Issued by Daniela Ellerbeck on behalf of the FW de Klerk Foundation on 27/06/2025

The FW de Klerk Foundation acknowledges the Special Tribunal’s ruling that declared two personal protective equipment (“PPE”) contracts awarded by the Mpumalanga Department of Health to Vitae Zoe (Pty) Ltd unlawful and invalid.

“The Tribunal’s decision to set aside these contracts and pursue financial recovery is a vital step toward accountability,” says Daniela Ellerbeck, an attorney and the Foundation’s Constitutional Rights Programme Manager. “Section 195 of the Constitution demands ethical conduct, efficient use of resources and accountability in public administration. This judgment upholds those principles,” explains Ellerbeck.

Ismail Joosub, the FW de Klerk Foundation’s Constitutional Advancement Programme Manager, adds: “The Foundation has long called for personal liability and accountability in public service. The legal tools exist, what is needed is the will to use them.”

The Foundation also welcomes Cabinet’s statement that R11 billion has been recovered in State Capture-linked assets. While this is progress, the Foundation stresses that sustained political will and prosecution are essential to prevent future abuse.