Ramaphosa Extends Madlanga Commission Deadline to November 16

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended the reporting deadline for the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry from August 31 to November 16, 2026. The commission, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, is investigating allegations of corruption, political interference, and the capture of law enforcement agencies.

The extension follows discussions between the presidency and the commission regarding a highly pressurized workload. Commission spokesperson Jeremy Michaels previously noted that the body was struggling to conclude public hearings and process testimony from high-profile witnesses, including businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, by the original deadline. Under the new timeline, the commission will hear testimony until October 2 before submitting its final report.

Established in July 2025 after KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged senior law enforcement figures were interfering in criminal investigations, the inquiry is intended to remove "the rot" within the South African Police Service. Ramaphosa praised the process as one of the most outstanding the government has embarked upon, noting it has already resulted in several police officer suspensions and arrests.