‘Madlanga doesn’t play games’: Ramaphosa says witnesses are ‘too scared’ to testify

Ramaphosa

North West – ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa used the launch of the party’s local government election campaign in Madibeng, North West, to promise tougher action against corruption, unemployment and crime, while taking aim at witnesses who have failed to appear before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry on medical grounds.

Addressing supporters on Saturday during the final voter registration weekend ahead of the 4 November local government elections, Ramaphosa said tackling unemployment remained government’s foremost priority.

“Unemployment is the number one problem that we are looking at,” he said, adding that programmes such as the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) would continue to create jobs.

The president also issued a warning to corrupt public officials.

“There are those who come into government with intentions to steal public funds… They are being arrested now. They are in jail,” he said.

He added: “Criminals must be scared because we will go after them and they will be arrested… We don’t want criminals. We don’t want people who are going to steal money.”

Ramaphosa urged communities to play a greater role in choosing local councillors, saying: “We want you as our society to pick councillors you know, love and trust so that they can stand up for your communities.”

On service delivery, he acknowledged that while electricity supply had improved, some communities were still affected by load reduction, assuring residents: “The problems are going to be fixed.”

He also addressed illegal mining, saying those wishing to mine legally should obtain permits, declaring: “You must get a licence.”

Turning to the Madlanga Commission, Ramaphosa defended its work and mocked witnesses who have repeatedly postponed their appearances.

“Madlanga doesn’t play games. When you go there and don’t know your story, you will be locked up,” he said.

He added: “They are frightened now. They are even scared to go there so they continuously end up being hospitalised.”

The commission has faced repeated delays after several key witnesses were hospitalised or otherwise unable to testify, fuelling public debate and social media speculation.

Article written by