President Cyril Ramaphosa captured the nation’s attention when he appeared as this week’s latest witness at the State Capture Inquiry.
President Ramaphosa addresses cadre deployment
As calm as ever, the president opened proceedings with a statement where he, in no uncertain terms, condemned corruption and went as far as challenging South Africans to vote ‘state capture’ cronies out of government.
“The position of the ANC on leaders and members who have been complicit in acts of corruption is clear. Their ctions are a direct violation, not only of the laws of the Republic, but also of the ANC Constitution, its values and principles, and the resolutions and decisions of the ANC’s constitutional structures,” he said.
Much of the grilling he faced was in his capacity as leader of the ruling party and for the most part, evidence leader Advocate Paul Pretorius kept the questions around cadre deployment.
Ramaphosa made various attempts to skirt accusations that his government has used this nepotist policy to uproot party members and friends. He conceded to its existence, vindicating the Democratic Alliance who, for the longest time, have picketed against the controversial policy.
The president noted that a process is underway to restructure the influence of the ANC’s deployment committee in the recruitment of top-level public servants. A glimpse of this progressive change, he said, can be found in the professionalism in public service policy framework.
SA weighs in on the president’s first day in the hot seat
Much of the president’s first day had nothing to do with more interesting topics directly related to state capture; like the accusations levelled against him by former Eskom CEO Brian Molefe.
Neither was Ramaphosa probed on his involvement as a top-level ANC member during the period of state capture. This left a bitter taste in those who expected a stern approach from the commission.
While the president was busy giving testimony, South Africans were reacting to the drama-less testimony. Here’s what SA thought of Ramaphosa’s first day at the commission:
Today Stratcom is out in numbers. They are no longer hiding.#StateCaptureInquiry
— Azania: Ground Force. (@IamBrianKhumalo) April 28, 2021
People are disappointed because the media likes President Ramaphosa . Take the L and move on, guys. This happens in every country. Journalists are voters like all of us. Stop acting like they are not ordinary members of society. It is what it is! #StateCaptureInquiry
— Lethabo (@Cheetahplains) April 28, 2021
So we were forced to listen the repeat of #FreedomDay2021 message through #StateCaptureInquiry President Cyril Ramaphosa is taking us for a ride
— MotshewaKeMama❤️ (@tshepaMotshewa) April 28, 2021
Everything Cyril said when asked to explain PATRONAGE points to Fikile Mbalula he's a perfect example of a person appointed who's not fit for purpose, I hope he heard that #StateCaptureInquiry
— iNkinselah (@Sgoloza007) April 28, 2021
President Cyril Ramaphosa understands these things better than most…. He's so sharp #StateCaptureInquiry
— NonPartisan (@MulugisiM) April 28, 2021
So President Cyril Ramaphosa was basically called to address the nation on what the ANC is and it inter link with state… mxm I understand why Zuma didnt wanna come #StateCaptureInquiry
— Thandeka (@Pampie59) April 28, 2021
