Witness
Chairperson, Public Service Commission · Pretoria
Testified
The chairperson of the Public Service Commission, the Chapter 10 body that monitors and investigates public administration, and the witness who told the commission that South Africa's problem is not policy but the will to implement it. On 18 September 2026, two days after the President signed a new Public Service Commission Act into law, Professor Somadoda Fikeni described a 'political economy of inefficiency', said vetting is often not taken seriously, backed the vetting of frontline officials across the criminal justice system, and argued that officials at the bottom of the most unequal society in the world are the most vulnerable to being enticed. His was systems evidence; he made no allegation against any named person.
This profile summarises testimony and evidence given on the public record before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry. It restates allegations as presented at the hearings and is not a finding of guilt, liability, or wrongdoing by any person.
Key disclosures
South Africa does not lack policy; it fails to implement it.
Per IOL, Fikeni told the commission: 'South Africa is a cemetery of best policies in the world, but they are not implemented.' Per EWN and SABC News he called the cause a 'political economy of inefficiency': 'the unwillingness to implement, but the presentation of a facade that we want to implement'. Per EWN he said that in more than five years at the PSC he had seen four ministers.
Often not taken seriously; should extend to frontline officials.
Per SABC News, Fikeni said vetting in South Africa is often not taken seriously and falls short of the standards applied in many other countries. Per EWN and IOL, he supported the Day 175 call by Correctional Services National Commissioner Makgothi Thobakgale for junior officials to be vetted, extending it across the criminal justice system.
Why the lower ranks are exposed, and what would protect them.
Per EWN and IOL: 'If you have a society which is the most unequal in the world, you're bound to have people who are at lower levels a lot more vulnerable to be enticed.' He said conditions of service should be looked at. Per IOL, officials who fear for their jobs are vulnerable to political pressure, and stronger legislation protecting public servants who face interference 'would be key'.
Timeline
President Cyril Ramaphosa signs the Public Service Commission Bill into law, repealing the 1997 Act, extending the PSC's mandate to local government and public entities, and making obstruction of the Commission an offence, per the Presidency.
Day 176. Fikeni tells the commission South Africa is 'a cemetery of best policies', describes a political economy of inefficiency, says vetting is often not taken seriously and backs the vetting of frontline criminal justice officials.
On the stand
“South Africa is a cemetery of best policies in the world, but they are not implemented.”Professor Somadoda Fikeni, chairperson of the Public Service Commission, to the Madlanga Commission on Day 176, 18 September 2026, per IOL.
Sources