The Black Lawyers Association (BLA) has strongly criticized the appointment of only advocates—and no attorneys—as evidence leaders in the Madlanga commission of inquiry, calling the move “shocking, embarrassing, and discriminatory.”
In a letter to Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga, BLA secretary-general Takalani Chris Mamathuntsha expressed dismay over the lack of representation for attorneys in the commission, which was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa to probe corruption, political interference, and criminality in the justice system. The inquiry follows explosive allegations by KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of meddling in investigations.
Mamathuntsha said the BLA was not consulted on the selection of the legal team, despite attorneys’ significant contributions to South Africa’s judiciary. “Attorneys, including members of the BLA and the National Association of Democratic Lawyers, have served with distinction in superior courts,” he wrote. “This exclusion sends a harmful message that attorneys are inferior to advocates.”
The BLA also raised concerns over what it sees as a pattern of sidelining attorneys from high-profile, financially rewarding legal work. The association has urged Judge Madlanga to reconsider the appointments, calling for inclusivity and fairness.
“We await your urgent response,” Mamathuntsha added, noting that the matter was of pressing concern to the BLA’s members. The commission has yet to publicly respond to the criticism.
