Top officials stayed in power after exposés, report shows

Several senior public officials implicated in probes, judicial findings or allegations of maladministration have remained in influential positions or resurfaced in powerful roles, according to a roundup published on 27 July 2026.

Who was named

The report lists a number of prominent figures whose careers continued despite adverse findings, allegations or controversies.

Eskom figures

Brian Molefe was linked in the 2016 State of Capture report, which detailed contacts between him and the Gupta family during the period when Eskom awarded lucrative coal contracts. The report notes that Molefe has not been convicted.

Anoj Singh featured in the State Capture commission’s findings on procurement involving McKinsey and Trillian. The report states that Singh has not been convicted.

Matshela Koko was suspended in 2017 after allegations that a company linked to his stepdaughter benefited from Eskom contracts.

Other public officials and SOE leaders

Hlaudi Motsoeneng the public protector found his appointment to the SABC was unlawful, yet he remained at the broadcaster for years.

Richard Mdluli faced fraud, corruption and other criminal allegations but headed the police’s Crime Intelligence division after his suspension was lifted.

Lucky Montana, Prasa’s former group chief executive, led the agency during a period when the organisation was embroiled in procurement controversies featured in state capture reporting.

Dudu Myeni was at the helm of South African Airways during years of governance failures; judicial findings declared her a delinquent director.

Busisiwe Mkhwebane, the public protector, remained in office for years despite adverse judgments from the Constitutional Court.

What the roundup highlights

The collection of cases underscores recurring instances where senior officials implicated in governance failures, allegations of corruption or adverse judicial findings have not always been removed from positions of influence.

Next steps and context

The original piece presents these names together to illustrate a pattern across public institutions and state-owned enterprises. It does not provide information on convictions for the individuals listed where it states they have not been convicted, nor does it include further investigative or legal outcomes beyond what is cited.

Published 27 July 2026.