Madlanga calls for tougher action to make corruption ‘hazardous’

Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga called for a stronger crackdown on corruption at the 2026 Oliver Tambo Memorial Lecture, warning that billions of rand lost each year prevent South Africa from meeting its constitutional obligations. He said corruption was so deeply entrenched that it was nearly impossible to imagine the country without it, and urged law enforcement agencies and courts to hold those responsible more firmly to account. Madlanga said the theft of public funds weakens essential services and threatens socio-economic rights, particularly for poor and vulnerable communities.