The Madlanga Commission’s evidence leaders want Dr Ntandazo Sifolo to testify behind closed doors because his evidence includes classified information cleared for the commission’s use, but not for public release.
The request raises several questions: who is Sifolo, why does his testimony matter, why should it be private and what would a private hearing mean for public access?
Table of Contents
1. Who Is Dr Ntandazo Sifolo?
Dr Ntandazo Sifolo is the Acting Coordinator of the National Intelligence Coordinating Committee, commonly known as NICOC. The committee is responsible for bringing together intelligence (information that has been gathered, checked and analysed) from different agencies, assessing threats to South Africa and advising the government on how to respond. His role is confirmed in the government’s 2026/27 State Security budget speech.
He is expected to give evidence relevant to the intelligence aspect of the Madlanga Commission’s investigation into alleged criminality, political interference and corruption in South Africa’s criminal justice system. Simply put, Dr Sifolo is expected to explain how intelligence agencies identify organised crime threats and possible links between criminal groups and people working in the justice system.
2. Why Is His Evidence Relevant?
His anticipated evidence concerns intelligence structures, organised crime threats and alleged infiltration of the criminal justice system. These topics relate directly to the issues under investigation.
This testimony is further expected to explain NICOC’s relationship with other intelligence and security structures, including how threats involving organised crime are identified, assessed and reported.
3. What Has Been Requested to Remain Confidential?
The commission’s evidence leaders have requested confidentiality for Sifolo’s testimony, recordings, transcripts and supporting documents.
If approved, the application would restrict public access to the hearing and its related records. Anyone permitted to attend would be prohibited from publishing or sharing confidential material without the chairperson’s permission.
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4. Why Seek a Private Hearing Instead of Withholding Certain Details?
The application argues that sensitive information cannot practically be separated from the rest of Sifolo’s statement without disrupting or substantially limiting his testimony.
An “in-camera” hearing means evidence is heard privately, with attendance restricted. It does not mean the investigation has ended. The question before the chairperson is whether the confidentiality requested should be granted or not.
5. Has Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga Ruled on the Request?
No, in the reporting reviewed on 13 October 2026, Commission Chairperson Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga had yet to rule on the application.
Central News also reports that Sifolo’s appearance, originally scheduled for Tuesday, 13 October, was postponed. A new date will be determined by Madlanga.
6. What Happens Next?
Media organisations have been invited to submit written opposition by Thursday, 15 October 2026. If the application succeeds, Madlanga will determine who may attend the proceedings.
For readers following the inquiry, the next developments to watch are the chairperson’s ruling and confirmation of Sifolo’s revised testimony date. Until then, the closed hearing remains a proposal awaiting a decision.
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