South African Minister, Three ANC Lawmakers Cleared of Graft Charges

Tuesday brought relief to four lawmakers of the African National Congress (ANC) party, including Employment and Labour Minister Thulas Nxesi. The individuals, once implicated in a high-level corruption probe, were exonerated by a parliamentary ethics committee.

The charges stemmed from complaints investigated by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry, probing large-scale corruption allegations under former President Jacob Zuma's rule from 2009-2018. Also named were lawmakers Cedric Frolick, Mosebenzi Zwane, and Winnie Ngwenya.

June 2021 marked the beginning of the probe into these four ANC figures for different corruption allegations. Nxesi was initially implicated in receiving funds from a company tied to renowned South African businessman Edwin Sodi, who himself is reported to be under the scrutiny of the Special Investigating Unit over another government contract.

The detailed investigation by the Zondo Commission of Inquiry painted a picture of rampant corruption within government and state-owned organizations. Despite high-profile ANC politicians being implicated, to date, no one has been indicted in a criminal court.

Former President Zuma, who resigned in 2018, is currently embroiled in a separate trial facing charges of corruption, racketeering, fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. This case revolves exclusively around an arms deal the South African government struck with French firm Thales prior to Zuma assuming office. Zuma's trial began in 2021, but it has seen multiple delays with no testimony being heard yet.