Former Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has told the Commission of Inquiry into Stopped TRC Investigations and/or Prosecutions that cases referred to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) were never discussed at security cluster meetings when he took office in 2002.
Nqakula, who served under former President Thabo Mbeki, testified before the inquiry chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe. He was led in his testimony by Advocate Ngwako Maenetje SC.
He said the government’s priority at the time was to restore peace and stability following years of political violence in the country.
Explaining what he understood by TRC cases, Nqakula said these involved people who had approached the commission to disclose their involvement in past atrocities and seek amnesty for their actions.
“These are cases which were referred to the TRC, where people would explain to the TRC what they had done, and therefore ask for amnesty on the basis of whatever they would have done,” he said.
He cited examples of people who had killed others or destroyed homes and killed families, explaining that these were the matters the commission was tasked with considering.
Nqakula said that when he joined the ministry and the security cluster in 2002, there were no discussions about these cases during the cluster’s meetings.
“We were dealing with the pressing issue of ensuring peace and order in South Africa following a legacy of violence,” he told the inquiry.
He said the security cluster travelled around the country, engaging communities and encouraging them to maintain peace and security.
At the time, tensions remained high, with pockets of violence between supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
“This was a priority for us in order to avoid a civil war,” Nqakula said.
When Maenetje specifically asked whether TRC-related matters had been discussed as an agenda item at security cluster meetings, Nqakula responded: “No, we never did that.”
The inquiry is examining allegations surrounding the handling of TRC-related investigations and prosecutions, including claims of political interference and the failure to prosecute cases arising from the commission’s work.
Nqakula is the husband of former Defence Minister and former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The former speaker is currently facing charges of corruption and money laundering at Pretoria High Court.
