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Parliament invites public submissions on Madlanga Commission claims

Published

1 day ago

September 19, 2025

Chiraag

Madlanga Commission public submissions, Parliament South Africa enquiry, Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi political killings, citizens invited to submit evidence, October 17 2025 deadline, public participation Parliament, Joburg ETC

Public voices at the centre

South Africans are being asked to step forward and have their say in one of the most sensitive investigations currently unfolding in Parliament. The Ad Hoc Committee probing allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal’s police head, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, has invited individuals and organisations to submit written evidence before mid-October.

The move follows Mkhwanazi’s explosive briefing in July, where he spoke about the work of the Political Killings Task Team. His claims raised alarm over how political violence is being tackled in KwaZulu-Natal and sparked demands for deeper accountability.

Why this matters

This enquiry has been set up with clear Terms of Reference that guide the scope of the investigation. These are available to the public on Parliament’s website, ensuring transparency from the start. While the committee is bound by these terms, it has also kept the door open to adjust its approach if necessary.

Importantly, this is not just about politicians debating in Cape Town. In line with Section 59 of the Constitution, Parliament is obligated to make its committees accessible to the public. In practice, that means South Africans can now influence the process by offering information, testimonies, or insights that might otherwise go unheard.

How to participate

Only submissions directly relevant to the enquiry will be considered. Contributions must be in writing, endorsed under oath or affirmation, to ensure credibility. The committee has also committed to assisting those who need guidance in preparing their sworn statements, recognising that ordinary citizens may not be familiar with the formalities.

The deadline for submissions is 17 October 2025. Written evidence should be sent to [email protected].

For help, the committee has provided contact details for its representatives:

Mr V Ramaano: 083 709 8427
Adv P Gwebu: 083 709 8395
Ms B Mbengo: 083 709 8489

A chance for accountability

South Africa’s history of political violence, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, means this investigation carries weight far beyond administrative formality. The committee’s invitation signals a recognition that lasting solutions require input from communities, activists, and experts who understand the realities on the ground.

With a strict deadline looming, the call is clear: citizens have been given a platform to help shape the country’s response to political killings. Whether they seize the chance could influence how seriously Parliament treats the allegations that Lt-Gen Mkhwanazi laid bare.