Governance by Inquiry: SA's truth machines or political theatre?

News24

3 days ago

In this week's Friday Briefing, we spotlight the South African government's proclivity for commissions of inquiry.
EDITORIAL: Governance by Inquiry: SA's truth machines or political theatre?
In September 2018, the scathing findings of the Moerane Commission into political killings in KwaZulu-Natal were released. Two years after it was first established, the three commissioners found that several government failures, provincial politics and greed were at the centre of the killings.
Then-KwaZulu-Natal premier Willies Mchunu promised that the government would move swiftly to implement recommendations. That did not happen.
At the time, seven years ago, a reader commented: 'How can it take you two years to determine these facts which are common knowledge in the public sector? You don't have to be a politician or investigator to know these things, you just need to keep up with the news. But I doubt if all of this will change much in the foreseeable future or maybe Ramaphosa will do something...let's hope.'
The fallout from accusations by KwaZulu-Natal's top cop, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, that many politicians and state organs are complicit in organised crime, has been significant, resulting in the police minister and deputy national police commissioner being placed on special leave.
Ramaphosa also announced a new commission of inquiry with strict timelines that will investigate these claims.
But we've seen commissions of this nature play out and, clearly, very few reforms have come to pass. The sentiment of the reader seven years ago has just intensified, with many in the public weary of yet another inquiry.
Will it be just another ploy by politicians to ease public pressure? Or will this new commission lead to effective reforms that build public trust and confidence?
In this week's Friday Briefing, we explore the role of commissions of inquiry.
News24's legal journalist, Karyn Maughan, argues that the Zondo Commission exposed the ANC as an organised criminal enterprise, at huge political cost to the party. Now, the Madlanga Commission threatens to do the same to a weakened ANC and may fast-track the party's demise.
Dr Lincoln Cave, who is attached to North-West University's Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy, argues that more efficient, cost-effective and targeted alternatives would be preferable to establishing yet another commission of inquiry.
And finally, advocate Lauren Kohn, founder and director of The Law and Governance Academy of Southern Africa, asks what it will really take for the Madlanga Commission to move from words to meaningful action.
You can read the submissions below.
Have a great weekend!
IN-DEPTH | Madlanga inquiry to sound death knell for Ramaphosa's ANC
The state capture inquiry exposed the Jacob Zuma-led ANC as an organised criminal enterprise, at huge political cost to the party. Now, Karyn Maughan argues, the Madlanga Commission threatens to do the same to the weakened ANC under Cyril Ramaphosa.
Read the article here.
Lincoln Cave | Why we don't need a new commission of inquiry
Previous inquiries into the security cluster have already identified critical governance issues. Dr Lincoln Cave, attached to North-West University's Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy, argues that more efficient, cost-effective and targeted alternatives would be preferable to establishing yet another commission of inquiry.
Read the article here.
Gallo Images/Daily Maverick/Felix Dlangamandla
Lauren Kohn | The Madlanga Commission can restore public confidence if…
For a public weary of empty inquiries and failed accountability, Lauren Kohn asks what it will really take for the Madlanga Commission to move from words to meaningful change.
Read the article here.
Cartoon by Carlos
Carlos Amato