By Simon Nare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) that he is open to taking a public lie detector test to determine whether he had misled the country during his presidency.
Responding to Questions for Oral Reply in the NCOP in Parliament, Cape Town, Ramaphosa was asked how he would define his presidency and its legacy, given that he had promised a “New Dawn” and accountability when he ascended to the Union Buildings.
In his reply, the president reflected on the challenges his administration had faced, including State Capture, the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic which nearly crippled the economy, as well as the devastating floods and the July 2021 unrest.
He added that despite these difficulties, his presidency had managed to “turn things around,” particularly the institutions he said had been captured during what he called the “State Capture era” under his predecessor, former president Jacob Zuma.
“First, we acted decisively to end state capture. We started rebuilding institutions like SARS (South African Revenue Service), the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority), the SAPS (South African Police Service), the Hawks and the State Security Agencies, ensuring that credible people were appointed to head those bodies,” he said.
uMkhonto we Sizwe Party delegate Seeng Mmabatho Mokoena, in her follow-up question, challenged Ramaphosa, suggesting that state capture was still occurring under his watch.
“Mr President, South Africans are confronted daily with the evidence contrary to anything that comes out of your office and your statement, so if integrity is truly the foundation of your leadership, then transparency should not be a threat to you.
“Would you then submit yourself to a publicly broadcasted lie detector test to prove to the nation that everything you have said today and in all your presidential speeches is indeed true or in order?” asked Mokoena.
Ramaphosa appeared momentarily taken aback by the question, but after regaining composure, told the House he would be willing to do so, and hoped the delegate who asked the question would also agree to take the test.
“I don’t know how a lie detector test works and maybe the honourable member can enlighten me after this session so that I can evaluate precisely what she is saying,” he said.
Ramaphosa reiterated that his presidency was focused on rebuilding captured institutions and said there was evidence of progress, noting that some were now beginning to make profits from their operations.
“Over the last few years, these agencies have made significant progress in prosecuting many of those allegedly responsible for state capture and recovering billions of rands in stolen funds. The work to tackle corruption is gaining momentum with each passing day,” he said.
The president also assured the House that any cabinet minister charged with corruption would have to vacate office and “face the music,” adding that there would be no protection for anyone.
He defended his decision not to take action against Human Settlements Minister Thembi Simelane for her alleged involvement in the VBS saga, as well as suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Ramaphosa said these ministers had been asked to produce reports on the allegations against them, and he had made his decisions based on those submissions.
He also addressed questions about his nephew from a previous marriage, Hangwani Maumela, reiterating that he did not know him and was not related to him, but rather to his wife from more than 40 years ago.
Ramaphosa added that Maumela happened to live in his neighbourhood and that it pained him to walk past his mansion “knowing that the property was allegedly built from money meant for the health care of the people.”
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