President Cyril Ramaphosa Extends Madlanga Commission Deadline After Witness Delays Disrupt Hearings

• President Ramaphosa has announced whether the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry would be granted an extension
• The Commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political inteference and corruption within the criminal justice system
• The failure of several witnesses to appear before the Commission prompted the request for an extension

Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.

GAUTENG – President Cyril Ramaphosa has granted the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry an extension.

The Commission, which is probing allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption within the criminal justice system, was initially due to end its hearings on 16 March 2026. The allegations were made by Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi on 6 July 2025.

Numerous incidents of witnesses failing to testify for various reasons have meant that the commission has been unable to complete its hearings, leading to it approaching the president for an extension.

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When have the hearings been extended until?

On 9 March 2026, President Ramaphosa granted an extension for the period by which the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System must complete its work and submit its final report.

The president has ruled that the Commission shall submit a second interim report by 29 May 2026 and a final report on the completion of the inquiry, on 31 August 2026. The Commission submitted its first interim report on 17 December 2025.

Ramaphosa already accepted the findings of that report and ordered the establishment of a task team that would further investigate certain individuals named during the Commission’s hearings.

It's not just the Madlanga Commission that has been granted an extension, as Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee has as well. The National Assembly resolved to extend the reporting deadline of the Ad Hoc Committee.

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The Committee’s hearings were due to expire on 20 February 2026, but have been extended until 31 March 2026. This is in accordance with National Assembly Rule 253(6), which allows the House to revive or extend the lifespan of a Committee that has not yet completed its task.

What you need to know about the commission and committee

• President Ramaphosa placed Minister Mchunu on special leave and established a commission of inquiry.
• Minister of Justice, Mmamoloko Kubayi, suspended two people for the delay in the commission.
• Mbuyiseni Ndlozi slammed Cyril Ramaphosa over the stalled Madlanga Commission.
• Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi will be the first person to appear before Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee.
• The Ad Hoc Committee on Lt Gen Mkhwanazi’s claims elected Molapi Lekganyane as chairperson.

Ramaphosa vows to use reports to root out corruption

Briefly News reported that Ramaphosa previously vowed to use the reports of the Madlanga Commission and Ad Hoc Committee to root out corruption.

The president admitted that crime remained a major challenge in the country, saying that the police needed to do more to combat it.

South Africans took to social media to weigh in on Ramaphosa's comments, noting his previous comments about the Zondo Commission report.

Source: Briefly News