Khumalo Will Not Testify at Madlanga Commission on Monday

Khumalo will be absent to testify at the commission on Monday.

by Mathipa Phishego

In a surprising development ahead of Monday’s scheduled hearings, prominent figure Khumalo announced that he will not be testifying before the Madlanga Commission, which is currently investigating allegations of misconduct and governance failures in key public institutions.

The Madlanga Commission, chaired by Justice Mandisa Madlanga, was established earlier this year to probe a series of high-profile controversies involving public officials and institutional accountability. The commission’s mandate includes uncovering corruption, maladministration, and systemic weaknesses within government departments.

Khumalo, who has been a central figure in several of the commission’s inquiries, was expected to provide crucial testimony shedding light on alleged irregularities. However, sources close to him reveal that legal counsel advised against his appearance at this stage, citing ongoing negotiations and concerns over procedural fairness.

No official statement explaining Khumalo’s decision has been released, fueling speculation among political analysts and the public. Some observers believe his absence could hinder the commission’s efforts to obtain a full account of events, while others suggest it may be a tactical move as investigations deepen.

Justice Madlanga expressed disappointment at Khumalo’s withdrawal but reassured the public that the commission remains committed to its work and will proceed without delay.

“We respect the decisions of all witnesses, but our mandate to uncover the truth and promote accountability remains unchanged,” Madlanga said in a brief statement.

The commission’s work has attracted significant media attention, with many viewings it as a litmus test for South Africa’s commitment to transparency and good governance. Khumalo’s testimony was widely anticipated as a potential turning point in the investigations.

As the commission reconvenes this week, all eyes will be on upcoming witnesses and any new evidence that may emerge.