President Ramaphosa Says Madlanga Commission Already Making a Difference

What the Madlanga Commission Is

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry is looking into crime, political interference and corruption inside South Africa’s criminal justice system. It is chaired by Justice Mbuyiseni Madlanga and is expected to finish its final report in August 2026.

Early Impact Before the Final Report

President Cyril Ramaphosa told members of the National Council of Provinces that the commission’s work is already producing results, even though the final report is still months away. He pointed to:

• A special task team set up by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) after the commission’s interim report in December 2023.
• Several cases that have already gone to court.
• Ongoing disciplinary processes in the relevant departments.

Government’s Broader Fight Against Organised Crime

Cabinet has adopted a National Organised Crime Combating Strategy. Multidisciplinary teams made up of SAPS, NPA, the State Security Agency and the South African National Defence Force are now:

• Investigating violent crime, economic offences, infrastructure crimes, drug trafficking, illicit mining, illegal weapons and corruption‑linked crimes.
• Conducting lifestyle audits and vetting checks on senior police officials, especially those in detective services, priority crime investigations, criminal intelligence, forensic services and supply chain management.

Protecting Whistleblowers

Patriotic Alliance MP Bino Farmer asked about safety for people who expose corruption. Ramaphosa said whistleblowers are vital and the government is working on measures to protect them and their families, encouraging more South Africans to come forward.

Calls for Faster Action

DA MPs Nicolaas Pienaar and Dennis Ryder wanted to see senior officials named in the commission removed or prosecuted immediately. Ramaphosa replied that the commission must finish its work first, but noted that past inquiries—like the Zondo Commission—have led to arrests, recovered funds and legal reforms.

Building Trust in the Security Cluster

ANC MP Sylvia Sithole warned that tension between SAPS and the NPA’s Investigating Directorate against Corruption hurts public trust. Ramaphosa said the government is trying to improve cooperation between agencies so they can focus on fighting crime rather than internal disputes.

Conclusion

President Ramaphosa stressed that while most police officers serve with honesty and courage, those who betray public trust must be identified, removed and held accountable. He said the ongoing efforts—through the Madlanga Commission, special task teams, lifestyle audits and whistle‑blower protection—are already helping to restore integrity to South Africa’s law‑enforcement and security institutions.