Madlanga Commission of Inquiry To Cost Taxpayers R147.9 Million Over 6 Months
- The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development revealed how much the Commission of Inquiry into General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi's allegations will cost
- It said that it will cost over R130 million in six months for the tight period that President Cyril Ramaphosa set for it to achieve its objectives
- South Africans doubt that the Commission would last for six months, and some remarked that the money could have been used for service delivery
- Dr Tinyiku Ngoveni, the chairperson of the University of South Africa's School of Criminal Justice, spoke to Briefly News
With 10 years’ experience, Tebogo Mokwena, a current affairs writer for Briefly News, provided insights into the criminal justice system, crime statistics, and high-profile cases in South Africa at Daily Sun.
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JOHANNESBURG — The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development revealed that the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption in the criminal justice system will set taxpayers back by over R130 million for half a year.
According to TimesLIVE, the department's spokesperson, Terrence Manase, confirmed that the department, which is responsible for the procurement processes for the Commission of Inquiry, will spend R147.9 million over six months for the Commission. Manase also said that the department applied to the National Treasury to deviate from standard procurement processes because of the timeframe set aside for the Commission.
Commission work has begun
Addressing the media on 28 July 2025, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga said that the Commission should ideally be in a position to provide President Cyril Ramaphosa with an interim report after three months and make recommendations.
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Madlanga said that the timeline provided for the Commission to complete its objectives is tight. He added that the proceedings will be livestreamed and the public will have access to the Commission.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the Commission of Inquiry on 13 July 2025 after placing Senzo Mchunu on special leave. This was after the KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi accused Mchunu and Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya of being part of a drug syndicate. He added that politicians, members of Parliament, police officers, prosecutors, businessmen, and members of the judiciary are involved in the syndicate.
Criminal expert speaks to Briefly News
Dr Tinyiku Ngoveni, the chairperson of the University of South Africa's School of Criminal Justice, spoke to Briefly News on the possibility of the Commission leading to substantive criminal reforms and charges. He said that it would depend on the willingness of the Government official (President) to accept the outcome and apply the recommendations. Possibly, the existence of GNU can rescue the country in this situation
"In terms of criminal charges, the small fish can be the ones to feel the heat, while politicians use their democratic right to take the outcome on review, using ill-gotten money to dilute the commission and delay the charges."
What did South Africans say?
Netizens commenting on Facebook were displeased.
Nyameko Meko Stuurman said:
"That will cost the taxpayers R1 million a day for six months."
Vusi Mshinini said:
"By the end of the Commission, it would have tripled."
Tebogo Motle said:
"When there is a need for service delivery, there's no budget, but for commissions, a budget is readily available."
Mike Stone said:
"And the results will be swept under the carpet."
Senzo Mchunu welcomes the Commission of Inquiry
In a related article, Briefly News reported that Senzo Mchunu, who was placed on special leave on 13 July 2025, welcomed the Commission of Inquiry. Ramaphosa established the Commission of Inquiry to investigate, among others, Mchunu's alleged political interference in the South African Police Service.
Mchunu said that he was ready to prove that he was innocent. He said that it was unfair that he was judged before being given a chance to prove his innocence.
Source: Briefly News
