The Madlanga Commission, also known as the Commission of Inquiry into Higher Education and Training, was established by the South African government in 2016 to investigate the state of higher education and provide recommendations for addressing challenges in the sector. The commission was chaired by Judge Jonathan Heher and included three other commissioners: Advocate Gregory Ally, Ms Leah Thabisile Khumalo, and Professor Themba Mosia Madlala. The commission conducted extensive research and held public hearings across the country, gathering valuable insights and inputs from various stakeholders. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key dates, people, and locations involved in the Madlanga Commission.
Dates:
The Madlanga Commission was established on the 14th of January 2016 by President Jacob Zuma. It was given a period of six months to complete its work and present its findings and recommendations to the president. However, due to the complexity and magnitude of the issues being investigated, the commission was granted several extensions and finally submitted its report on the 30th of November 2017. The report was made public on the 13th of December 2017.
People:
As mentioned earlier, the Madlanga Commission was chaired by Judge Jonathan Heher. Judge Heher has an impressive legal background, having served as a judge of the High Court of South Africa for 15 years. He was also the chairperson of the Competition Tribunal of South Africa. The other three commissioners also brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the commission. Advocate Gregory Ally is a senior counsel and a respected legal expert, while Ms Leah Thabisile Khumalo is a seasoned educator and administrator. Professor Themba Mosia Madlala is a highly esteemed academic and researcher in the field of education. Together, these commissioners formed a formidable team, committed to uncovering the truth and providing solutions for the challenges facing higher education in South Africa.
Locations:
The Madlanga Commission held public hearings in various cities and towns across the country, including Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Johannesburg. These hearings were open to the public and provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their views and experiences with the commission. The hearings were also broadcasted live on television and radio, allowing for a wider audience to engage with the commission’s work. In addition to the public hearings, the commission also conducted research and gathered information from various institutions and organizations, including universities, government departments, and student organizations.
Overview:
The Madlanga Commission was tasked with investigating the state of higher education and making recommendations for addressing issues such as access, funding, and transformation. The commission received over 500 written submissions and heard from more than 80 witnesses during its public hearings. The report submitted by the commission to President Zuma is a comprehensive document, containing detailed findings and recommendations for improving the higher education sector in South Africa. The report has been widely praised for its thoroughness and objectivity, and it remains a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and other stakeholders.
Conclusion:
The Madlanga Commission was a significant undertaking by the South African government, and it has provided valuable insights into the challenges facing higher education in the country. The commission’s work would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of the four commissioners, who tirelessly worked to ensure a thorough and unbiased investigation. The public hearings, held in various locations across the country, provided a platform for diverse voices to be heard and contributed to the commission’s comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. The Madlanga Commission will undoubtedly go down in history as a pivotal moment in the quest for a better and more equitable higher education system in South Africa.
