Ramaphosa will not object to removal of Khampepe from TRC Commission
President Cyril Ramaphosa has indicated in court papers that he would not oppose the removal of former Justice Sisi Khampepe as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry, if ordered by the courts.
Ramaphosa established the inquiry in May 2025 to investigate allegations of political interference and attempts to delay the investigation and prosecution of cases emanating from the TRC.
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Former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma approached the Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg to remove Khampepe as chair of the commission because of what they say describe as institutional bias.
The applications cited alleged conflicts of interest arising from Khampepe’s previous roles at the TRC and the National Prosecuting Authority.
The former apex court justice is also accused of giving undisclosed legal advice to the commission’s chief evidence leader, Ishmail Semenya, raising questions about impartiality.
In January, Khampepe dismissed the recusal application brought by the former presidents, saying both applicants had failed to give proper reasons for their recusal request.
In the court papers, Ramaphosa also says he instructed the Minister of Justice, Mmamaloko Kubayi, to ask the former justice to stand down as chair. According to Ramaphosa, Khampepe declined.
The commission is expected to deliver its final report in July, after the president granted an extension.
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