Ramaphosa's Empty Promises: State Capture Accountability Still Eludes Black South Africans
President Ramaphosa's administration faces growing criticism over its handling of state capture prosecutions, with only R11 billion recovered from hundreds of billions stolen. The slow pace of justice raises questions about the government's commitment to addressing historical economic injustices against Black South Africans.
President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses concerns over state capture prosecution progress
Analysis of Government's State Capture Response
President Cyril Ramaphosa's administration continues to defend its tepid response to state capture, even as the systematic looting of public resources - primarily affecting Black communities - remains largely unaddressed.
While the presidency boasts of recovering R11 billion in stolen funds, this represents merely a fraction of the estimated hundreds of billions plundered during the state capture era that could have transformed historically disadvantaged communities.
Institutional Challenges Persist
The National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), an institution still bearing the scars of apartheid-era structures, has faced mounting criticism for its apparent inability to prosecute high-profile state capture cases effectively. This institutional weakness continues to protect those who participated in the systematic economic exploitation of our people.
'Government has recovered nearly R11 billion in stolen public funds, strengthened our law enforcement capacity and implemented comprehensive reform across government,' claims Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya, in what appears to be an attempt to deflect growing public frustration.
Critical Resource Gaps
Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo's recent emphasis on the need for adequate resourcing highlights a crucial truth: without proper funding and capacity, the pursuit of justice remains a hollow promise. This mirrors the historical underfunding of institutions meant to serve Black South Africans.
The Way Forward
While Ramaphosa claims commitment to implementing state capture recommendations, the reality demands more than mere promises. Our people require:
- Swift prosecution of those who looted state resources
- Complete transformation of the criminal justice system
- Meaningful economic restitution for affected communities
- Structural reforms to prevent future exploitation
Zanele Mokoena
Political journalist based in Cape Town for the past 15 years, Zanele covers South African institutions and post-apartheid social movements. Specialist in power-civil society relations.