Pretoria: Presidential Spokesperson Vincent Magwenya has assured the public that the final report of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry will be made public, addressing concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

According to South African Government News Agency, this statement follows the revelation that the Commission’s interim report will be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday but will not be released to the public. Magwenya explained that the final report will be available after the Commission advises on areas of national security sensitivity. The report is currently incomplete, and the President requires time to review it due to his inability to follow the Commission’s daily proceedings.

The Madlanga Commission was established by President Ramaphosa after serious allegations were made by the South African Police Service (SAPS) KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. These allegations suggested that the Minister of Police and others had colluded to interfere with police investigations, prompting an inquiry into the infiltration of law enforcement and intelligence agencies by criminal syndicates.

Magwenya noted that some witnesses who have testified will be called back to provide additional evidence to ensure comprehensiveness. He emphasized that it would be premature to draw conclusions from an incomplete report, reiterating the President’s commitment to release the final findings once the Commission’s work concludes.

During a media briefing, Magwenya also addressed the issue of whistleblower protection following the shooting of Marius van der Merwe, a recent witness before the Madlanga Commission. According to Magwenya, the government is actively engaging in measures to protect witnesses and whistleblowers, including consultations on the Protected Disclosure Bill aimed at strengthening legal safeguards.

The government is reviewing the Protected Disclosures Act to develop a Comprehensive Whistleblower Protection Framework. This initiative seeks to broaden the definition of ‘whistleblower,’ establish procedures for confidential disclosures, enhance remedies for occupational detriment, and clarify employer obligations.

Regarding the potential extension of the Commission’s timeframe, Magwenya stated that the Presidency is open to discussions on the matter, acknowledging the lengthy nature of testimonies.