‘Disturbing’ Mkhize allegations being handled with urgency, Ramaphosa tells MPs

Ramaphosa delivered the presidency's budget vote at the National Assembly on Wednesday afternoon.

He told Members of Parliament that government's efforts to root out rot in public entities remains a high priority, adding that the Fusion Centre continues to provide a valuable model for anti-corruption efforts.

"One of the consequences of the work we have done and continue to do is that South Africans are seeing action taken against people accused of wrongdoing and are seeing funds being recovered.

While it is disheartening to read on a daily basis about corruption allegations, it is significant that much of what is now in the public domain is the result of work being done by institutions like the SIU, the Hawks, the National Prosecuting Authority, the Auditor-General and others," Ramaphosa said.

Ramaphosa added the fight against corruption forms an integral part of building a capable developmental state.

"It is important, as we rebuild these entities, that we demonstrate our confidence in their ability to investigate all allegations and to act without fear and favour.

"We must affirm the rule of law and the importance of due process."

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He further addressed the elephant in the room following pressure from some political parties for Health Minister Zweli Mkhize to step aside pending an investigation into his conduct.

Mkhize is at the centre of a storm with allegations of corruption swirling around him for his alleged involvement in the awarding of an irregular contract to a KwaZulu-Natal communications company, Digital Vibes.

Ramaphosa assured MPs that the matter was being handled with the urgency it deserves.

"These are serious and disturbing allegations, and it is therefore essential that they be thoroughly investigated by the SIU and any other appropriate authority, that these investigations be finalised without delay and that the due legal process is followed," he added.

Ramaphosa also lauded the work of the commission of inquiry into state capture.

"We are confident that the Commission will not only establish the extent and nature of state capture and enable us to hold those responsible to account.

"It will also provide valuable recommendations that will assist us in ensuring that corruption of this sort is never allowed to happen again."