Editor’s Note: Every Friday, Andrew Green curates the top news and analysis from and about the African continent.
In an effort to preempt a damning report on massive overpricing and potential fraud in the country’s $26 billion COVID-19 response, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa moved to crack down on corruption within the ruling African National Congress this week. Analysts see it as Ramaphosa’s attempt to finally seize control of a party plagued by graft and the legacy of his predecessor, Jacob Zuma.
Following a weekend meeting of the ANC’s executive committee, Ramaphosa announced that party officials charged with corruption must take leave from their positions and resign if convicted. The party will also introduce new transparency mechanisms, including establishing formal guidelines on ANC leaders and their families doing business with the government.