Presidency under fire for not releasing Madlanga interim report

The Presidency has confirmed that only the final report, of the Madlanga Commission, will be made public.

The announcement comes amid mounting backlash over the Presidency’s decision to withhold the Commission’s interim report, expected later this week.

The interim report is set to outline progress in the Commission’s investigations into allegations of corruption and political interference within South Africa’s justice system.

Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, said the interim report contains preliminary findings and should not be regarded as conclusive.

– Criticism from civil society –

The Forum for South Africa (FOSA) has condemned the Presidency’s decision not to release the interim report, accusing it of a lack of transparency and calling for full publication.

FOSA president, Tebogo Mashilompane, says taxpayers should not be deprived of what’s rightfully theirs.

 

The Activists and Citizens Forum has also criticised the government’s decision not to release the interim report.

The organisation says President Cyril Ramaphosa’s appointment of retired Judge, Mbuyiseli Madlanga, to head the Commission is a tactic to suppress the truth.

It warns that the President’s decision to seal the interim report will not be tolerated, calling for transparency and accountability.

The forum’s spokesperson, Dennis Bloom, added that taxpayers are entitled to know the contents of the interim report.

“The country heard horrifying testimonies from witnesses on live television, extensively covered by the media. Why, then, must the interim report be kept secret? President Ramaphosa must remember that taxpayers fund the Commission and are entitled to know its contents,” Bloom said.

The Presidency maintains that the interim report will stay confidential, since additional evidence is yet to be considered.

The Madlanga Commission is expected to continue its work in January.

Meanwhile, the Presidency also confirmed that extensive measures are being taken to protect witnesses appearing before the Commission, following the killing of Witness D.

Marius van der Merwe, who appeared anonymously, was shot over a week ago in front of his wife and children.

Magwenya added that the process of strengthening witness protection is ongoing, and that the media will be consulted on how it could help safeguard witnesses.

He further highlighted that a Protected Disclosure Bill is currently being developed to provide additional support for whistle-blowers.

Media briefing by Presidential @SpokespersonRSA, Vincent Magwenya, at the Union Buildings, Pretoria https://t.co/w24enibeoG pic.twitter.com/B1xg4IDK3Z

— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) December 15, 2025

Written by: Odirile Rabalao