The Truth and Reconciliation Commission Cases Inquiry will hear oral arguments from former President Jacob Zuma's lawyers on Friday about why Chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe should step down. Zuma filed for her recusal late last year, arguing her past roles make her unsuitable to lead the commission. His claims include potential conflicts with former colleagues and allegations of improper conduct.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry is scheduled to convene on Friday to consider arguments from former President Jacob Zuma's legal team regarding the recusal of its Chairperson, Justice Sisi Khampepe. Zuma submitted his application for her removal late last year, asserting that her previous professional positions render her unfit to oversee the proceedings.
In his founding affidavit, Zuma highlighted that Khampepe could face challenges in impartially assessing testimony from witnesses, including her former colleagues and superiors from the TRC and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). He further accused her of misconduct, claiming she held secret discussions with the inquiry's Chief Evidence Leader, Advocate Ismael Semenya, to undermine a separate recusal bid against Zuma initiated by state institutions and victims' families. For these reasons, Zuma seeks to refer her to the Judicial Services Commission (JSC).
Zuma also alleged that Khampepe's personal animosity toward him, stemming from her time as a Constitutional Court Judge, contributed to what he describes as an unlawful ruling that resulted in his 15-month prison sentence for not appearing before the Zondo Commission.
This application has garnered support from other prominent figures, including former President Thabo Mbeki, former Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla, former acting Justice Minister Thoko Didiza, and former Minister of Intelligence Ronnie Kasrils, who have filed similar requests.
The hearing comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the TRC's handling of historical cases, with Zuma's involvement drawing attention to lingering tensions from South Africa's post-apartheid reconciliation efforts.
