The family of anti-apartheid activist Fort Calata, who was killed alongside three others in 1985, has accused former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma of deliberately obstructing efforts to uncover the truth behind political killings carried out by the apartheid regime.
Speaking to Newsnote at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) proceedings in Johannesburg, Fort Calata’s son, Lukhanyo Calata, said the two former heads of state may have acted as apartheid spies and are now working together to prevent justice for victims’ families.
The commission hearing comes as Mbeki and Zuma seek the recusal of commission chairperson Justice Sisi Khampepe, arguing that her prior involvement in TRC-related processes compromises her impartiality.
Calata, who was a toddler when his father was killed, said the cooperation between Mbeki and Zuma raises troubling questions, particularly given their past public accusations against each other.
“Why is Mbeki and Zuma working together to deny the families of people who were murdered by the apartheid government justice?” Calata asked. “You would remember that a few years ago Mbeki referred to Zuma as umkodo (a spy). But birds of a feather flock together. If Zuma was umkodo then, and now Mbeki is working with him, does that mean Mbeki is also umkodo?”
Lawyers representing the two former presidents have argued that Justice Khampepe should not continue chairing the commission because of her past roles, including her participation in the original TRC, her tenure as Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions, and her involvement in a committee that handled cases of individuals denied amnesty.
Zuma’s spokesperson, Mzwanele Manyi, said the matter is straightforward and that the former president would pursue all legal avenues if Khampepe does not recuse herself.
“Regardless of whether she recuses herself or not, President Zuma will take the matter to the Judicial Service Commission for coaching the other side,” Manyi said. “If she does not recuse herself, all parties seeking her recusal have the option of approaching the courts for a judicial review.”
Justice Khampepe is accused of breaching protocol by allegedly coaching Evidence Leader Advocate Vincent Maleka. Lawyers for Mbeki and Zuma also objected to Maleka submitting an affidavit in support of Khampepe’s refusal to recuse herself.
Following oral arguments, Justice Khampepe reserved her ruling.