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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, has welcomed the commencement of proceedings of the Madlanga Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System.
 
The commission, chaired by Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, was originally scheduled to begin public hearings on 1 September 2025. However, its start was delayed due to procurement challenges. Mr Nqola noted that these obstacles have now been resolved:
 
“The committee welcomes the speedy resolution of the procurement matters that caused the delays. This demonstrates that government takes the process seriously and has acted decisively to remove obstacles to ensure a smooth and timely start,” he said.
 
The committee had previously expressed concern that the delay was linked to administrative and procurement failures within the Department of Justice. During a media briefing, Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged that certain issues could have been avoided. She announced that the Director-General of the department, Advocate Doc Mashabane, and Deputy Director-General for Information and Communication Technology, Mr Jabu Hlatshwayo, were placed on immediate suspension pending investigation and disciplinary processes.
 
Mr Nqola stressed the importance of the commission, saying: “We are grateful that the process has now begun. This commission is critical to restoring credibility in our country’s criminal justice system. We wish Justice Madlanga and his team well and every success in achieving their objectives.”

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola