President Zuma announces state capture inquiry

Zondo was recommended by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, as ordered by previous Public Protector Thuli Madonsela in her State of Capture report.

In a statement, Zuma says while he still has reservations about the legality of High Court in Pretoria’s directive that the Chief Justice appoint a judge, he has decided the inquiry deserves urgent attention.

"It is of such serious public concern that any further delay will make the public doubt government’s determination to dismantle all forms of corruption, and entrench the public perception that the state has been captured by private interests for nefarious and self-enrichment purposes.

 "The commission must seek to uncover not just the conduct of some, but of all those who may have rendered our state or parts thereof vulnerable to control by forces other than the public for which government is elected.”

The High Court recently ordered Zuma to appoint a commission of inquiry within 30 days, headed by a judge selected solely by Mogoeng. The court also ordered Zuma to personally pay the costs of the review. 

Zuma says regardless of any intention to appeal the judgement, the commission needs to start its work. 

" I am concerned that this matter has occupied the public mind for some time now and deserves urgent attention.

 "I have only appealed the orders to the extent that they set a particular precedent for the Office of the President of the Republic and are indeed deserving of legal certainty. 

"The allegations that the state has been wrestled out of the hands of its real owners, the people of South Africa, is of paramount importance and are therefore deserving of finality and certainty.”

The announcement comes on the eve of the first meeting of the African National Congress’ (ANC) newly-elected National Executive Committee, which reportedly could discuss his recall.

Parliament will also start drafting rules that will govern the removal of a sitting president tomorrow.