Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the allocation of an additional R45.5 billion for expenditures, under which the Madlanga Commission and two other investigative commissions will receive additional government funding of R516 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
These funds are intended to support crime-fighting operations, disaster relief, and measures to reduce the burden on households. Godongwana announced these allocations during his speech as part of the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday.
He specified that the funding will ensure the continuity of work for the Madlanga, Hampepe, and Nkabinde commissions. The Minister stated: 'R560 million for the Madlanga Commission, the Hampepe and Nkabinde investigative commissions.'
The additional allocation comes against the backdrop of the Madlanga Commission's investigation, which is reviewing testimony regarding alleged criminal networks and corruption within the criminal justice system. The activities of this commission have attracted public attention and led to the arrest of high-ranking police and municipal law enforcement officials.
Among those detained are former Deputy National Commissioner of Police Shadrak Sibiya, South African Police Service (SAPS) Sergeant Fanny Nkosi, who is suspended, and Julius Mkhwanazi, former Deputy Head of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Police Department (EMPD). It is important to note that the allegations raised during the investigation remain subject to due legal process, and the arrests themselves are not proof of guilt.
Godongwana did not provide a detailed breakdown of the R516 million among the three commissions during his address. This funding is part of a broader package aimed at strengthening the state's capacity to investigate and prosecute crimes, recover proceeds from illegal activities, and improve anti-corruption efforts.
Crime and corruption place pressure on public finances, weaken governance, and divert resources from vital services. To cover additional expenses, the government has identified savings through low-priority programs and administrative inefficiencies in national departments. Other measures include combating fraud in social benefit claims, eliminating inefficiencies and attempts to gain advantage in housing programs, and utilizing surpluses held by state structures.
The additional funds will also go towards disaster response and rehabilitation, as well as deploying soldiers to combat gangs and illegal mining. Godongwana announced the allocation of R6.2 billion for unforeseen and unavoidable expenses, most of which is designated for disaster relief and rehabilitation.
Furthermore, he mentioned the transfer of R1.9 billion from the previous fiscal year, R4.3 billion for targeted funding and expenditures, and R823 million for Operation Prosper, a military operation targeting illegal mining. As an additional measure to ease the financial burden, the minister announced a temporary reduction in fuel excise duties.
He stated: 'To provide temporary assistance, the excise duty on diesel fuel will be reduced by R3.00 per liter and by R1.50 per liter of petrol.'