State Capture Report: Corruption Watch calls for Minister Mantashe’s axing

Corruption Watch says it hopes President Cyril Ramaphosa removes Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe from cabinet following part three of the State Capture Report that has just been released.

The report zooms in on Bosasa, now African Global Operations. It’s alleged that the company was used as a front to get kickbacks in exchange for lucrative government contracts.

Mantashe and former Water and Sanitation Minister Nomvula Mokonyane have been implicated in the report, following testimony by former Bosasa COO, Angelo Agrizzi.

Agrizzi is also accused of offering gratification, on behalf of Bosasa, to former MP Vincent Smith in exchange for his influence.

Legal researcher at Corruption Watch, Karam Singh, says there are expectations that action should be taken by law enforcement agencies.

“We saw the former Minister of Health step aside as a result of the Digital Vibes scandal. There haven’t been any charges laid bare. One would expect similar type of treatment and for Minister Mantashe to step aside and be removed from cabinet while investigations proceed. I think that would be reasonable expectations from us and from the public to see something like that happen,” says Singh.

The final report is expected to be handed over to the President at the end of April.

Political Analyst Dirk Kotze says part three of the report is damning for the African National Congress: