Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 03 October 2025 | 15:00 CAT

Calls are mounting for President Cyril Ramaphosa to testify before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry amid deepening concerns about governance, political accountability, and alleged criminal infiltration at the highest levels of the state.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, political analyst Professor André Duvenhage warned that the President may not have much political time left. “I believe he hasn’t got a lot of political aspirations left. In fact, my assessment is that he is probably on his way out,” said Duvenhage, adding that Ramaphosa might not even survive until the ANC’s next electoral conference.

The Commission has been rocked by resignations of Senior Advocates, raising doubts about its effectiveness. Duvenhage compared it to earlier inquiries such as the Seriti and Morani Commissions, where findings failed to translate into decisive action. “There are factors at work that make it difficult for people to follow proper process and protocol. This may be a challenging environment,” he noted.

Much of the debate stems from the controversial disbandment of the Task Team under suspended police minister Senzo Mchunu. Reports allege that the move was unlawful and beyond his mandate, yet it was sanctioned by the President. According to Duvenhage, this points to a bigger crisis within the state: “We are to a large extent reflecting the characteristics of a mafia state, where it becomes difficult to differentiate between politicians and criminals. The criminals have entered the regime at its highest level, even within the police.”

He further highlighted worrying assassination statistics: over 1,000 political killings and attempted killings between 2000 and 2015, with dozens more in recent years. “The statistics tell us there is a big picture that is extremely problematic. Senior politicians and police officials are allegedly close to drug cartels and dwelling cartels. It is impossible that they don’t know about this,” he said.

Duvenhage warned that if Ramaphosa refuses to appear before the inquiry, it would “definitely be a confirmation that South Africa is a mafia state.” He drew parallels with Venezuela, Russia, and Italy, cautioning that South Africa risks becoming a fully failed state where criminal syndicates dictate political decision-making.

With the nation’s credibility at stake, both domestically and internationally, the analyst stressed that testimony from the President is crucial. “Ramaphosa faces major challenges within his party, within the country, and globally. For South Africa’s democracy, accountability is essential.”

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Annisa Essack and Wayne Duvenhage.