Pretoria: Chairperson of Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Xola Nqola, has expressed concern at the delay in the commencement of hearings in the Madlanga Commission. Earlier this week, the commission announced that it would delay the start of proceedings due to delays in the procurement of vital infrastructure – pushing back the previously announced date of 1 September for the commencement of hearings.

According to South African Government News Agency, the fallout from the commission’s announcement resulted in Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi revealing that the department has instituted disciplinary proceedings against its Director-General (DG), Advocate Doc Mashabane. The department’s ICT Deputy Director-General (DDG), Jabu Hlatshwayo, has also been placed on immediate suspension pending an investigation and disciplinary process.

‘It is regrettable that these public servants have not done their work to ensure this process starts on time. We call on the Minister to closely monitor the progress to ensure the work of the commission commences speedily,’ Nqola said. During a media briefing earlier this week, the Minister assured South Africans that ‘significant progress’ has been made in preparation for the beginning of the hearings.

This progress includes the finalization of the venue at the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College in Pretoria, with outstanding adjustments scheduled for completion this week. The appointments of commissioners, evidence leaders, a chief investigator with four investigators, secretarial staff, and a spokesperson have been finalised. Additionally, 25 laptops have been delivered and are being configured, and secure ICT infrastructure along with other technological needs are at the procurement award stage.

Cellphones have already been delivered to commissioners. Streaming services for public access are being finalised in partnership with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) and a private broadcaster as the procurement process closes this week. ‘We remain committed to ensuring that the commission begins its work without further delay and to strengthening the operational efficiency of the department to prevent similar setbacks in the future,’ Kubayi said.