This is a response to the report of the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption
and Fraud that was chaired by Chief Justice Raymond Zondo in the wake of a damning account of
allegations of widespread corruption provided by former Public Protector Adv Thuli Madonsela in her
State of Capture report.
Corruption is a crime against the South African people.
Corruption is a betrayal of our democracy and an assault on the institutions that we established
together to advance the values of our Constitution and the interests of our people. The corruption
that manifested itself through state capture was a crime against the ordinary people of South Africa.
The money that was stolen and abused robb3d our people of resources that should have led to the
development of our country and improved livelihoods.
Yet, even as state capture and corruption sought to compromise and weaken our democracy and
destroy our institutions, our democracy remained resilient and the people of South Africa stood defiant
and resolute.
The Executive branch of the state is submitting this response to the findings and recommendations
of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud to the
Legislature in fulfilment of an order by the Judiciary.
This is a firm and clear indication of the primacy of the rule of law and a demonstration of our
democratic system at work.
This response constitutes an ethical, moral and institutional departure from the abuses revealed by the
State Capture Commission.
This response is intended as a platform to mobilise all sectors of our society against fraud, corruption
and state capture now and into the future.
We are submitting this response to Parliament six years to the month since former Public Protector
Adv Thuli Madonsela released her State of Capture report.
The Public Protector’s State of Capture report related to an investigation into complaints of alleged
improper and unethical conduct by several state functionaries and private individuals and companies.
Having witnessed the proceedings of the State Capture Commission for close on to four years, South
Africans naturally seek restoration, redress, and accountability. They expect their country’s economy and
its state to be ethical and free of corruption as it serves the needs and interests of the people.
This response is designed to provide redress in respect of the events of the past and to advance the
renewal of our society. Through the implementation of the actions contained in this response, we can
start a new chapter in our struggle against corruption.
We are indebted to the many courageous and brave whistle-blowers who brought various allegations
of fraud and corruption to the attention of the Public Protector and those who gave evidence at the
State Capture Commission.
