“No Need For Madlanga Commission, Because Those Leading It Could Be Implicated” Ndhlela Hit Out

The uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has expressed strong skepticism about the newly established Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, arguing the process is premature and risks being compromised from the outset.

In a statement on Monday, party spokesperson Nhlamulo Ndhlela raised concerns that the commission’s credibility would be undermined if the individuals appointed to oversee it were themselves implicated in the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.

The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was created to probe allegations of corruption, maladministration, and political interference in security structures. These allegations were initially brought to light by General Mkhwanazi, who has reportedly implicated senior officials across government and law enforcement.

The MK Party’s primary objection is that a full list of those implicated has not been made public. Ndhlela argued that without this transparency, there is a risk that the inquiry could be led by individuals who have a conflict of interest. He called for an independent vetting process first to identify all implicated officials, followed by a careful selection of commissioners to avoid any conflicts.

Political analysts suggest the party’s objections reflect broader public frustration with commissions of inquiry in South Africa, which are often seen as lengthy and expensive processes that yield few tangible results.

The MK Party’s stance introduces significant early skepticism towards the commission, highlighting the challenge of establishing an inquiry that is perceived as legitimate and effective by all stakeholders. How the government addresses these concerns will likely impact public confidence in the process and its eventual findings.