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The nation is not in a good state and will not be while rampant corruption continues unabated, violence and crime persist, and there is an ongoing failure to protect basic human rights, Amnesty International South Africa said ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address (Sona) on Thursday. 

“For many people across South Africa, daily life is becoming increasingly unsafe and uncertain. Corruption continues to drain public resources meant for basic services and social upliftment, and public trust in the police and justice system is steadily eroding,” Amnesty International South Africa’s Executive Director Shenilla Mohamed said. 

Police Corruption and Madlanga Commission

The testimony coming out of the Madlanga Commission into allegations of corruption, political interference and criminality within law enforcement are of grave concern and cannot be ignored. The commission has heard how police officers, those employed to keep people safe, have been colluding with criminals and sharing information about criminal cases. 

“People living in South Africa cannot feel safe knowing that this is happening. These allegations are concerning and add to the already eroded trust in law enforcement. The allegations strike at the heart of the criminal justice system and raise serious concerns about the state’s ability to protect people and uphold the rule of law,” Shenilla Mohamed said. 

The Human Sciences Research Council’s South African Social Attitudes Survey, which has been running annually since 2003, shows that public trust in police has declined. The 2022, 2023 and 2024/25 figures of 22% were the lowest recorded in 27 years.

“Without transparency, prosecutions and institutional reform, the public's trust will continue to erode. The Madlanga Commission must lead to necessary prosecutions and meaningful reform, rather than further delays and continued corruption and misconduct.”

Nearly four years after the final report of the State Capture Commission was handed to the President in June 2022, many of its recommendations remain unimplemented. Individuals implicated in corruption and abuse of power continue to hold positions within government and state institutions. 

This prolonged failure to act entrenches a culture of impunity and undermines public confidence in democratic institutions. It also directly affects people’s access to basic services, development and economic opportunity.

Although the President says “substantial progress” has been made in implementing those recommendations, it is still not enough. It is time to clearly outline concrete timelines and mechanisms for implementing the outstanding recommendations of the State Capture Commission and ensure that those implicated in corruption are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation or status. 

Violence against women 

The failure of the justice system also has a direct impact on the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). South Africa continues to experience alarmingly high levels of violence against women. Despite repeated commitments to address GBVF, women continue to be killed and survivors face significant barriers to justice and support. 

“The failure to effectively prevent violence, investigate crimes and hold perpetrators accountable reflects a lack of urgency and political will within the state, and specifically in the justice system to act meaningfully. While society needs to do its part in fighting against toxic norms, attitudes, and gender-power relations, the state also needs to play its part. With little accountability for those who perpetrate these crimes, there is little deterrent,” Shenilla Mohamed said. 

“The police and the state continue to fail all who live in South Africa by not acting with the urgency and seriousness this requires. This failure to do more is violating people’s rights to safety, life and dignity.”

Human Rights Defenders under threat

Human rights defenders in South Africa also continue to face threats, intimidation and killings simply for speaking out against injustice, corruption and abuse.  

Many of them operate in a climate of fear, with little protection from the state.

While South Africa is in the process of strengthening whistleblower legislation, there is no legislation for the protection of human rights defenders. 

“Human rights defenders come from all walks of life. They can be journalists, lawyers, healthcare professionals, teachers, trade unionists, whistleblowers, victims or relatives of victims of human rights violations and abuses, or members of human rights organisations,” Shenilla Mohamed said. 

“These courageous individuals expose criminal acts and abuses committed by governments, corporations, and those in power, championing everyone’s right to essential services and fundamental human rights.”

All of these challenges require genuine political will and concrete action to resolve. Amnesty International South Africa has consistently called out political posturing that creates the appearance of action without delivering real change. 

“Let this be time for action to be implemented, let the government do less talking and put effort in practicing the change that is being mentioned annually at the SONA. Announcements, plans and commissions cannot replace decisive leadership, enforcement of the law and accountability. Without urgent action on corruption, safety and accountability, the state of the nation will continue to worsen,” Shenilla Mohamed said. 

Issued by Amnesty International South Africa