It has been a year since the Madlanga Commission began uncovering allegations of corruption, political interference and malfeasance within South Africa’s criminal justice system.
After 174 days of testimony from 110 witnesses, it has become difficult to keep track of every revelation. Yet the commission has riveted the country in a way few public inquiries have.
So, I called legal journalist Karyn Maughan for a debrief.
Karyn has followed the Madlanga Commission closely, but she also brings the perspective of someone who covered the Zondo and Nugent commissions. She understands what these inquiries can reveal about the state of our institutions and whether they can still be repaired.
Even after everything she has witnessed, Karyn remains hopeful.
She reminded me that while the commission has exposed deeply troubling allegations, the fact that it exists at all tells us something important: South Africa’s commitment to the rule of law has not disappeared completely.
But after hearing evidence about the alleged capture of parts of law enforcement, I had to ask her the uncomfortable question: Are we becoming a mafia state?
You will have to watch the episode to hear her answer.
We also spoke about the personal cost of journalism.
During her career, Karyn has faced relentless online harassment and attempts to intimidate her. Former president Jacob Zuma even pursued a private prosecution against her in a case that was ultimately struck from the roll.
Karyn reflected on why she refused to be silenced. But what enriched our conversation was her willingness to speak honestly about the toll it has taken.
Journalism is difficult on an ordinary day. It becomes much harder when you are treated as the enemy and constantly vilified simply for doing your job.
I often find myself questioning whether journalism is still worth it. Karyn reminded me that we would not continue doing this work if we did not believe, somewhere deep within ourselves, that it is our calling.
She is almost neurotic about every story she covers- in a good way. She treats each one as though it is the most important story of her career.
She brings the same care to an ordinary criminal case that she brings to the corruption trial of a former president.
I am always fascinated by people who have witnessed some of the worst of humanity and still manage to hold on to their faith in people.
But Karyn often reminds me that losing hope is exactly what those who abuse power want us to do.
Watch my full conversation with Karyn Maughan on The Debrief with Qaanitah Hunter.
