South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry is facing challenges in scheduling hearings related to recusal applications against its Chairperson, Justice Sisi Khampepe.
The latest application was submitted by former President Thabo Mbeki, following similar requests from former President Jacob Zuma and other high-profile figures, including former Justice Minister Brigitte Mabandla and former Acting Justice Minister Thoko Didiza.
Despite the growing number of applications, the TRC Cases Inquiry says public hearings will proceed as planned on January 27.
Inquiry Spokesperson Lionel Adendorf says commissioners are currently reviewing how best to manage the recusal process in light of the new developments.
“What the commissioners are currently doing is looking at altering the directive, to obviously be fair,” Adendorf said.
He explained that the process had already been adjusted after Jacob Zuma indicated his intention to submit a recusal application.
“There was a directive on how it should be managed, and then it was amended. One part of that was that we would have heard oral arguments on the 16th of January,” Adendorf said.
With additional applications now submitted, commissioners must decide whether the matters will be handled separately or collectively.
“The commissioners need to decide how we will handle them, separately or as a collective,” he said.
The TRC Cases Inquiry is tasked with probing delays in the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
–ChannelAfrica–
