The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe and established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May 2025, is investigating allegations of political interference that impeded investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). The commission was set up following an application by the Foundation for Human Rights together with 25 families and survivors of apartheid-era atrocities, responding to concerns that justice has not been delivered in many unresolved TRC cases.

Mandate And Scope Of The Commission

The commission’s terms of reference include probing whether attempts were made to influence the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) or South African Police Service (SAPS) not to pursue TRC cases, establishing if any officials colluded in such efforts, recommending action against those found to have acted unlawfully, and advising on awarding constitutional damages to victims. This wide mandate aims to address persistent claims of political suppression in bringing apartheid-era offenders to justice, as outlined by SABC News and confirmed in the commission’s published guidelines.

Speaking at a recent briefing, SABC News summarised, “The Khampepe Commission of Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe, is a judicial commission established by President Cyril Ramaphosa in May this year to investigate allegations of political suppression of investigations and prosecutions of apartheid-era crimes recommended by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.” Hearings began in November 2025, giving victims’ families an opportunity to testify and submit evidence.

Extension Of Mandate And National Implications

In May 2026, President Ramaphosa extended the commission’s term until December 2026 to provide adequate time for finalising investigations and compiling a comprehensive report, as reported by Mmangaliso Khumalo for East Coast Radio. The extension reflects the complexity of uncovering historical political interference and the government’s renewed commitment to accountability in line with TRC principles.

The commission is expected to make recommendations that may affect current and future prosecutions, potentially expose abuses of state power, and set a precedent for reparations or constitutional damages for apartheid victims. Its eventual findings are anticipated to have profound implications on the credibility of the justice system and efforts to address historical injustice in South Africa.

The commission is scheduled to continue hearings and evidence gathering until the end of 2026, after which a public report will be released and further state action considered.