National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza appeared before an inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases, stating she served as a caretaker justice minister in 2006. Didiza was acting justice minister for just over five weeks, from September 5 to October 13, 2006, after then-justice minister Brigitte Mabandla fell ill. She was appointed by then-president Thabo Mbeki while serving as public works minister.
Didiza claimed she had limited authority in her temporary role and was not fully familiar with matters in the portfolio. As a result, she could not independently recall meetings linked to the handling of TRC cases nearly 20 years ago. Her testimony centered on two meetings allegedly linked to TRC-related cases, including one said to have taken place at the home of the late minister of social development, Zola Skweyiya.
Didiza stated she could not remember the meeting without official records and had requested minutes to understand what had happened. However, she said she had not received the minutes. She questioned whether the gathering was a formal government meeting, citing the absence of the chairperson of the cluster, who was the minister of safety and security at the time.
The inquiry heard that advocate Vusi Pikoli previously testified that Didiza was present at the meeting and had been "more passive in listening" due to her unfamiliarity with the issues as acting justice minister. Didiza said Pikoli did not recall her saying anything at the meeting. A second meeting, allegedly involving the security cluster, was also put to Didiza, but she could not remember it without documentation.
Didiza was asked about an alleged proposal to establish a task team but said she wouldn't recall. She added that even from the material before her, she was "not even sure what that task team was about". Her acting status was crucial when considering what she could have known or done, she emphasized.
Advocate Nyoko Mvangwa led Didiza's evidence, and she rejected any notion that an acting minister could initiate new programmes for a department. Didiza stated that as an acting minister, one assumes responsibility for the office but may not be familiar with all matters within the portfolio.
The inquiry continues to hear testimonies regarding TRC cases, and Didiza's testimony highlighted the limitations of her role as a caretaker minister. Her evidence was part of the ongoing efforts to uncover the truth about the handling of TRC-related cases.
Key points
- Thoko Didiza served as acting justice minister for just over five weeks in 2006.
- Didiza claimed she had limited authority and was not fully familiar with matters in the portfolio.
- The inquiry continues to hear testimonies regarding TRC cases.
