Ramaphosa takes aim at absent witnesses

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised people who have missed appearances before the Madlanga Commission after reportedly being admitted to hospital.

Speaking during an ANC campaign visit to Majakaneng in North West on Saturday, Ramaphosa suggested that some witnesses were afraid to face the inquiry.

“Madlanga doesn’t play games,” he told residents.

Ramaphosa said witnesses knew retired Constitutional Court justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga would ask detailed and difficult questions.

“They are frightened now. They are even scared to go there, so they continuously end up being hospitalised,” he said.

The president did not present evidence that the medical conditions were fabricated.

Commission faces repeated delays

The commission is investigating allegations of criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system.

Its hearings have faced disruptions after several expected witnesses were reportedly hospitalised or otherwise unable to appear.

Those named in the report include former Investigating Directorate Against Corruption head Andrea Johnson, North West businessman Suliman Carrim and Medicare24 Holdings chief executive Mike van Wyk.

Senior Crime Intelligence officer Feroz Khan was also expected to testify before he was wounded in a shooting in Houghton, Johannesburg, on 28 June.

The repeated hospitalisations have led social media users to describe the situation as the “Madlanga Ward”.

Corrupt officials warned

Ramaphosa also warned public representatives against stealing state funds.

He said government wanted accountable councillors and would act against officials who lacked integrity.

“We don’t want people who are going to steal money,” he said.

Ramaphosa called for communities to play a greater role in selecting councillor candidates, saying residents should choose people they know and trust.

Jobs and services remain priorities

The ANC leader described unemployment as the country’s biggest challenge and said the Expanded Public Works Programme would continue, although sustained funding was needed.

He also acknowledged service delivery problems involving water, roads and electricity.

Ramaphosa said government was targeting illegal mining in North West, with soldiers assisting police in closing abandoned shafts.

He urged people interested in artisanal mining to operate legally and obtain the required licences.

The campaign visit took place during the final voter registration weekend ahead of the local government elections scheduled for 4 November 2026.