Staff Writer

The North Gauteng High Court on Wednesday extended the Zondo Commission’s mandate by a further three months. Judge Tshifhiwa Maumela found it unreasonable not to grant the commission, headed by Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, an extension of a further three months, which the commission had requested, in order to complete the report. President Cyril Ramaphosa welcomed the decision, arguing that the commission’s request was not ‘intentional, and ‘negligent’, but was rooted in the conditions it faced. The commission has, however, had to turn to the Presidency, since the Justice Department has capped its operating expenditure at R15 million for the next 3 months, citing its already close to a billion Rand operational costs. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola initially opposed the extension, arguing that only 6 more weeks were required. However, despite this opposition having been rescinded prior to the hearing, the cap remains.

Set up to investigate ‘state capture’ and fraud and corruption in the public sector, the commission has interviewed over 330 witnesses since August 2018, including President Ramaphosa, and has already received four extensions. These have since been wrapped up, with Acting Chief Justice Raymond Zondo now finalizing the report, which is now scheduled for December the 31.

Meanwhile the ANC, being as Ramaphosa alluded ‘accused number one’ is hunkering down in preparation for the report. A recent National Executive Committee meeting of the ruling party called for the development of clear and concise explanations prior to the report’s release, especially in relation to possible criticisms of its deployment committee.