{
  "id": 8215678,
  "title": "WATCH: SA’s best policies exist only on paper, Fikeni tells Madlanga Commission",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/watch-sas-best-policies-exist-only-on-paper-fikeni-tells-madlanga",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-18T09:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/politics/2026-09-18-watch-sas-best-policies-exist-only-on-paper-fikeni-tells-madlanga-commission/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Public Service Commission chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni testified before the Madlanga Commission that South Africa possesses excellent government policies, but they are frequently left unimplemented. \"South Africa is a cemetery of best policies in the world, but they are not implemented,\" Fikeni stated during his testimony addressing the PSC's efforts to enhance ethical conduct, professional standards, and accountable governance throughout the public sector. The commission is investigating allegations of criminality and interference within law enforcement agencies, and Fikeni's evidence also delved into the duties of public servants facing improper instructions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professional ethics and accountability within government institutions. The testimony unfolds in the context of broader concerns about political and administrative interference, appointments, and the impact of personal and professional networks within the public service. Fikeni's evidence is anticipated to provide additional insights into the institutional safeguards aimed at fostering ethical administration and accountability. The commission has previously confirmed that the PSC deemed the appointment of Crime Intelligence head General Dumisani Khumalo to be lawful.",
  "summary": "PSC chairperson Professor Somadoda Fikeni told the Madlanga Commission that South Africa has strong government policies but repeatedly fails to implement them, highlighting persistent accountability and governance challenges.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Gang members use prisons as refuge from street wars, Madlanga commission told",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/gang-members-use-prisons-as-refuge-from-street-wars-madlanga",
        "published": "2026-09-17T17:30:39.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "MADLANGA COMMISSION: Where criminals rule the roost — Correctional Services boss outlines SA prisons’ parlous state",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/17/madlanga-commission-where-criminals-rule-the-roost-correctional",
        "published": "2026-09-17T20:34:42.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "More than 100,000 cellphones smuggled into prisons by guards, Madlanga Commission hears",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/more-than-100-000-cellphones-smuggled-into-prisons-by-guards-madlanga",
        "published": "2026-09-18T03:55:00.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "SABC News",
        "title": "PSC’s Somadoda Fikeni to take the stand at Madlanga Commission",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/pscs-somadoda-fikeni-to-take-the-stand-at-madlanga-commission",
        "published": "2026-09-18T05:27:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}