Ramaphosa Gazettes Two Major Laws: Police Oversight and Language Regulation Take Effect

Strengthening Police Accountability

President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially gazetted two important laws, marking a significant shift in police oversight and language regulation in South Africa. The 2024 Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) Amendment Act has now come into force, except for five sections pending further implementation.

The amendment builds on a 2016 Constitutional Court ruling, the McBride judgment, which emphasized the IPID’s independence. Under the new law, the IPID is empowered to investigate allegations of rape and deaths involving members of the SAPS or municipal police services, whether on or off duty. This move strengthens accountability mechanisms amid ongoing public concerns over police misconduct.

The timing of the IPID amendment coincides with heightened scrutiny of the SAPS. Earlier this year, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi alleged that a criminal syndicate had infiltrated law enforcement and intelligence structures, and accused Police Minister Senzo Mchunu of interfering in investigations. In response, Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave and appointed retired Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga to lead a special inquiry into police corruption.

Due to delays in acquiring necessary infrastructure, the commission could not start immediately, prompting Ramaphosa to appoint Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Police Minister to manage the ministry during the interim.

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Giving Multilingualism a Legal Voice

In tandem with policing reforms, the Presidency also brought the 2014 South African Language Practitioners’ Council Act into effect. The law formally establishes the Council as a juristic entity tasked with regulating language practice, accrediting practitioners, and monitoring compliance, aligning with the 2013 National Language Policy Framework and constitutional commitments to multilingualism.

Legal experts note that the law aims to facilitate equal access to education, government services, and information, ensuring South Africa’s diverse linguistic communities are better represented. However, critics have questioned why it took nearly 11 years for the Act to be operationalized.

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Public and Institutional Response

The dual announcements have drawn attention on social media and from civic organizations. Advocates for police reform welcome the strengthened IPID powers, especially in light of recent corruption allegations, while language rights organizations celebrate the formal recognition and regulation of language practitioners across the country.

Observers note that both laws reflect South Africa’s ongoing struggle to balance institutional accountability, public trust, and cultural diversity, highlighting the need for timely and effective government action.

{Source: BusinessTech}

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