Speeches

Statement by the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi, on the progress of the Commissions of Inquiry, 26 August 2025

Good day, Members of the Media,

Thank you for joining us today to provide update on the work of both the Commission of Inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigations and prosecution of apartheid era crimes chaired by Judge Sisi Khampepe and the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference, and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System chaired by Judge Mbuyiseli Madlanga.

The Khampepe Commission was announced and appointed on the 29 May 2025 and the Madlanga Commission was appointed on 13 July2025. On the 19th August 2025, regulations for the both Khampepe and Madlanga Commissions were gazetted that meant the Commission would effectively be able to meet and hold their hearings.

Since the announcement of the Commissions, the Ministry instructed departmental officials to work closely with the Commissions to ensure that all administrative and logistical arrangements are in place.

As previously stated, the Department is responsible for the procurement of services for the Commissions, in consultation with the Chairpersons and the Secretaries.

On the Madlanga Commission:

I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made in relation to Madlanga Commission:

• Venue: The Commission will sit at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria. Security assessments have been completed and the venue has been classified as medium risk, with security personnel on standby. Outstanding adjustments — including guard house and turnstile installations, office reconfiguration, and lift programming — are scheduled for completion this week as it was planned that the commission will commence on the 1st September.
• Capacitation: Appointments of Commissioners, Evidence Leaders, a Chief Investigator with four investigators, secretarial staff, and a Spokesperson have been finalised. This will ensure that the Commission is equipped to deal with the complex matters before it.
• ICT & Tools of Trade: 25 laptops have been delivered and are being configured. Secure ICT infrastructure, searchable forensic data storage, cybersecurity solutions, and integrated email/website services are at procurement award stage and will be concluded today.
  Cellphones have already been delivered to Commissioners. Streaming services for public access are being finalised in partnership with GCIS and private broadcasters the procurement process closes tomorrow.
• Protection of Witness: Guidelines has been finalised and as this is a sensitive area, details can not be shared in public.

On the Khampepe Commission:

• Venue: The Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown, Johannesburg, has been secured. An award letter was issued on 26 August 2025, and a Memorandum of Agreement is being finalised.
• Security: Security services are in place, and the venue has been classified as low risk. Protectors have been allocated and equipped with the necessary tools of trade.
• Capacitation: Appointment briefs for Commissioners, Evidence Leaders and Investigators have been finalised. The Secretary, Spokesperson, and support staff are being phased in, with full capacitation expected by 1 September 2025.
• ICT & Tools of Trade: Delivery of laptops, MacBooks, and iPads is scheduled and underway, with configuration to be completed by 29 August 2025. Procurement of email/website services, streaming solutions, and secure internet connections is at an advanced stage, with awards due by 28 August 2025.
• Cellphones: Devices for Commissioners, Secretary, and Spokesperson have been delivered and are in the process of distribution

I can confirm that the Khampepe Commission will commence as announced without any further delays.

After learning of the anticipated delays to be communicated by the Madlanga Commission on Friday, I immediately convened several meetings with the commission and the departmental officials to try and see if any intervention can be done to avert the further delay.

It was clear at the end of the day that it is practically impossible to intervene in procurement process without compromising what is required by law as compliance with PFMA and SCM policies.

I then notified the President immediately and did a full report for his consideration which included Communication of the Immediate Suspension of the DDG responsible for ICT in the department Mr Jabu Hlatshwayo.

The President then delegated to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional development powers to institute disciplinary proceedings against the Director-General of the Department Adv Doc Mashabane and this decision has been communicated to him this afternoon.

We must however, state that despite these challenges the Madlanga Commission has commenced with the preliminary work that includes interaction with the witnesses.

We remain committed to ensuring that the Commission begins its work without further delay and to strengthening the operational efficiency of the Department to prevent similar setbacks in the future.

Thank you.

Media enquiries: Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister – 082 338 6707

ISSUED BY THE MINISTRY OF JUSTICE AND CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA