The first report from the Madlanga Commission is set to be released by December 17, 2025, as revealed in ongoing court proceedings. President Cyril Ramaphosa's counsel defended the commission's establishment against bias claims from uMkhonto weSizwe Party and former President Jacob Zuma. Judgment in the case has been reserved.
In a hearing at the Pretoria High Court in the Palace of Justice, Advocate Nyoko Muvangua, representing President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed challenges brought by the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) and former President Jacob Zuma. The plaintiffs contest Ramaphosa's decisions to place Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on leave of absence, appoint Firoz Cachalia, and establish the Madlanga Commission.
Muvangua highlighted the commission's timeline, stating, “He’s anticipating a report on the 17th of December. This is three months after it commenced. The final report is anticipated... set out in the terms of the 17 March next year. There is nothing to the contrary. And there is nothing that the court could consider to find anything otherwise.” This interim report, due by December 17, 2025, follows the commission's inception three months prior, with the final one expected on March 17, 2026.
Addressing claims of institutional bias, Muvangua argued that the MKP and Zuma's contention—that the judiciary cannot investigate itself—is flawed. He referenced the Van Rooyen test, similar to the SARFU case, noting, “...it is clear that the reasonable observer would know that the allegations by General Mkwanazi are of the existence of, to use loose language, rotten apples within the judiciary.” The defense emphasized that isolated issues do not taint the entire institution.
The court has reserved judgment on these matters, leaving the commission's legitimacy and related decisions pending.