The Madlanga Commission is a South African inquiry set up to look into alleged misuse of public funds and failure of oversight in the health sector. It started in early 2023 after several whistle‑blowers raised concerns about contracts awarded without proper procedures.
Its main job is to collect evidence, interview witnesses and publish a report that shows where the system broke down. The commission works under the authority of Parliament, which means its recommendations carry weight and can lead to legal action.
Before the commission, many hospitals reported shortages of medical supplies while contracts were being signed for expensive equipment that never arrived. Public outcry forced the government to act, and the Madlanga Commission was appointed with a clear three‑point mandate: identify the irregularities, trace who was responsible and suggest reforms to stop similar incidents.
The commission’s team includes a retired judge, a former auditor‑general and a health policy expert. They have access to procurement records, bank statements and internal emails. Their work is public, and they release weekly updates to keep citizens informed.
In its final report, the commission highlighted three major problems. First, several contracts were awarded to companies with no track record, thanks to connections with senior officials. Second, there was a lack of transparent bidding, allowing prices to soar three to five times above market rates. Third, monitoring of project delivery was weak, so many goods never reached the intended hospitals.
Based on these findings, the commission recommended stronger procurement rules, an independent oversight body and harsher penalties for fraud. Parliament has already started drafting legislation that mirrors these suggestions.
For the public, the commission’s work means more accountability and a better chance that health funds reach patients. For officials, it signals that shortcuts will be investigated and could end in court. The Madlanga Commission sets a precedent for how South Africa can tackle corruption head‑on.
If you want to follow the next steps, keep an eye on parliamentary debates and the new oversight board that will be created this year. The commission’s reports are available on the government website, and NGOs are using the data to push for even tighter controls.
Understanding the Madlanga Commission helps you see why transparent procurement matters and how a focused inquiry can drive real change. Stay informed and hold leaders to account.
Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya is under fire at the Madlanga Commission after senior police officials alleged he overstepped his authority. Testimony shows he tried to seize the cold‑case unit, reroute counter‑intelligence dockets and shift 121 political‑killings files out of a provincial task team without permission. Legal head Petronella van Rooyen called the moves illegal executive overreach. Sibiya is suspended while the inquiry probes possible corruption and political interference. The commission keeps hearing evidence on justice system infiltration.