National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has firmly denied claims that she convened a meeting of the justice cluster during her brief tenure as the acting Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development in 2006. Didiza was testifying before the Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, which examines claims of political interference in matters related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Her testimony comes amid scrutiny of her alleged participation in meetings that reportedly impacted prosecutions linked to the poisoning of Reverend Frank Chikane.
Didiza served as acting Justice minister for just over five weeks while her predecessor, Minister Brigitte Mabandla, was hospitalised. During her testimony, Didiza expressed uncertainty about the nature of the meetings in question, stating that the vague allegations lacked specificity. She mentioned that without documentation, she could not recall the meeting's details 20 years later.
The alleged meeting reportedly took place at the home of former minister Zola Skweyiya. Didiza described it as an informal meeting, adding that she was not sure if she convened it. According to Didiza, had it been a formal gathering of government ministers, expected protocols would have required the chairperson of the cluster, specifically the then minister of Safety and Security, to lead.
Didiza had initially indicated that she had little to offer the inquiry and had requested to be excused from participating altogether. However, she remained open to attending if required by the commission. Her testimony was brief, and the proceedings were adjourned soon after.
The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry aims to examine claims of political interference in matters related to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission's proceedings are set to resume on Tuesday, September 22, with the cross-examination of former minister of Justice Jeff Radebe, who provided testimony in July 2026.
Didiza's denial comes as a significant development in the ongoing inquiry. The allegations against her are linked to the prosecution of Reverend Frank Chikane's poisoning case. Chikane was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and a target of apartheid-era violence.
The commission's investigation into alleged political interference during the apartheid era continues, with several high-profile witnesses set to testify. The inquiry seeks to uncover the extent of political involvement in sensitive cases, including the Chikane poisoning.
Key points
- Didiza denies convening a 2006 meeting linked to Chikane prosecution
- The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry examines claims of political interference in TRC matters
- Didiza served as acting Justice minister for just over five weeks in 2006
