Expert Moses Kau Highlights Critical Omissions in Madlanga Commission: Calls for Interpreters, Counselling, and Sign Language Support
By Thabo Mosia – International relations and protocol expert Moses Kau has raised fresh concerns about the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, pointing out what he sees as key gaps in its setup. In a recent statement, Kau highlighted three vital elements missing from the proceedings: interpreters for mother tongue speakers, psycho-social counselling for traumatised witnesses, and sign language interpreters for the deaf community.
He stressed that these oversights could undermine the commission’s effectiveness in delivering justice and ensuring accessibility for all South Africans.
Kau, known for his sharp insights on governance and public processes, made it clear this was not an attack on any individual, such as witness Brown Mogotsi, but a push for better support. His comments come as the commission, which began hearings in September 2025, continues to uncover allegations of political interference, corruption, and syndicate infiltration in the criminal justice system. With testimonies revealing deep-seated issues in policing and prosecutions, Kau’s call underscores the need for a more inclusive and humane approach.
Kau’s Critique: Three Key Omissions That Could Hinder Fairness
In his statement, Kau said, “I have picked at least three things that the Madlanga Commission has omitted which are critical. These are interpreters, psycho-social Counselling, and sign language interpreters. This is not a ‘broadside’ against Mr Brown Mogotsi, but I think some witnesses really needed to talk in their ‘mother tongue’.”
He argued that allowing witnesses to speak in their first language would make testimonies more accurate and heartfelt, reducing misunderstandings that can arise from language barriers. South Africa’s multilingual society, with 12 official languages including South African Sign Language recognised since 2023, demands such provisions to ensure everyone can participate fully.
On psycho-social counselling, Kau drew from personal reflections: “During the testimony of Lieutenant-Colonel Kelebogile Tshepa, it was clear that because of her trauma at work, she needed someone at the Commission who could dispense with trauma counselling on the spot, when she broke down.
The Commission Chair could only call for a break, for her to ‘recollect’ herself. That reminded me of when we grew up. Things like counselling were not there. The elders would just say to you ‘O tla ba shapo ntwana’. That was all the counselling we had.”
Kau wrapped up by questioning the exclusion of the deaf: “As to the sign language interpreters, South Africa has around 4 to 4.2 million deaf people. Are we saying people who are deaf, do not qualify to ‘hear’ the atrocities committed against the law abiding and hardworking officials that we are hearing at Madlanga Commission and or the Ad Hoc Committee? If you have ‘connections’ (I know South Africans ke batho ba di-connections), in the Madlanga Commission and Parliament, please pass this message to them.”
These points highlight broader issues of equity, especially in a country where past inquiries like the Truth and Reconciliation Commission faced similar challenges with witness support and language access.
Emotional Testimony of Lieutenant-Colonel Kelebogile Tshepa Spotlights Need for On-Site Counselling
Kau’s reference to Tshepa’s breakdown brings attention to the human cost of testifying. On 14 November 2025, the Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department spokesperson took the stand, sharing a harrowing account of threats she faced. She described how three men confronted her in 2023, demanding details on a docket linked to a high-profile case. They warned her of dire consequences, including threats to burn her alive if she did not comply.
Tshepa, visibly shaken, broke down in tears during her evidence, forcing the commission to pause. She denied any involvement in misconduct, insisting the encounter was an attempt to intimidate her. Her role as head of media and public relations has placed her in the spotlight, and she spoke of ongoing fears for her safety. This incident echoes Kau’s call for immediate psycho-social support, as breaks alone may not address deep trauma.
In past commissions, such as the Zondo Commission into state capture, witnesses often faced emotional strain without dedicated counselling. Experts note that providing on-site mental health aid can help witnesses recover quickly, ensuring smoother proceedings and more reliable evidence. Without it, the risk of re-traumatisation grows, potentially deterring others from coming forward.
Accessibility for the Deaf: Overlooking Millions in South Africa’s Hearing-Impaired Community
Kau’s estimate of 4 to 4.2 million deaf or hard-of-hearing people aligns with national figures. Reports indicate around 600,000 profoundly deaf individuals, with up to 1.4 million experiencing significant hearing loss, pushing the total affected to over four million when including those with milder impairments. South African Sign Language, now an official language, is used by many in this group, yet public inquiries often lack live interpretation.
This omission means a large segment of society cannot fully engage with the commission’s revelations about corruption in law enforcement. For instance, hearings have exposed rogue elements in the police, like alleged perjury and interference in Ekurhuleni. Without sign language support, deaf South Africans miss out on these critical discussions, which affect public trust in institutions.
Similar issues arose in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, where interpreters dealt with their own trauma from relaying horrific stories. Today, calls for inclusive practices emphasise that sign language interpreters ensure equal access, fostering transparency and healing in a divided nation.
Broader Criticisms of the Madlanga Commission: From Delays to Witness Safety
The Madlanga Commission, established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in July 2025 and starting hearings on 17 September after initial delays, probes deep-rooted problems in the justice system. Chaired by Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, it examines claims from KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi against figures like suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
Kau has previously called it a “make or break” moment, urging it to succeed where others failed. In September 2025, he said, “My view is, that the Madlanga Commission is DIFFERENT from any other Commission of Inquiry we have had in South Africa to date. Unlike other Commissions before it, this one is a ‘make or break’ for South Africa and the People of South Africa.” He criticised past efforts like the Zondo Commission for inaction, noting increased corruption despite recommendations.
Other gripes include non-binding outcomes, which some say render it ineffective. The MK Party branded its start “illegal and premature,” while the DA demands fearless exposure of criminal capture. Recent hiccups, like technical glitches exposing protected witnesses and debates over in-camera hearings, have sparked fears for safety. Media outlets challenged closed sessions, leading to compromises for coverage.
In October 2025, Kau warned of a dysfunctional South African Police Service and Crime Intelligence, citing the commission’s revelations as proof of exposure. More recently, he backed accused Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala’s right to devices for testimony prep, arguing even prisoners deserve fairness.
The Role of Interpreters in Ensuring Accurate and Inclusive Proceedings
Kau’s push for mother tongue interpreters taps into a long-standing need in South African inquiries. In courts and commissions, language barriers can distort facts, as seen in health and legal settings where ad hoc interpreters lead to errors. Professional interpreters maintain neutrality and precision, vital for multilingual testimonies.
Studies show that using one’s first language reduces stress and improves clarity, especially in emotional recounts. For the Madlanga Commission, dealing with complex allegations of meddling, this could prevent miscommunications that fuel disputes.
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