MKP and Zuma Challenge President Ramaphosa’s Decision to Establish the Madlanga Commission
The recent decision by President Cyril Ramaphosa to establish the Madlanga Commission has sparked controversy and opposition from two prominent figures in South African politics, Mosiuoa Lekota of the Congress of the People (COPE) and former president Jacob Zuma. The commission, headed by retired Constitutional Court judge, Justice Bess Nkabinde, is tasked with investigating the mandate and operations of the State Security Agency (SSA). However, Lekota and Zuma have taken a stand against this decision, challenging it in court and raising concerns about the commission’s credibility and motives.
The Madlanga Commission was established in response to the findings of the High-Level Review Panel on the SSA, which revealed serious allegations of corruption, abuse of power, and political interference within the agency. The panel’s report, released in March 2019, recommended that a judicial commission of inquiry be established to further investigate these allegations and provide recommendations for reforming the SSA.
President Ramaphosa, in his commitment to transparency and accountability, heeded the panel’s recommendation and appointed Justice Nkabinde to lead the Madlanga Commission. The commission’s mandate is to investigate the SSA’s mandate, legislation, and policies, as well as its operational and financial management. It is also tasked with identifying any irregularities, maladministration, and corruption within the agency and making recommendations for improvement.
However, Lekota and Zuma have raised concerns about the commission’s credibility and have taken legal action to challenge its establishment. Lekota, who is also a former Minister of Defence and Intelligence, has argued that the commission is unconstitutional as it was not established by Parliament. He also claims that the commission’s terms of reference are too broad and could potentially infringe on the rights of individuals.
Former President Zuma, who is currently facing multiple corruption charges, has also challenged the commission’s establishment, claiming that it is politically motivated and aimed at targeting him. Zuma has been implicated in several corruption scandals during his presidency, including allegations of using the SSA to spy on political opponents and interfere in state institutions.
While it is understandable that Lekota and Zuma may have concerns about the commission’s credibility and motives, their actions to challenge its establishment are concerning. It is crucial to remember that the Madlanga Commission was established based on the recommendations of an independent panel and is led by a respected and experienced judge. The commission’s mandate is to investigate the operations of the SSA, not to target any individual or political party.
Furthermore, the allegations of corruption and abuse of power within the SSA are serious and cannot be ignored. The establishment of the Madlanga Commission is a step towards addressing these issues and ensuring that the agency operates with integrity and in the best interest of the country. It is also an opportunity for those implicated in any wrongdoing to clear their names and for the truth to be revealed.
It is also important to note that the Madlanga Commission is not the first commission of inquiry to be established in South Africa. In recent years, several commissions have been set up to investigate various issues, including state capture, corruption, and the fitness of the National Director of Public Prosecutions. These commissions have played a crucial role in uncovering the truth and holding those responsible accountable.
In light of this, the actions of Lekota and Zuma to challenge the Madlanga Commission’s establishment can be seen as an attempt to undermine the commission’s work and delay the investigation. This is not in the best interest of the country and its citizens, who deserve to know the truth about the operations of the SSA.
In conclusion, the establishment of the Madlanga Commission is a positive step towards addressing the serious allegations of corruption and abuse of power within the SSA. It is a testament to President Ramaphosa’s commitment to transparency and accountability in government. While there may be concerns raised about the commission’s credibility, it is crucial to allow the commission to do its work and for the truth to be revealed. The Madlanga Commission has the potential to bring about much-needed reform within the SSA and ensure that it operates with integrity and in the best interest of the country. Let us support the commission’s work and trust in the process.
