South African National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza has testified before an inquiry into Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) cases, stating she was merely a caretaker justice minister in 2006. Didiza served as acting justice minister for just over five weeks, from September 5 to October 13, 2006, after then-justice minister Brigitte Mabandla fell ill. She claimed her temporary role meant she was not fully familiar with matters in the portfolio.
Didiza's testimony centered on two meetings allegedly linked to the handling of TRC-related cases. One meeting was said to have taken place at the home of the late minister of social development, Zola Skweyiya. Didiza stated she could not independently recall the meeting and would need official records to establish what had happened nearly 20 years ago. She requested minutes from the meeting but claimed she had not received them.
Didiza questioned the nature of the gathering at Skweyiya's home, suggesting it may not have been a formal government meeting. She noted that if it were a government meeting, it would have been expected that the chairperson of the cluster, who at the time was the minister of safety and security, would have convened the meeting. Didiza expressed skepticism about why she would convene a meeting at someone else's house.
Advocate Nyoko Mvangwa led Didiza's evidence, and she was asked about her role as acting minister. Didiza explained that an acting minister assumes responsibility for the office but may not be familiar with all matters within the portfolio. She rejected the notion that an acting minister could initiate new programs for a department, stating it was not possible.
The inquiry previously heard testimony from advocate Vusi Pikoli, who claimed Didiza was present at the meeting and was "more passive in listening" due to her unfamiliarity with the issues as acting justice minister. However, Didiza stated that 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 claimed she could not remember it without documentation.
Didiza was also questioned about an alleged proposal to establish a task team, but she stated she wouldn't recall. She added that even from the material before her, she was "not even sure what that task team was about". Didiza emphasized her acting status as important when considering what she could have known or done during her time as justice minister.
The inquiry continues to examine the handling of TRC-related cases, and Didiza's testimony has provided insight into her role as acting justice minister in 2006. Her statements have highlighted the challenges of recalling events from nearly 20 years ago and the limitations of her authority as a caretaker minister. The inquiry will likely hear from further witnesses as it continues its investigation.
Key points
- Thoko Didiza served as acting justice minister for just over five weeks in 2006.
- Didiza claims she was a 'caretaker' justice minister and couldn't recall TRC meetings.
- The inquiry continues to examine the handling of TRC-related cases.
