CAPE TOWN, Jan. 24 (Xinhua) -- South African MPs on Wednesday expressed "grave concern" over the delay in releasing the terms of reference with regard to the Commission of Inquiry into state capture.
President Jacob Zuma must issue the terms of reference as a matter of urgency and this must be based on the remedial action of former Public Protector Thuli Madonsela's report on state capture, said Mathole Motshekga, Chairperson of Parliament's Portfolio Committee on Justice and Correctional Services.
The committee feels strongly that the matter cannot drag on any further as it goes to the root of the constitutional democracy, Motshekga said.
This came after the Presidency said on Tuesday that the Department of Justice and Correctional Services, not Zuma, will issue the terms of reference for the much-awaited commission of inquiry into state capture.
Zuma has been criticized for delaying the start of the inquiry by not releasing the terms of reference for the commission.
Earlier this month, Zuma announced his decision to appoint the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into state capture, but he did not release the terms of reference for the commission to proceed.
The commission is to probe the serious allegations of state capture lodged against Zuma, a number of senior government officials and the controversial Indian Gupta family in relation to their collaboration in looting the state coffers.
The terms of reference will allow the commission to get to work urgently and probe the serious allegations of state capture.
"This matter cannot be delayed any further and a debate around the issue about who is responsible for issuing the terms of reference of the commission cannot be entertained," Motshekga said.
Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, who will lead the commission, and Zuma has a responsibility to ensure that the remedial action recommended by the former Public Protector is not amended, said Motshekga.
"It must be brought to finality. We feel strongly that the responsibility for issuing the terms of reference lies with the president," Motshekga stressed.
The Constitutional Court has interpreted the remedial action and it is now up to all South Africans to ensure accountability and not up to political interest groups to contest the timing or scope, said Motshekga.
"The matter must be settled. Surely we cannot be pleading for it. The terms of reference are urgent," he added.
The establishment of the commission was pursuant to the investigation and remedial action recommended by Madonsela regarding complaints and allegations of state capture.
