Madlanga honoured by Fort Hare, urges graduates to serve public good
Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Fort Hare and urged graduates to embrace public service as the Madlanga Commission continues its work.
Retired Constitutional Court Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga has praised universities' role in developing future leaders and promoting public service.
Madlanga spoke at the University of Fort Hare's spring graduation ceremony in Alice, Eastern Cape, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
He served on the Constitutional Court until his retirement in July 2025 and now chairs the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating allegations that criminal syndicates have infiltrated the criminal justice system.
The university recognised his contribution to constitutionalism, human rights and the development of South African law.
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Madlanga, who previously taught at Fort Hare and continues to contribute to legal education, described the honour as a privilege he accepted with humility.
He encouraged graduates to continue serving society and contributing to the public good.
"Universities do not confer such honours to celebrate individual achievement. They recognise public services that they believe are worthy of affirmation.
"The honour is not only historical, but it is also an exhortation for sustained service for the public good."
-Commission to hold closed hearings-
The Madlanga Commission recently marked one year since it began hearing evidence.
The commission will conduct in-camera hearings over the next two weeks to receive evidence that cannot be presented publicly due to ongoing investigations or the confidential nature of the information.
Public hearings are scheduled to resume on 9 November.
The commission's final report is due to be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa on 25 January 2027.
