President Ramaphosa refuses to comment on latest Zondo report

JOHANNESBURG — President Cyril Ramaphosa’s office on Thursday declined to respond to media inquiries regarding the findings of State Capture commission chairperson Raymond Zondo.

In his final report, Zondo found that Ramaphosa lied when questioned about the work of the State Security Agency’s senior review board.

The president said the panel was at an advanced stage, but Zondo reviewed evidence to the contrary.

Ramaphosa appeared on the commission in his roles as head of state and chairman of the ANC.

The presidency said the country should wait four months before announcing its intentions on what to do about the findings of the state catch commission.

Zondo has been praised for his handling of the state census commission by various social circles, including political parties, civil society organizations, the labor movement, and business forums.

There are exceptions, however, such as the EFF, which accused Zondo of meddling in the politics of ANC factions through the work of the commission. This is despite the Chief Justice finding wrongdoing by various ANC leaders allied with opposing factions.

“The President is committed to reviewing the Commission’s report as a whole and submitting a comprehensive response and implementation plan to Parliament,” said the President’s spokesman Vincent Magwenya.

The president’s response to Zondo’s findings is expected to be presented to parliament in four months.