(In South Africa) Former Chief Justice Zondo Criticizes Ramaphosa’s Cabinet Picks Over State Capture Allegations

 

Former Chief Justice Raymond Zondo has drawn significant attention in South Africa for his sharp criticism of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s selection of cabinet ministers, announced on July 27, 2025. Zondo, who led the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, expressed deep dismay over the inclusion of politicians facing serious allegations in Ramaphosa’s cabinet.

 Speaking at a public event in Johannesburg, Zondo stated that swearing in ministers with severe state capture findings against them was profoundly painful, as it undermined the integrity of governance and public trust in leadership.Zondo’s remarks, widely discussed on platforms like X, highlight his concern that appointing individuals implicated in corruption scandals contradicts efforts to rebuild South Africa’s institutions post-state capture. His tenure as Chief Justice, ending in August 2024, was marked by the commission’s extensive reports exposing systemic corruption under former President Jacob Zuma. Zondo emphasized that leaders must prioritize accountability, warning that such appointments risk eroding the rule of law. 

The criticism has sparked debates about Ramaphosa’s leadership and the African National Congress’s commitment to clean governance, especially ahead of upcoming elections. While some defend Ramaphosa’s choices as pragmatic for coalition stability, others echo Zondo’s call for ethical leadership. The controversy underscores ongoing tensions in South Africa’s political landscape, with Zondo’s outspoken stance reinforcing his legacy as a champion of justice.

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