PARI (Public Affairs Research Institute) summarises the findings and recommendations of the Zondo Commission, which investigated state capture in South Africa. Key points include:  

• The Commission’s Focus:
  • It investigated allegations of state capture, corruption, and fraud, particularly involving the Gupta family and their influence on government.  
  • It examined the conduct of executive members of the state and their relationships with private individuals.  
  • It looked into corruption within various state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and government departments.
  • It defined state capture as a systematic effort by a small group to redirect state resources for private gain, facilitated by weakening state institutions.  
• Key Findings:
  • State capture occurred on an extensive scale in South Africa.  
  • It involved the manipulation of appointments, procurement processes, and oversight mechanisms.
  • The Gupta enterprise played a significant role in influencing government decisions and extracting state resources.
  • Private sector actors, including professional service providers, were complicit in state capture.  
  • The ruling party enabled state capture.
• Key Recommendations:
  • Prosecution of implicated individuals.  
  • Recovery of misappropriated funds.
  • Reforms to public procurement processes, including the establishment of an independent agency.  
  • Strengthening of oversight mechanisms and law enforcement agencies.
  • Reforms to the appointment processes for SOE officials.  
  • Consideration of electoral reform.
• The Way Forward:
  • President Ramaphosa is responsible for developing an implementation plan.
  • State institutions and civil society have a role to play in holding those responsible accountable and implementing reforms.  
  • The report is a valuable tool for future reform, but should be critiqued, and not be the only source of future reform ideas.