Stopping state capture starts at Parliament, Chief Whip

27 March 2016 

The DA notes ANC Chief Whip, Jackson Mthembu’s public support for calls to investigate ‘patterns of state capture’ in South Africa this weekend, and will hold him and the ANC caucus to it in Parliament.

Earlier this month DA Leader, Mmusi Maimane, moved a substantive motion in the National Assembly (NA) requesting that the House establish an ad hoc committee to investigate revelations regarding the Gupta family and their illicit influence over the Presidency and Executive.

If the former ANC spin doctor and newly-appointed Chief Whip is serious and not merely offering lip service, he and his caucus will support this motion in the NA next term and work with the opposition to ensure that this ad hoc committee is free of political influence and not another ANC whitewash to protect President Zuma like the previous Nkandla ones.

The Gupta family's influence has infiltrated various government departments and appointment processes, and it is important that an ad hoc committee represented by these portfolios investigate these allegations and report to Parliament. Further, considering the severity of the claims of 'state capture' and mounting evidence, the NA must investigate this as matter of urgency. 

If any undue influence or improper conduct is found, the committee should recommend swift action against all those who have compromised their oaths of office. The committee must also recommend measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in future to ensure that a fair South Africa is maintained.

The Gupta family's grip on government business and tender processes has potentially blocked opportunities that should have been accessible to all South Africans, and Parliament needs to know how this happened to ensure it does not again. 

Statement issued by John Steenhuisen MP, Chief Whip of the Democratic Alliance, 27 March 2016