President Cyril Ramaphosa says allegations involving former Democratic Alliance leader Tony Leon resemble the type of conduct seen during State Capture
His remarks come as the DA launches an internal investigation into claims that Resolve Communications used political access to advance private-sector interests.
The controversy has intensified after former DA leader John Steenhuisen alleged that Resolve Communications arranged meetings between Government of National Unity (GNU) ministers and corporate clients, including Starlink.
While the allegations remain unproven, Ramaphosa said they raise concerns that warrant full scrutiny.
“With regards to the allegations that we are hearing about one called Tony Leon. I mean that really smacks of this type of state capture that has been talked about.
“The very people who have been campaigning against state capture are now themselves deeply immersed and influencing how contracts should go in a very active way.”
“So I think the truth will still need to come out when it comes to this.”
Ramaphosa’s remarks come as South Africa continues implementing reforms recommended by the State Capture Commission.
The Presidency issues rolling progress reports on those reforms, including the Electoral Matters Amendment Act, which criminalises donations made to political parties in expectation of contracts or improper influence.
Read the Presidency’s report on implementing the State Capture Commission recommendations.
DA distances Leon from GNU cabinet negotiations
Speaking to the SABC, DA Federal Chairperson Solly Msimanga rejected suggestions that Leon influenced the allocation of ministerial portfolios negotiated during the formation of the GNU.
“None,” Msimanga said when asked whether Leon played any role.
He said discussions over cabinet positions took place solely between President Ramaphosa and then DA leader John Steenhuisen.
Steenhuisen later left Cabinet during President Ramaphosa’s latest reshuffle.
“The conversation was done by the President and the leader of the DA at the time.”
Msimanga said Leon only participated in broader political discussions about the formation of the coalition.
DA launches internal investigation
Despite distancing Leon from cabinet negotiations, Msimanga confirmed the DA would investigate allegations that Resolve Communications attempted to influence procurement or government decision-making.
“We are more than happy to allow any of our ministers or MECs for scrutiny.”
“We are not going to hide anything.”
“We will then internally embark on a testing of this allegation and see where this has been.”
“The people of South Africa can trust that this is what we will do and not hide behind commissions. We will do this and make that public.”
The announcement follows growing calls from opposition parties, Parliament and civil society organisations for greater transparency around lobbying involving former political leaders.
Van Damme says allegations raise corruption concerns
Former DA MP Phumzile Van Damme argued that the controversy goes beyond ordinary stakeholder engagement.
After reports confirmed Starlink as a Resolve Communications client, Van Damme wrote that a former DA leader facilitating meetings which allegedly resulted in a minister changing rules to suit a prospective bidder crossed an ethical line.
“That, my dears, is corruption,” she wrote on X.
Her comments have intensified debate around lobbying, political influence and whether former public office bearers should represent companies seeking regulatory or procurement decisions from government.
The Tony Leon lobbying controversy has also renewed scrutiny of Communications Minister Solly Malatsi’s proposed policy changes.
NOWinSA previously reported on concerns that proposed reforms could accommodate Starlink by rolling back long-standing B-BBEE transformation requirements.
Leon dismisses allegations as ‘complete nonsense’
Leon has rejected all allegations of wrongdoing.
He described the claims as “Looney Tunes stuff” and “complete nonsense.”
Leon maintains that political lobbying and helping businesses engage with government form part of a transparent democratic system.
He argues that facilitating meetings between stakeholders and government should not be confused with improper influence.
Minister Malatsi has also denied that Resolve Communications facilitated meetings between himself and Starlink.
According to Malatsi, Resolve approached his office only regarding concerns raised by another company involving unregistered SIM cards and commercial radio licensing.
Read our previous report on Namibia’s rejection of Starlink’s proposed market-entry approach, previous and the misinformation surrounding the company’s South African licencing progress.
No evidence has established wrongdoing by Leon, Resolve Communications or any public official. However, the allegations have renewed have renewed calls for greater transparency around political lobbying and intensified scrutiny over where legitimate stakeholder engagement ends and undue political influence begins.
