TRC Cases Inquiry | Didiza’s testimony may face further scrutiny over 2006 meetings

National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza, could face further cross-examination at the TRC Cases Inquiry after lawyers representing apartheid victims’ families told the Commission that key documents were not put to her during Monday’s testimony.

An application to cross-examine Didiza is expected to be filed this week, which could see Didiza return to the witness stand.

Didiza was excused from the witness stand after answering questions about two alleged meetings in 2006, including one reportedly held at the home of late Minister, Zola Skweyiya.

Didiza served as Acting Justice Minister from 5 September to 13 October 2006, standing in for then Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, who was indisposed.

Her evidence focused on whether she had knowledge of, or played a role in, meetings and decisions concerning the handling of outstanding apartheid-era TRC cases.

One of the meetings under scrutiny was allegedly held at the home of the late Minister, Zola Skweyiya, and involved Didiza, then Safety and Security Minister, Charles Nqakula, Defence Minister, Mosiuoa Lekota, and Presidency official, Loyiso Jafta.

Former National Director of Public Prosecutions, Vusi Pikoli, told the Commission that the meeting concerned the prosecution of the Frank Chikane matter and that it had been called by Didiza.

Didiza said she had no independent recollection of convening the meeting at Skweyiya’s home.

She told the inquiry that she had requested the minutes of the alleged meeting but had not been provided with them, leaving her unable to confirm whether the meeting took place as described or whether she had convened it.

She also questioned why she would have called such a meeting, saying she was not the chairperson of the relevant security cluster.

Didiza’s evidence was also tested against testimony previously given by former NDPP, Vusi Pikoli.

She said Pikoli’s account did not establish what she had said during the alleged meeting and pointed to his description of her largely listening because she was unfamiliar with the issues being discussed.

Didiza further stressed that she was an acting, rather than substantive, Justice Minister during the period under scrutiny.

She said an acting minister assumes the responsibilities of the office but operates differently from a substantive minister, particularly when it comes to initiating new programmes or making longer-term decisions.

The inquiry is investigating allegations of political interference in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era TRC cases, including whether attempts were made to prevent certain cases from proceeding.

The Commission has not yet indicated whether Didiza will return to the witness stand, pending the anticipated application for further cross-examination.

Written by: Lebohang Ndashe