An independent, non-partisan civil society organisation, Public Interest SA, is the latest to express deep concern over allegations surrounding PR company Resolve Communications and its Executive Chairman, Tony Leon.
The organisation echoes the sentiments of various political parties in calling for a thorough investigation into allegations that the former DA leader, in cahoots with the former DA CEO Paul Boughey, through Resolve Communications, attempted to capture the state.
The allegations were made by former party leader John Steenhuisen in a tell-all interview following a decision by the current party leadership to demote him from Minister of Agriculture to Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition.
Steenhuisen alleges that Leon and Boughey undertook lobbying activities on behalf of private interests, including matters relating to the government’s response to the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak.
Speaking on YOU FM News Hour, Public Interest SA Chairperson Tebogo Khaas said they wholeheartedly support calls for an inquiry into the allegations.
“Because this does not look like a once-off instance, it looks like there is a pattern of conduct that is attributable to Leon’s PR company, Resolve Communications, especially in how it goes about soliciting business from the government.
Leon is not an ordinary politician. He is a very influential man, who was instrumental in the establishment of the Government of National Unity (GNU), at least from the DA’s perspective.
Having reportedly helped negotiate the GNU pact, he has also reportedly influenced the process of appointing ministers, including senior members of the DA,” said Khaas.
According to Khaas, Leon’s dismissal of the allegations against him and his company misses the point.
“The issue is not whether lobbying is lawful; the issue is whether a former leader of a governing coalition partner should monetise the influence, relationships, and access acquired through public service on behalf of paying private clients.
That is an ethical question, not merely a legal one.
For decades, Leon built his reputation opposing corruption and defending constitutional governance.
Today, he appears to defend a business model that many South Africans would reasonably perceive as the commercialisation of political influence,” elaborated Khaas.
Furthermore, the civil society organisation is particularly concerned by reports of Leon’s advocacy on behalf of Starlink, a company owned by South African-born American entrepreneur and business magnate Elon Musk.
“While foreign investment is welcome, strategic telecommunications infrastructure raises issues extending beyond commercial interests, including digital sovereignty, economic resilience, and national security.
Decisions affecting such sectors must be beyond reproach and informed by transparent, inclusive, and accountable processes,” added Khaas.
Furthermore, he said the country urgently requires a statutory framework regulating lobbying, including a mandatory register of lobbyists, public disclosure of meetings with ministers and senior officials, transparency regarding clients seeking to influence public policy or procurement, and stronger post-public office conflict-of-interest rules.
Separately, ActionSA has filed a complaint with the Public Protector over alleged state capture-like conduct by Tony Leon’s firm, Resolve Communications.
