Retired Chief Justice Raymond Zondo delivered a compelling keynote address to a captivated audience at the Business@Breakfast event at Simbithi Country Club last Thursday.

Hosted by the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism in partnership with the Robert Group and The North Coast Courier, the event drew 120 members of the local business community.

Zondo, who chaired the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector, reflected on the commission’s findings three years after its conclusion. He warned that corruption and fraud remain among South Africa’s most pressing challenges.

“The rule of law is the cornerstone of the constitution of South Africa and corruption undermines the values of the constitution,” said Zondo.

He shared insight into the commission’s investigations, covering the Guptas, Eskom, parliament, whistleblowing and government tenders. Zondo also addressed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s response to the commission’s recommendations, offering both praise and criticism.

“What the President is implementing are not the major recommendations that will make a big difference. He hasn’t fired people in his circles that the commission made findings against. In fact, he promoted some of them,” he said.

He said he was disappointed by the government’s failure to act decisively and urged citizens to demand accountability.

“I believe in the citizens of the country. We must come up with solutions and make the government do what is right for our country.”

Zondo was particularly critical of parliament’s role in enabling state capture, which he said cost taxpayers R58-billion.

“The reason parliament failed is because of our political system. When corruption allegations arose against the former president [Jacob Zuma], the ruling party did not support any no-confidence votes. If you go against the party line, you get kicked out of parliament,” he said.

Despite his concerns, Zondo acknowledged a positive step taken by President Ramaphosa on June 25, announcing that the judiciary would be given full independence.

“At least publicly, the announcement has been made, but it might take long to enforce,” he warned.

Cobus Oelofse, CEO of the iLembe Chamber, hailed the event as a success.

“Judge Zondo’s call for experience, accountability and integrity in the private and public sectors resonated strongly,” said Oelofse.

“He emphasised the business community’s role in fostering democratic resilience, while reminding us that ethical leadership, effective systems and robust protection for whistleblowers are essential to ensure state capture does not happen again.”

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