Anti-Corruption Enforcement: Progress on Commission Recommendations and Public Sector Audits

Posted 14 July 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Regulatory & Compliance

Brought to you by SAnews: In terms of the Commissions Act, No. 8 of 1947, the executive is accelerating the implementation of judicial commission recommendations, resulting in increased prosecutions, asset recoveries, and lifestyle audits across state organs.

The Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of Corruption, Criminality and Infiltration of Law Enforcement Agencies (the Madlanga Commission), which commenced public hearings on 17 September 2025, has submitted two interim reports to the President. Recommendations are being executed by a South African Police Service (SAPS) Special Task Team in conjunction with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). To date, this has resulted in 16 arrests — including 12 senior police officials and a company director linked to a health and wellness services tender — and the suspension or dismissal of multiple high-ranking officials, including Brigadier Rachel Matjeng and Major General Richard Shibiri.

Concurrently, the State Security Agency (SSA) has been mandated to conduct security screenings and lifestyle reviews across SAPS. These audits specifically target senior officials within the following divisions:

  • The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI / Hawks);
  • Crime Intelligence;
  • Forensic Services; and
  • Supply Chain Management.

In respect of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, the state reports that 62% of the 60 recommended actions have been addressed, with over R17.1 billion in criminally obtained assets recovered. Recent judicial outcomes include the March 2026 sentencing of former Member of Parliament Vincent Smith to seven years’ imprisonment for fraud and corruption. Further high-profile trials are scheduled concerning the Free State asbestos removal project, SA Express, and Transnet contracts.

Additional statutory enforcement actions under the Public Finance Management Act, No. 1 of 1999 (PFMA) and the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act, No. 12 of 2004 (PRECCA) include:

  • The January 2026 arrest by the Hawks of the Director-General and two senior officials of the National Department of Health regarding over R1 million in unauthorised expenditure during the 2023–2024 financial year; and
  • The dismissal of more than 50 immigration officials by the Border Management Authority in March 2026 due to corrupt activities.

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: No direct individual compliance obligations; professional liability risks are channelled through statutory reporting duties under Section 34 of PRECCA.
  • For your business: Firms providing services to state organs or participating in public tenders must audit their supply chain processes to ensure strict alignment with PFMA regulations and prepare for heightened scrutiny during tender evaluations.
  • For your clients: Corporate clients engaging with state entities must review their anti-bribery policies, conduct robust due diligence on joint venture partners, and ensure clear mechanisms are in place to report any corrupt solicitations to the National Anti-Corruption Hotline (0800 701 701).

Originally published at https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/building-capable-state-south-africas-collective-fight-against-corruption

The views expressed herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Acts Online. Acts Online accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the article, nor does the information contained herein constitute advice, legal or otherwise.