ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has come out in strong support of commissions of inquiry, calling them essential tools for justice and reform, especially in moments when public institutions are compromised by conflict of interest or political interference.
Citing landmark probes like the Zondo Commission, Mbalula highlighted how such inquiries, though costly, have yielded tangible results — from the recovery of billions of rands looted during state capture to the prosecution of those implicated. “They are not a replacement for law enforcement,” he acknowledged, “but when the system fails, inquiries step in to uncover the truth and rebuild trust.”
He also pointed to the Nugent Commission, which was instrumental in exposing deep-rooted dysfunction at SARS and helping to stabilise one of the country’s most critical revenue institutions.
Mbalula admitted that these processes come at a significant financial cost, but argued they are worth every cent if they result in real accountability and the restoration of public confidence. In a political climate where trust is fragile, his message is clear: commissions of inquiry are not distractions — they are democracy’s last line of defence.
