Commissions or Complicity? Why South Africans Are Losing Faith in Inquiries

Pretoria, South Africa – As Justice Madlanga’s new police corruption inquiry begins, critics warn it will follow the path of the Zondo Commission: years of hearings, millions spent, and little accountability. For many, these commissions have become political theatre—tools the ANC uses to simulate action while crime syndicates continue to thrive.

The Cost of Endless Commissions

Since 2018, South Africa has poured over R1.2 billion into judicial commissions of inquiry. Yet:

• Average duration: 14 months or more
• High-profile convictions: Fewer than five
• Impact: Recommendations often gather dust in parliamentary archives

Analysts say this cycle breeds public cynicism while allowing corruption to deepen.

READ: Politicians in the Hot Seat — Political leaders face uncertain futures as Madlanga Commission revelations unfold.

A Grassroots Alternative: The People’s Assembly

Activists argue that South Africans cannot wait for another slow commission. Instead, they call for a People’s Assembly—modeled on the 1980s anti-apartheid tribunals—to directly confront corruption in policing.

Such an assembly could:

• Subpoena Police Minister Bheki Cele, SAPS leadership, and whistleblowers
• Livestream testimony, eliminating secrecy and “confidential” dockets
• Issue citizen indictments, forcing prosecutors to act

This approach, advocates say, would return accountability to the people rather than leaving it in the hands of politicians.

READ: Madlanga Commission: Day Three Reveals Alleged Political Interference and SAPS Links to Drug Cartels

Precedent Abroad

South Africa would not be the first to take such steps. In Brazil, participatory tribunals helped expose police death squads when courts were unwilling to intervene. Civil society pressure forced reforms that strengthened democratic oversight of law enforcement.

Why It Matters

With trust in SAPS at historic lows and Parliament seen as paralyzed, many believe only unions, churches, and civic groups can fill the leadership void. The choice before South Africa, critics argue, is stark:

• Another billion-rand commission that delivers reports
• Or a grassroots tribunal that delivers justice