Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has made an impassioned plea for all corruption – not just corruption allegedly linked to the Guptas – to be eradicated.
Mogoeng made the comments while delivering the 67 Minutes Leadership Talk at the People Matter Foundation in Kempton Park on Wednesday morning.
He warned that corruption is not just in the public sector, but also in the private sector because “it takes two to tango.”
The Chief Justice further cautioned South Africans to be vigilant against certain corruption narratives.
We’ve got to make it our business not to beautify others at the expense of others, not to make others untouchable, not to allow anybody, including me, to be awarded an undeserved saintly status.
When you try to scratch the surface about this one, even when there are indications that there is something there, you will be bombarded with insults and so much negativity that a loud and clear message is sent out that you dare not touch this one.
We will get this country right if, moving from this meeting, we are determined not to be told who is clean and who is dirty. We are going to research for ourselves.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
Mogoeng also took a swipe at some sections of the media for misrepresenting a key witness in the “rogue unit” Public Protector investigation.
I read a story in one of the Sunday papers. There was a human being who was presented as a drunk. I was left believing that this man was always on a high…until the man appeared on channel 405 and he was sound.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
He cautioned that corruption goes beyond the Guptas.
It would be a disservice to this nation if we were ever to allow ourselves to believe that once you have dealt with the Gupta situation, you have dealt with corruption. It’s a fallacy.
I carry no brief for them, but think about it – when did our state owned enterprises begin to lose money massively? Who else is benefitting from the coal issue at Eskom?
What percentage of the coal did these people get? Have we ever bothered to find out – but how much are other people getting? Is it inflated or not? Who is benefitting from the South African Airways all these years?
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
“No free lunch”
Mogoeng further questioned whether or not political party or candidate funding results in those elected to positions of power being “captured.”
We really need to think deeply about how capture happens. There’s no free lunch and never for the millions. Once I begin to give you R1million…whether I set you up in business or government, there’ll be payback time.
Why should I make you a multimillionaire? Why should I prefer you over the others? It’s an investment.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng
The Chief Justice said he will not be silenced by smear campaigns and his responsibility is to speak for justice in South Africa.
I say without any fear of contradiction – I am ready to be insulted; after all, that’s how I was baptised into this office.
I’m ready to be misrepresented or deliberately misunderstood in pursuit of the ideals that Nelson Mandela was prepared to die for.
If you want to say I’m a populist, if you want to say it looks like I’m salivating for political office [and] why don’t I go out and be open about it – that’s your problem.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng