Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has praised retiring Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga for his remarkable intellect, humility, and unwavering dedication to justice, as he prepares to lead the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption and political interference within SAPS.
“Justice Madlanga’s impact has not been confined to the courtroom,” Maya said during a special sitting of the Constitutional Court, held to honour his 17 years on the bench.
The ceremonial session, attended by senior members of the legal fraternity, the executive, and Parliament, was led by Maya, who paid tribute to her departing colleague.
Madlanga, 63, is set to chair the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of criminality, political interference, and protection of criminal elements within the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The inquiry was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa after explosive claims were made by KwaZulu-Natal provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
Mkhwanazi accused senior police officials , including suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of interfering in politically sensitive investigations and dismantling the task team probing political killings in the province.
The commission is expected to run for six months at an estimated cost of R147.9 million.
Reflecting on Madlanga’s legacy, Maya said Madlanga played a pivotal role as chief evidence leader in the Marikana Commission of Inquiry, saying he brought “clarity and compassion to one of the most painful chapters in our democracy”.
“His leadership ensured that the voices of the victims were heard and that accountability was pursued with rigour,” she said.
Maya also highlighted Madlanga’s achievements during his tenure as chairperson of the Exchange Control Amnesty Unit, which recovered R68 billion in offshore assets, secured R2.9 billion in levies, and expanded the tax base by R1.4 billion – accomplishments she described as “a global benchmark for financial accountability”.
In academia, Madlanga served as a visiting professor at several prestigious institutions and was instrumental in judicial education through his editorship of the South African Judicial Education Journal.
“What distinguishes him most,” Maya said, “is what he chose to do after he rose to the highest court in the land.”
Maya said in 2018, while on long leave from the Constitutional Court, Madlanga volunteered to teach constitutional law at two historically disadvantaged institutions – Walter Sisulu University and the University of the Witwatersrand.
“He understands that the legitimacy of our constitutional democracy depends on who gets to participate in it,” Maya said.
She praised him as a jurist who consistently challenged the legal profession to address systemic exclusion, especially of graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“He warned that unless transformation includes the most marginalised, we are merely rearranging privilege, not dismantling it.”
To his colleagues on the bench, Madlanga has been “a pillar of strength, a jurist with a sharp intellect matched only by his humility”, Maya added.
“To those who have had the privilege of working alongside him, he is more than a judge – he is a mentor, a guide and a friend. His chambers were a sanctuary for many young law clerks, whom he nurtured with patience and wisdom. He taught them not just the law, but the values that underpin it: integrity, diligence and, above all, justice tempered with compassion.”
Maya added, “To me, he has been a brother in arms – a confidant whose counsel I’ve relied upon, whose friendship I cherish, and whose legacy I will forever admire. Justice Madlanga, this is not goodbye, but ”au revoir” – until we meet again.
“Your journey in service does not end here; it simply takes a new direction.”
She wished him well as he takes on his new role leading the commission of inquiry and assured him the Constitutional Court would always remain his home.
“You will always be welcomed back with wide open arms – at least as long as I’m here,” she said.
“You have done a good job, and I have no doubt that your mother and father are smiling with pride where they are. We are. Thank you.”
Madlanga addressed the media on Monday, confirming that preparations for the commission’s work are under way.
Public hearings are expected to begin in August, although no specific date has been confirmed due to ongoing evidence assessments and consultations.
“The fact that General Mkhwanazi made the allegations doesn’t mean we are immediately ready for hearings,” Madlanga said. “There must first be assessments and further consultations.”
The commission is currently in its setup phase, including the procurement of a venue in Gauteng where the hearings will be held.
Once finalised, the public will be informed, including how to submit information online to support the inquiry.
Madlanga stressed the importance of public trust and transparency and confirmed that consultation with the commission’s first witness is imminent.
Politics
