Makwetla appeared in court over BOSASA-linked corruption charges
image: Internet
by Kelebogile Matlou
Thabang Makwetla, 58, a former Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, appeared at the Palm Ridge Specialized Commercial Crimes Court on counts of corruption and fraud. The allegations concern BOSASA’s financing of a private security upgrade at his Bramley Gardens house in 2015, which cost roughly R350,000.
Prosecutors argue that Makwetla failed to declare the benefit to Parliament for four years, in violation of the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act (PRECCA) and the Parliamentary Code of Ethical Conduct. This absence is interpreted as a violation of the transparency standards, which require members to declare any major benefits to avoid conflicts of interest.
The case, which is linked to the liquidation of BOSASA and continuing state capture investigations, highlights the company’s practice of offering incentives to officials in exchange for large state contracts. The State Capture Commission exposed BOSASA, later rebranded as African Global Operations, for securing billions in tenders through bribery.
Makwetla, who has denied wrongdoing, was given R10,000 bail after a brief court appearance. The issue has been postponed until November 4, 2025, for additional procedures. The court acknowledged his community links and lack of flight risk as justifications for the bail terms.
Makwetla was born in Limpopo in 1966 and has had a long political career. He joined the African National Congress during the anti-apartheid movement and later served in Parliament beginning in 1994. He went on to serve as Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, and ultimately Deputy Minister of Correctional Services in 2018.
His alleged relationship to BOSASA originates from his employment at Correctional Services, where the company had substantial contracts for prison catering, security, and maintenance. BOSASA’s questionable procedures have implicated numerous officials and politicians, with Makwetla now among those facing prosecution as South Africa steps up efforts to hold authorities accountable for misconduct.
The Investigating Directorate Against Corruption, which is part of the National Prosecuting Authority, has pledged to pursue accountability in BOSASA-related matters. While Makwetla’s political career has been marked by both praise for his reform attempts and criticism for slow progress, this court case may eventually define his legacy.
