Mbeki and Zuma Set to Testify Before TRC Cases Inquiry After Recusal Bid Fails

 

Former South African presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma are expected to testify before the TRC Cases Inquiry later this month, following the failure of their legal challenge seeking the recusal of inquiry chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe.

Mbeki is scheduled to appear before the inquiry on 19 and 20 October 2026, while Zuma is expected to testify on 22 October 2026.

Their appearances are expected to form an important part of the commission's investigation into allegations that efforts were made to prevent or delay investigations and prosecutions linked to apartheid-era crimes identified through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

What is the TRC Cases Inquiry investigating?

The judicial commission was announced in May 2025 to investigate whether attempts were made to stop the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

The inquiry is chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe.

One of the central issues before the commission is why a number of cases connected to serious human rights violations identified during the TRC process were not successfully investigated or prosecuted in the years that followed.

Families and survivors of apartheid-era human rights violations have for years sought answers over the delays in bringing some of these cases to court.

Mbeki and Zuma challenged Khampepe's position

Both former presidents previously sought Justice Khampepe's recusal from the commission.

Their objections included concerns relating to Khampepe's previous professional involvement with institutions connected to the TRC and National Prosecuting Authority, as well as other issues they argued could create an apprehension of bias.

Khampepe rejected the recusal applications in January 2026.

The dispute subsequently reached the Constitutional Court.

On 31 August 2026, the Constitutional Court dismissed the application to review Khampepe's decision refusing to recuse herself, clearing the way for the inquiry to continue under her leadership.

Former presidents now expected to testify

With the legal challenge concluded, attention is now turning to the appearances of the two former presidents.

Mbeki is expected before the commission on 19 and 20 October, followed by Zuma on 22 October.

Their evidence could provide further information about decisions and events during periods when the government faced questions over the handling of apartheid-era criminal cases.

The inquiry is examining allegations of political interference, but its investigation remains ongoing and its final findings have not yet been made.

Inquiry continues its work

The commission continues to hear evidence as it attempts to establish what happened to cases referred for further investigation and possible prosecution following the TRC process.

Its work could provide families of apartheid-era victims with further answers about why some cases remained unresolved for decades.

The upcoming testimony from two former heads of state is therefore expected to attract significant public attention as the inquiry continues.