Former Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla Faces Corruption Charges in BOSASA Scandal
Former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Thabang Makwetla, appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crimes Court on charges of fraud and corruption linked to a controversial security upgrade at his private home. The charges relate to alleged benefits received from BOSASA, a company infamous for its involvement in corruption scandals within South Africa.
Details of the Charges
Makwetla, 58, faces charges under the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and fraud. The charges stem from an alleged security upgrade, valued at approximately R350,000, provided by BOSASA in 2015. According to the Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC), Makwetla allegedly failed to disclose this benefit to Parliament over a four-year period.
"His repeated failure to disclose this material benefit to Parliament over four years, violated his legal and ethical duty under the Members of Parliament Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests," said IDAC spokesperson Henry Mamothame.
The security upgrade included enhancements to his Bramley Gardens home, located north of Johannesburg, and included features like an electric fence, a CCTV system with off-site monitoring capabilities and an alarm system with beams. Prosecutors argue that this omission constitutes a breach of transparency obligations, which require members to declare any gifts or benefits exceeding a certain value to avoid conflicts of interest.
Court Appearance and Bail
Following his court appearance, Makwetla was granted R10,000 bail. The case has been postponed to November 4, 2025, for further proceedings. The brief hearing addressed formal charges and bail conditions. While prosecutors advocated for bail with restrictions, the court determined the bail amount sufficient, considering his community ties and lack of flight risk.
Makwetla's Political Career
Thabang Makwetla has had a long and varied career in South African public service. He was a Member of Parliament from 1994. He held several key positions, including Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans (2009), Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform (2014), and Deputy Minister of Correctional Services (2018). His tenure as Deputy Minister of Correctional Services is particularly relevant, given BOSASA's extensive involvement in prison services contracts.
BOSASA's Legacy of Corruption
BOSASA, later rebranded as African Global Operations before its liquidation in 2019, has become synonymous with state capture and corruption in South Africa. Investigations have revealed a pattern of kickbacks, bribes, and undue influence used to secure lucrative government contracts worth billions of rands. Several prominent figures have been implicated in BOSASA-related scandals, including former President Jacob Zuma, ministers Gwede Mantashe and Nomvula Mokonyane, and numerous officials.
| Key Figure | Allegation |
|---|---|
| Thabang Makwetla | Failure to disclose R350,000 BOSASA security upgrade |
| Gwede Mantashe | Received home security upgrades from BOSASA |
| Jacob Zuma | Implicated in BOSASA corruption scandals |
Looking Ahead
Makwetla's case underscores the ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their involvement in the BOSASA corruption scandals. The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption (IDAC) continues to pursue these cases, aiming to recover assets and ensure that those implicated face justice. The trial will test the accountability of public officials and the enduring impact of the BOSASA scandal on South African governance.
