'The NPA is supposed to conduct its affairs without fear, favour, and prejudice,' Seepe emphasiaed. 'Unfortunately, the NPA is now relying on evidence leaders from the Zondo Commission to prosecute State Capture cases. These individuals have already been entangled in the process, which raises serious questions about their impartiality. 'We should be asking: what motivates these individuals? Is it a genuine pursuit of justice, or personal interests? How do they reconcile their past roles with their current positions?' He further warned that the involvement of these figures could undermine public confidence in the justice system. 'The Zondo Commission has already damaged trust. If the system is seen as biased or selective, ordinary South Africans will see through it. The abuse of state machinery for personal or political ends can only go so far before the public completely loses faith." Similarly, Zakhele Ndlovu, another political analyst, expressed skepticism about the efficacy of the appointments. 'The only way these appointments will be meaningful is if they lead to successful prosecutions of those implicated in the Zondo report,' Ndlovu stated. 'We've seen the NPA's leadership, especially under Shamila Batohi, struggle to deliver results. The appointment of former evidence leaders doesn't inspire confidence—they are just individuals operating within an ineffective institutional framework.' He also highlighted the political ramifications, noting that 'if the NPA begins targeting certain individuals within the ANC or affiliated groups, it could be perceived as political persecution, especially given the history of the Zuma era. This risks further polarizing the nation and undermining the perceived independence of the judiciary.' The Political Backdrop The controversy comes amid ongoing debates about the fairness of the Zondo Commission's focus. Critics, including MK party Chief Whip Mzwanele Manyi, have argued that the commission appeared to target former President Jacob Zuma and his allies, fueling perceptions of political bias. Zuma and his supporters have long claimed that investigations are politically motivated, complicating efforts to establish an impartial pursuit of justice. NPA's Response and the Way Forward In a recent statement, NPA spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga confirmed that negotiations are ongoing regarding the extension of Pretorius's contract. 'IDAC is processing the appointment of Adv Paul Pretorius SC, and the process is at an advanced stage,' Mhaga stated. 'Pretorius has been sought to enhance capacity in managing cases linked to the Zondo Commission's findings.' While the NPA maintains that these appointments aim to strengthen the fight against corruption, critics remain unconvinced. Analysts argue that such appointments could further erode trust in an already fragile justice system without transparent processes and safeguards. [email protected] IOL Politics
