BLSA CEO’s Weekly Newsletter – First state capture conviction signals progress: now sustain accountability at all levels

Vincent Smith’s seven-year sentence for Bosasa bribes is the first major state capture conviction after years of waiting. The NPA must now prosecute others Zondo identified, including Zuma, Zwane, Myeni, and Moyane, to prove this is sustained accountability, not an isolated case. Health sector accountability is advancing with the arrests of Director-General Buthelezi and senior managers on fraud charges. The systemic procurement corruption exemplified by Tembisa Hospital’s R2bn irregularities and Babita Deokaran’s murder shows the importance of a cleanup across the health system. Eskom is initiating a PAJA-based process to potentially cut off municipalities owing R110bn (half its net assets) after Treasury’s negotiated debt plan failed. Doing this in an election year may prompt voters to demand that candidates explain how they’ll ensure utilities are paid. Accountability must work simultaneously at all three government levels: national political prosecutions, departmental integrity reforms, and local government financial management, because the system only functions when consequences run from leadership through departments to municipalities. Progress on accountability is finally visible in South Africa, though the pace remains frustratingly slow. Last week’s sentencing of former ANC MP Vincent Smith to seven years’ imprisonment represents the first major state capture conviction, a breakthrough after years of […]

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