logo
Justice Committee Chairperson Commends Appointment of Judge Khampepe to Head TRC Inquiry

Justice Committee Chairperson Commends Appointment of Judge Khampepe to Head TRC Inquiry

Zawya30-05-2025
The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Xola Nqola, is pleased to note the appointment of retired Constitutional Court Judge Sisi Khampepe as head of the judicial commission of inquiry to determine whether attempts were made to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.
Mr Nqola said the move to appoint Judge Khampepe is welcomed as survivours and families of victims can see some urgency from government on this matter. 'This is indeed a positive step. Too many families and survivours of apartheid-era crimes have waited to long for justice.
'Claims of attempts to prevent the investigation and prosecution of such crimes have been doing the rounds for years. The announcement by President Cyril Ramaphosa of the commission to investigate these claims, followed by the speedy appointment of the head of the inquiry, is indeed progress the country needed,' emphasised Mr Nqola.
Yesterday, President Ramaphosa announced that Judge Khampepe will chair the commission. Retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Adv Andrea Gabriel SC will assist her.
Mr Nqola further stated that the committee noted that the establishment of the commission of inquiry is part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions in a court application brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.
'On our part, since the establishment of this committee in the 7th Parliament last year, we have held a few engagements with the National Prosecuting Authority to get updates on the progress of prosecuting TRC [Truth and Reconciliation Commission] matters. Earlier this month we were informed of positive progress by all the stakeholders that presented to the committee and the committee resolved to further monitor closely the commitment made to us. We are committed to ensure that justice is done without unnecessary delays,' said the Chairperson.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

South Africa: Minister Dion George welcomes arrest of international rhino horn syndicate
South Africa: Minister Dion George welcomes arrest of international rhino horn syndicate

Zawya

time11 hours ago

  • Zawya

South Africa: Minister Dion George welcomes arrest of international rhino horn syndicate

After a seven-year investigation, the Wildlife Trafficking Section of the Serious Organised Crime Investigation Unit has dismantled a major transnational rhino horn trafficking network. The syndicate is linked to a fraudulent scheme involving 964 rhino horns, worth millions of rands, destined for illegal markets in Southeast Asia. Six suspects, between the ages of 49 and 84, face charges of fraud, theft, and contravention of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004, with additional charges of racketeering and money laundering under consideration. The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George, has hailed the arrests as a decisive victory in South Africa's fight against international wildlife crime. 'This complex investigation, which was also supported by the Enforcement unit of the Department (the Green Scorpions) and the National Prosecuting Authority, is a powerful demonstration of South Africa's resolve to protect its natural heritage,' said Minister George. 'The Hawks' work shows that our enforcement agencies will not hesitate to pursue those who plunder our wildlife for criminal profit. The illegal trade in rhino horn not only destroys biodiversity but also undermines the rule of law and the foundations of environmental governance.' Investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly defrauded the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment by securing permits under false pretences to buy and sell rhino horns domestically, while funnelling them into illegal international markets. Under South African law, domestic trade is permitted with valid DFFE-issued permits in terms of NEMBA. International commercial trade in rhino horn is banned under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The six suspects, five men and one woman, surrendered to the Hawks at Sunnyside Police Station and appeared before the Pretoria Magistrates' Court on 19 August 2025. Dr George added: 'Let there be no doubt: South Africa will bring the full force of its laws against those who plunder our wildlife. This arrest proves that syndicates cannot escape justice, no matter how complex their schemes.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic Of South Africa: Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

South Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Japan to participate at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit
South Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Japan to participate at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit

