Terry Motau Reveals Budget and Efficiency Issues Behind His Madlanga Commission Exit

Pretoria – Advocate Terry Motau, a respected legal mind and former Chief Evidence Leader in the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, has shed light on his decision to resign from the high-profile investigation. Speaking candidly in a recent interview, Motau revealed that his departure stemmed from growing concerns over budgetary oversight, operational inefficiencies, and the need for transparent resource allocation within the commission.

Balancing Public Confidence and Financial Accountability

Motau began by acknowledging both the public skepticism surrounding commissions of inquiry and the importance of their role in uncovering truth and accountability.

“Mindful of the criticism and the skepticism against the establishment of a commission of inquiry on the one hand, but understanding the importance of the task that the commission needed to undertake, I still strongly believe that the establishment of the commission was the correct thing to do,” he said.

However, Motau emphasized that restoring public confidence also required responsible financial management and internal coordination — elements he felt were not being effectively implemented.

“You can’t have a situation where all the evidence leaders are sitting in consultations with witnesses without line of sight into how the work is being structured and funded,” he noted.

READ: Advocate Terry Motau Requests Exit from Madlanga Commission of Inquiry |

Budget Oversight: “You Can’t Wash Your Hands Off”

Addressing concerns about commissions being perceived as money-making schemes, Motau insisted that leaders within such inquiries cannot detach themselves from financial realities.

“Mindful of that, as the chief evidence leader, I can’t wash my hands off and say I don’t have to be sensitive to the line item allocations,” he explained.
“Line item allocations will ultimately impact how you structure and allocate work. And how you structure and allocate work will impact on whether you’re going to exceed the budget or not.”

Motau argued that transparency in budget management — including allocations for IT services, investigators, researchers, and attorneys — is critical for the commission’s credibility and efficiency.

Structural Gaps and Coordination Issues

The advocate further highlighted issues in structuring investigative work, calling for greater coordination and accountability among evidence leaders.

“You need to know upfront what is allocated to IT services, investigators, researchers, and attorneys,” Motau said.
“For example, when allocating resources to investigators, you must ask: what do they need to chase, where are the witnesses located, and which evidence leader has to make that trip?”

His comments suggest a broader frustration with logistical inefficiencies and the absence of a clear operational framework to ensure effective resource deployment.

A Departure Rooted in Principle

Motau’s resignation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by South Africa’s commissions of inquiry, which often struggle to balance credibility, cost, and delivery. Despite stepping down, he reaffirmed his belief in the integrity and necessity of such institutions, provided they are managed with transparency and discipline.

“It’s not about opposing the commission,” he said. “It’s about ensuring that the work done is meaningful, efficient, and reflective of the responsibility placed upon us by the public.”

READ: Suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu Breaks Silence Ahead of Madlanga Commission Appearance |

Background: The Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry was established to investigate allegations of political interference, corruption, and maladministration within South Africa’s law enforcement structures. The inquiry has drawn significant attention due to high-profile testimonies, including that of suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and senior officials from the SAPS.

Motau’s resignation adds another layer of complexity to an already delicate investigation, raising questions about internal governance, financial accountability, and leadership dynamics within the commission.

Conclusion

Advocate Terry Motau’s decision to step down as Chief Evidence Leader in the Madlanga Commission marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s pursuit of transparency and justice. His remarks highlight the tension between ethical governance and practical implementation, a recurring theme in the country’s institutional reform efforts.

Whether his departure prompts structural reforms within the Commission — or fuels further skepticism — remains to be seen.