Madlanga Commission interim report kept “for Ramaphosa’s eyes only” as public awaits final findings in 2026

While the Madlanga Commission has heard multiple witnesses making submissions over the past three months, the public will only get to know how Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga and his team interpreted what was put before them when their final report is delivered during the course of 2026.

The Presidency confirmed on Monday that the interim report that has been produced at this stage will be released on Wednesday, but is intended for President Cyril Ramaphosa's eyes only. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya confirmed their position during a media briefing session on Monday.

Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi got proceedings off the ground on September 17 as the first witness before the commission.

A host of witnesses have since been in the hot seat, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, who appeared at the beginning of the month.

The commission came into effect after Mkhwanazi previously alleged that the country's justice system, including law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges, were infiltrated and compromised due to the stranglehold that criminal syndicates had over state apparatuses.

“The report the President will receive is not the same as the one that will be released to the public,” Magwenya said, alluding to the fact that the interim findings remained incomplete.

He explained that several witnesses who had already testified before the commission were expected to return to continue or expand upon their evidence. In some cases, testimony covered only limited aspects of broader issues still under investigation.

“Some of the witnesses will be called back to give further evidence. It would not be helpful to begin discussing something that is not fully developed,” Magwenya said.

The interim report, he stated, was intended to update Ramaphosa on the commission’s progress, as the President has not had time to follow every day of the hearings.

DAILY NEWS