Zawya

time11 hours ago

  • Zawya

South Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Japan to participate at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 19 August 2025, arrived in Japan to lead South Africa's High Level Delegation participation to the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development Summit (TICAD9). TICAD9 Summit will convene in Yokohama from 20 - 22 August 2025 under the theme 'Co-creating Innovative Solutions With Africa'. The Summit is underpinned by (3) Plenary Sessions, which illustrate established areas of cooperation between the African Union and Japan, namely: i) Society: Realising a Sustainable Future; ii) Economy: Promoting Trade and Investment; iii) Peace and stability: Ensuring Human Dignity and Human Security. The 9th TICAD Summit takes place at a time of unprecedented threats to global peace and security, ongoing conflicts in some regions of the world, distortions and disruption to global trade and a concerning revision by some states to unilateral action at a time when multilateralism and collective solutions to common challenges is crucial. Rising fuel, food and energy prices have severely impacted developing countries, entrenching poverty and fuelling higher levels of inequality in the face of constrained employment and job opportunities. The debt and liquidity crisis on the African continent is worsening the challenging socio-economic environment and constraining the fiscal space for governments to cast a safety net over its citizens. The AU discussions with the government of Japan under the auspices of TICAD presents an opportunity for the two sides to engage in discussions that seek to foster collective solutions to these challenges. South Africa, as a Member State of the AU, will prioritise support from the government of Japan for the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, especially in the priority areas of infrastructure development, peace and security, and health. President Ramaphosa will advance South Africa's Presidency of the G20 and pursue bilateral economic engagements with the government of Japan with a view to strengthening trade and investment ties between South Africa and Japan. The 2025 year marks 115 years of relations between South Africa and Japan. The two countries enjoy well-established bilateral relations within the framework of the Partnership Forum held at a Ministerial level, and maintain strong cooperation in the fields of trade and investment; science and technology; education; skills transfer and capacity building through development cooperation. Bilateral trade between Japan and South Africa had been expanding since the establishment of full diplomatic relations in 1992. Japan is one of the major investors (over R90 billion) in the South African economy, with 260 Japanese companies, sustaining over 150,000 local jobs. Japan is the 4th largest economy in the world, and total bilateral trade between the two countries in 2024 was R132 billion, with South Africa recording a trade surplus of R52 billion. President Ramaphosa will engage with leading captains of Japanese industry and business. Japan is one of South Africa's major economic partners with sizeable investments in the South African economy, and the potential for further investments exists. A South African high level business delegation is also participating at the TICAD9. Also at the margins of TICAD9, In his capacity as the chair of the Global Leader's Network for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health, President Ramaphosa will deliver a keynote address to parliamentarians, business and developmental agencies on the importance of increasing investments into women's, children's and adolescents health as an imperative for peace and security. President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola; Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau; Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa; Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla; and senior Government officials. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.

South Africa vows relentless fight against plastic pollution amid global treaty setback
South Africa vows relentless fight against plastic pollution amid global treaty setback

Zawya

time13 hours ago

  • Zawya

South Africa vows relentless fight against plastic pollution amid global treaty setback

The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva, which aimed to deliver a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended without agreement on a global plastics treaty due to divisions between nations and procedural shortcomings. In a statement, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said talks collapsed due to deep divisions between nations and the absence of a clear process to resolve the deadlock. The department said South Africa is disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress, but its resolve remains unshaken. The country remains committed to advancing domestic and international action to combat plastic pollution and create a practical, sustainable regulatory framework. Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister, Dr Dion George, has engaged with industry, business, and civil society to drive progress on the circular economy and will continue advocating for solutions at the G20 Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in Cape Town in October. 'While the lack of agreement is frustrating, South Africa will not waver in our fight to end plastic pollution and create a fair, practical regulatory environment. We will keep driving action at home and pressing for solutions abroad,' the minister said. South Africa is already moving to ban microbeads and phase out single-use plastics. These steps reflect a proactive strategy to reduce environmental and health risks. During the INC, the Minister met with South African industry, business, and civil society to strengthen partnerships for a circular economy. 'Collaboration with all stakeholders is vital. We must build a system where sustainable practices are the norm, not the exception," George said. South Africa opposed rigid caps on plastic production, calling instead for market-driven solutions backed by incentives to push business toward sustainability. The country is also acting to close gaps in controls on imported plastics, ensuring they meet strict health and environmental standards. The minister warned about toxic chemicals in plastics and the spread of microplastics into food systems and human bodies. 'It is unacceptable that microplastics are found everywhere, including in our bodies. We will act decisively to protect public health,' he said. South Africa's extended producer responsibility regulations and the 'polluter pays' principle are already holding producers to account for the full life cycle of their products. 'Our EPR framework is a cornerstone of our strategy, and we will keep strengthening it,' the minister said. The fight against plastic pollution continues. In October 2025, South Africa will host the G20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Ministerial in Cape Town, where plastics, waste, and chemicals will remain high on the agenda. South Africa will keep working at home and with global partners to secure a meaningful, inclusive plastics treaty that protects our planet and future generations. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store