Khampepe to remain TRC inquiry chair after court dismisses removal bid

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Inquiry has welcomed the Gauteng High Court’s dismissal of former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma’s application to remove retired Constitutional Court, Justice Sisi Khampepe, as chair of the commission.

Mbeki and Zuma filed separate objections, arguing that Khampepe’s previous roles in the TRC Amnesty Committee and National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) raised concerns about her impartiality. 

They also alleged that she colluded with the commission’s Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Ishmael Semenya, to defeat a recusal application.

Khampepe was appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2025 to lead the inquiry into whether efforts were made to block the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

However, Ramaphosa later reversed his position, calling for Khampepe to recuse herself, saying he would not have appointed her had he been aware of her prior involvement with the TRC.

He further indicated that he would not oppose any court decision on her recusal. 

Following the court’s ruling, Ramaphosa has committed to acting swiftly to ensure the inquiry resumes.

“The President has been deeply concerned by the current review applications that could be detrimental to the interests of the victims who want closure and accountability from the government regarding their family members, and that these applications have the potential to defeat the main objective for the establishment of the Commission,” the Presidency said in a statement. 

TRC Inquiry spokesperson, Lionel Adendorf, says the commission is confident it can now proceed without further disruption.

“We are certain that this was the last hurdle after so many attempts to delay our work, to frustrate our work. Now we can continue with our work uninterrupted. We have already had twenty-one (21) hearing days.  We already had testimony of almost thirty (30) witnesses. And we are certain that from this point forward we will be able to call others to also contribute to our work.”

Families of the apartheid-era victims have also expressed frustration over the delays.

Nomonde Calata, the widow of Cradock Four member Fort Calata, says families are growing weary and are still seeking truth and justice.

“They mustn’t take us for granted. We are tired, and we are getting old. We want the truth. We want justice. The President was talking at the funeral of  Jesse Jackson about justice and dignity. And yet in his own country, he’s not practising what he is preaching in other countries.”

Note how the families and victims are not fighting Khampepe.

— 𝑺𝒅𝒖 (@shufflesdu) March 30, 2026

If Khampepe had stepped aside, who really benefits, the people or the politicians trying to delay justice?

— Arcturus (@Dzungie007) March 30, 2026

Mbeki and Zuma must appeal until Constitutional courts why is sisi khampepe so desperate to stay.what’s her interest I this.She wants to arrest Zuma again and another July unrest

— Umzukulwana ka Mandlani (@mbitshi) March 30, 2026