President Cyril Ramaphosa says he is prepared to extend the lifespan of the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into alleged corruption within South Africa's criminal justice system if commissioners require more time to complete their work.
The president made the remarks while speaking to the media on the sidelines of a courtesy visit to the AbaThembu baseRhode at the Qamata Great Place in Cofimvaba, Eastern Cape, on Monday.
Ramaphosa praised the commission's progress, saying it has already demonstrated its value by exposing alleged corruption within the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the broader criminal justice system.
"South Africans have come to see that there is great value in enabling people who are independent and who have the necessary expertise to deal with matters that are challenging," he said.
The Madlanga Commission was established following explosive allegations made in July 2025 by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who accused senior law enforcement officials of corruption and interfering in criminal investigations.
Since the inquiry began, several police officers have been suspended and a number of arrests have been made, developments Ramaphosa described as evidence that the commission is already driving meaningful change.
"We are beginning to see real transformative processes emerging through the commission, and that is going to enable us to get rid of the rot and the challenges in our police service," the president said.
Ramaphosa acknowledged that the commission has a wide-ranging mandate and said its extensive terms of reference require thorough investigations and careful consideration of the evidence presented.
"The terms of reference I gave are quite extensive, and I'm glad that they have been doing their work in terms of those terms of reference," he said.
The commission is expected to submit its final report by the end of August. However, Ramaphosa said he would consider granting an extension should commissioners indicate they need additional time.
"It may well be that they need a little bit more time, and I will listen to that request if it comes," he said.
The president said the commission's findings would be instrumental in shaping reforms within SAPS and strengthening the integrity of South Africa's criminal justice system.
"The reports that they now need to give are critical. They will enable us to have the ability to reform our police service," he said.
Ramaphosa also addressed criticism he faced when establishing the commission, noting that some had questioned the need for another inquiry. He said the investigation has since shown its importance.
"I was heavily criticised that I was setting up yet another commission, but I think South Africans are now seeing the benefit of this work."
Despite ongoing public scrutiny, the president said the commission remains focused on delivering meaningful outcomes.
"It's good work that's being done, and that is what South Africans also want to see," Ramaphosa said.