By Mpumelelo Mkhabela
Every Tuesday David O’Sullivan speaks to Mpumelelo Mkhabela for a political commentary on topical issues. This week Mkhabela spoke about the State Capture Inquiry headed by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo as well as parliament’s of a process to impeach an incompetent president.
On state capture inquiry
Despite the skepticism with which the inquiry was received, it is already yielding positive results. The testimonies so far show that the commission is playing a dual role of being a platform for people to unburden disturbing experiences at the hands of state capturers while exposing the political implications of state capture. Phumla Williams’s testimony revealing the extent of political meddling in the operations of GSIS and the intense personal suffering she endured is indicative of the significance of the commission. Where else would she unburden other than a protected space established for the purpose of unearthing the disastrous consequences of corruption?
On Parliamentary committee’s approval of a process to impeachment an incompetent president
It is a welcome development in the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s judgment. Jacob Zuma’s calamitous presidency has unwittingly resulted in the development of this important procedure that involves the procurement by Parliament of independent opinion from a team of legal experts to advise on potential violations before Parliament proceeds with the political process of impeachment. The combination of experts and politicians in the process will help the public to gain insights into the process. Under Zuma, the legitimate attempts to remove him were constantly filibustered by the ANC. While the new process doesn’t stop political shielding it certainly provides certainty about the impeachment process.
Listen to full conversation here:
Mpumelelo Mkhabela is a Kaya 959 resident Analyst
