SOUTH AFRICA — South Africa’s anti-corruption drive has intensified under the Seventh Administration, with the Madlanga Commission and coordinated law enforcement actions delivering tangible results against institutional infiltration and state capture. Law enforcement agencies are actively arresting, suspending, and holding accountable individuals suspected of corrupt activities, reinforcing the government’s commitment to building an ethical and capable state.
The judicial commission, now widely recognized as the Madlanga Commission, commenced public hearings on September 17, 2025, and has subsequently submitted two interim reports to President Cyril Ramaphosa. Findings from the Commission underscore that corruption remains a critical threat to the rule of law, with the potential to reverse developmental gains and misallocate limited public resources. Officials note that these revelations were made possible by active citizens who reported abuses of power, highlighting that anti-corruption efforts require collective societal participation.
To act on the Commission’s recommendations and referrals, the South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Team has partnered with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to pursue individuals with prima facie evidence of wrongdoing. These joint efforts have already produced measurable outcomes. To date, 16 individuals have been arrested, including 12 senior police officials and a company director connected to a health and wellness services tender. Furthermore, 18 senior SAPS officials, including members affiliated with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality, have been suspended or served with notices of suspension. Notable dismissals include Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Major General Richard Shibiri.
In parallel, the State Security Agency has been mandated to conduct comprehensive security screening and lifestyle reviews across SAPS. These reviews specifically target senior officials within the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigations, Crime Intelligence, Forensic Services, and Supply Chain Management to preemptively identify vulnerabilities.
The government’s accountability measures also extend to the ongoing implementation of recommendations from the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture. In March of this year, former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for fraud and corruption linked to state capture. This conviction marked the sixth State Capture-related case to conclude with a guilty verdict. Several other high-profile matters are proceeding to trial, including cases involving the Free State asbestos removal project, SA Express, and Transnet contracts.
Significant progress has also been recorded in financial restitution. Authorities have recovered more than R17.1 billion in assets derived from criminal activities. Additionally, 62% of the 60 recommended actions outlined by the State Capture Commission have been successfully addressed, demonstrating that the anti-corruption strategy encompasses both prosecution and the recovery of stolen public funds.
This decisive approach has been applied across multiple government sectors. In January 2026, the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (the Hawks) arrested the Director-General and two other senior officials from the National Department of Health. The arrests are linked to allegations of over R1 million in unauthorized expenditure during the 2023–2024 financial year. Similarly, in March of this year, the Border Management Authority dismissed more than 50 immigration officials implicated in corrupt activities.
While these interventions reflect substantial progress, officials emphasize that rooting out corruption requires sustained vigilance. Long-term solutions demand stronger prevention measures, improved oversight, ethical leadership, and robust systems designed to detect vulnerabilities before exploitation.
Scott, Chief Director at the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) for the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster, affirmed that no one is above the law and that restoring confidence in the criminal justice system is essential to South Africa’s constitutional democracy. Scott emphasized that all citizens have a role to play in this collective effort, urging anyone with knowledge of wrongdoing to report it to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline at 0800 701 701.
