Former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma will continue with their formal objections to the appointment of retired Constitutional Court justice Sisi Khampepe as chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) prosecutions inquiry.
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Both leaders, alongside several former cabinet ministers, are seeking Khampepe’s recusal from the process, raising concerns about possible impartiality. The inquiry was established in 2025 to probe allegations of interference and attempts to prevent the prosecution of cases linked to the TRC.
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In separate applications filed earlier, both former presidents stated that their objection was not aimed at obstructing accountability but rather at safeguarding the integrity and fairness of the inquiry process.

Objection to TRC Prosecutions Inquiry Chair Moves Forward
The Jacob Zuma Foundation has confirmed that the matter is now entering its final procedural phase. According to the foundation, both former presidents have submitted their final replying affidavits, reinforcing their challenge to Khampepe’s appointment.
Spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi said the documents highlight what they believe are significant shortcomings in the commission’s response.

“In their respective filings, their excellencies identify serious deficiencies in the commission’s answering affidavit, which purports to oppose the recusal application,” Manyi said.
Key Dates Set for Khampepe Recusal Hearing
Manyi added that, in line with the commission’s directives, all involved parties are required to submit their heads of argument by Wednesday, 14 January 2026.
“The public hearing of the recusal application is scheduled to take place on 16 January 2026 at 10h00,” he said.
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The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Khampepe continues to lead the inquiry into the handling of TRC-related prosecutions.
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