Grassroots vs Elite: Competing Visions for South Africa's Renewal
Opinion
Jul 18, 2025
Why Mkhwanazi’s Claims Demand a People’s Tribunal—Not Another Commission
By Globalza
Judicial inquiries have failed. It’s time for communities to hold the SAPS and ministers directly accountable.
Commissions = Complicity
Madlanga’s inquiry is doomed. Like Zondo, it will cost millions, drag for years, and gather dust. The ANC depends on this theater to simulate action while crime syndicates flourish.
A Grassroots Alternative
Modeled on the 1980s’ anti-apartheid tribunals, a People’s Assembly could:
- Subpoena Cele, Mkhwanazi, and whistleblowers
- Livestream testimony (no ‘confidential’ dockets)
- Issue citizen indictments for prosecution
Precedent for Power
In Brazil, participatory tribunals exposed police death squads when courts wouldn’t. South Africa’s unions, churches, and civics must now fill Parliament’s void.