Kubayi Motau Madlanga Commission Budget: Justice Minister’s Stance

Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has publicly defended the Madlanga Commission budget after the resignation of former Chief Evidence Leader Advocate Terry Motau SC. Motau cited budgetary constraints and concerns over potential funding shortfalls as reasons for his departure. However, the Department of Justice has emphasized that no formal complaints about the budget had been raised with the ministry and that budgetary matters were appropriately managed and communicated.

Motau’s Claims and Department’s Response

Advocate Terry Motau SC asserted that the R147.9 million allocated for the Commission was not sufficient for its investigative mandate. Despite this, the Department clarified that Motau played a role in determining the fee structure for himself and his junior counsel. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi categorically rejected his allegations of financial mismanagement, emphasizing the transparency and accountability upheld during budget allocation.

Breakdown of the Madlanga Commission Budget

A detailed breakdown of the Commission’s budget reveals:

• Compensation of employees: R10.898 million (covering commissioners, evidence leaders, and support staff)
• Goods and services: R100.744 million (including consultants, legal services, ICT, communication, and travel expenses)
• Payments for capital assets: R36.258 million (encompassing secure ICT infrastructure, servers, and computers)

The Commission operates from the Brigitte Mabandla Justice College, a state-owned facility, which allows operations to proceed at no additional taxpayer expense. Notably, security-related expenditures will be disclosed only in the final report due to safety concerns.

Commission Continues Operations

Minister Kubayi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resource adequacy, transparency, and operational continuity for the Commission. The upcoming sessions of the Madlanga Commission are slated to resume on October 13, now under the guidance of Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC, who has been appointed as the new Chief Evidence Leader.

Significance of the Madlanga Commission

The Commission’s mandate is integral to investigating serious allegations and making recommendations on matters of public significance. Minister Kubayi’s defense of the budget underscores the government’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of the Commission’s operations and ensuring that financial resources are utilized effectively to serve the public’s interest.

As the Madlanga Commission resumes its hearings, public anticipation remains high for the outcomes and recommendations on issues of national importance. The transparency and accountability reiterated by Minister Kubayi aim to reassure the public of the efficacy and integrity of the Commission’s processes.