Impempe

Justice Madlanga

 

 

 

Justice Mbuyiseli Russel Madlanga is a highly distinguished, retired South African jurist who served as a Justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. Following his elevation from the bench, where he also served as Acting Deputy Chief Justice, he was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to chair the high-profile Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. The commission investigates deep-seated criminality, political interference, and corruption across the country’s criminal justice system. [1, 2]

 

Early Life and Career Milestones

  • Background: Born on 27 March 1962 in the rural village of Njijini, Eastern Cape Province. [1, 2]
  • Academic Baseline: Developed his foundational legal background lecturing law at the University of Transkei before practicing as an advocate in Mthatha. [1]
  • Judicial History: Appointed to the Mthatha High Court in 1996, making him South Africa’s youngest judge at the time. Within three years, he was appointed as an Acting Judge of Appeal at the Supreme Court of Appeal. [1, 2]
  • Corporate and State Bodies: Served as a member of the Competition Tribunal for nine years and was a nominee of the Advocates for Transformation component within the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). [1]

 

Notable Commissions and Judgments

Justice Madlanga is globally recognised for steering landmark public investigations and delivering key constitutional jurisprudence.

  • Marikana Commission: Acted as the Chief Evidence Leader during the 2012 Marikana Commission of Enquiry, spearheading a team of advocates investigating the tragic killings of 34 striking mine workers. [1, 2, 3]
  • Constitutional Bench (2013–2025): Authored prominent Constitutional Court rulings reshaping South African law. These include Bwanya v Master of the High Court (extending inheritance rights to permanent life partnerships) and New Nation Movement NPC v President of SA (allowing independent candidates to contest national and provincial elections). [1, 2]

 

The Madlanga Commission of Inquiry (2025–Present)

In July 2025, President Ramaphosa formally established the judicial commission under Madlanga’s oversight. [1]

  • The Mandate: Triggered by explosive corruption reports from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, the commission handles public hearings evaluating systemic rot, drug syndicates, and tender manipulation inside the South African Police Service (SAPS). [1, 3]
  • Key Interrogations: Chaired the highly publicized cross-examinations of SAPS officials involved in state collapses, such as Warrant Officer Marumo Magane and suspended Sergeant Fannie Nkosi.
  • Current Status: Handed over his second interim report to the Presidency in May 2026. As of July 2026, the commission continues to hold strict in-camera hearings for protected witnesses while actively engaging the state regarding an official extension past its initial deadlines. [1, 2, 3, 4]

 

Verified News Sources

  • Constitutional Court of South Africa: Complete professional timeline, historical high court entries, and appellate roles via the Official Constitutional Court Judge Profiles.
  • Judges Matter: Profile records outlining family background, career milestones, and a catalog of critical Constitutional court judgments via Judges Matter – Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga Profile.
  • The Presidency of South Africa: Executive press releases outlining the establishment of the inquiry, terms of reference, and receipt of interim briefs via The Presidency – Ramaphosa Receives Madlanga Commission Report.
  • SABC News: Live broadcasts, extension progress, and recent rulings on witness safety applications via SABC News – Madlanga Commission Updates.