Ramaphosa denies his interference led to delay in state capture report

The delay in the release of the report following a discussion between Ramaphoaa and the commission's chair, Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, led to concern in some quarters of judicial interference by the president. 

The report was supposed to be handed to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday evening, but the commission said there were challenges in processing part 5 and 6 of its report.

Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said the Presidency has not received a copy of the final report.

"On the morning of the 20th of June 2022, President Ramaphosa and Chief Justice Zondo held a brief telephone call in which the Chief Justice offered reassurance on the delivery of the report and discussed the coordination of the handover ceremony.

"The Commission’s team had informed the Presidency that the report will be finalised after the sitting of the Judicial Service Commission on Monday. No handover of the report can take place until and unless the Chief Justice has finalised his work."

Magwenya said Ramaphosa will not be able to receive the report on Tuesday due to the official funeral of King Zanozuko Sigcau in the Eastern Cape, where he is expected to deliver the eulogy of the late Amampondo king.

"The Presidency, therefore, rejects claims that the President has in any manner interfered with the work of the commission or the judiciary as speculated by some opposition parties. Communication between the Chief Justice and the President has been over the delays in the delivery of the report and finalising the date for the official handover of the report."

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