EFF urges inquiry to avoid lavish venue costs, warns against repeat of Zondo Commission spending

IOL News

2 days ago

Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Adv Terry Motau SC as chief evidence leader, Dr Nolitha Vukuza as the commission secretary, Adv Sandile Khumalo SC, Dr Peter Goss as chief investigator, are just some of the high profile legal minds to lead the Madlanga Commission.
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The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) is calling for the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System to avoid costly venue arrangements and instead use publicly owned facilities for the duration of its work.
The hearings are expected to commence in August.
The Commission has been established to investigate the facilitation of organised crime, the targeting of officials who opposed criminal activities within the security cluster or government, and the involvement of state officials who may have aided criminals.
Its establishment follows alarming allegations of misconduct within law enforcement, brought to light by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The party has raised concerns on what it calls 'a costly precedent' set by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, known as the Zondo Commission, where nearly R1 billion was spent, much of it on venue costs.
EFF pointed to the use of the Hill on Empire building in Parktown, Johannesburg, as one of the largest cost drivers during the Zondo Commission. The party said that leasing private, upmarket venues contributed unnecessarily to ballooning costs, while many government-owned halls and facilities stood unused.
'This is not just a question of high expenditure,' the EFF said.
They warned against inflated pricing, the absence of transparent procurement processes, and the use of venues that are inaccessible to ordinary South Africans, which undermines the constitutional principle of openness in such inquiries.
The party noted that it was through its formal questions in Parliament that the public learned the financial details of the Zondo Commission's lease agreements.
According to a written reply from the Department of Public Works in 2019, Tiso Black Star was paid R72,846.52 per month for offices and R796,950.00 per month for the auditorium. Redefine Properties was paid R374,900.61 per month for additional offices. At that stage alone, more than R14.8 million had already been spent.
EFF said the awarding of contracts to Tiso Black Star and Redefine Properties raised doubts about whether proper procurement processes were followed. The party argues that such expenditures are indefensible given the country's tight fiscal environment.
'We therefore make a direct and unequivocal demand that the Commission secure and commit to a municipal hall or similar public venue for its hearings and operational base for the full duration of its work.
''This is the most appropriate and responsible course of action, both financially and in terms of public accountability,' said EFF secretary general Marshall Dlamini.
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The party said that the government, through the Department of Public Works and various municipalities, has numerous suitable venues that can be used at a fraction of the cost, and which would also improve public accessibility to the Commission's proceedings.
'Our objection to private, upmarket venues is not simply about the numbers,' the EFF said. 'Such locations send a message, whether intentional or not, that commissions are elite exercises conducted behind closed doors, far from the communities most affected by the matters under investigation.'
Dlamini warned that choosing a private venue under similar terms to the Zondo Commission would be 'financially reckless and contrary to the public interest.'
He added that such a decision could damage the credibility of the new Commission before a single witness is even heard.
'In the current fiscal climate, where government departments are under severe budget constraints and critical services are being cut, it is morally indefensible to allow such waste to recur.
''The EFF cannot and will not accept a repeat of the Zondo Commission's venue expenditure pattern,' Dlamini said.
The party has urged Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to ensure that public trust in the Commission is preserved and that its operations reflect the values of openness, transparency, and fiscal discipline.
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