JOHANNESBURG - The Foundation for Human Rights (FHR) has welcomed the ruling by the Constitutional Court to dismiss former presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki's bid to remove Justice Sisi Khampepe as chairperson of the TRC Cases Inquiry.
The foundation’s Jessie Waldman said the ruling clears the way for the Commission to get on with its work.
“Essentially, the judgment means that the Commission's work can proceed as planned,” she said.
The former statesmen argued that Khampepe had a reasonable apprehension of bias.
They also claimed that her close association with the TRC processes and, later, the National Prosecuting Authority would result in bias.
READ | WATCH | ConCourt rules on Zuma, Mbeki bids for Khampepe recusal
But the Apex Court found no evidence to support these arguments.
Waldman claims the attempt by Zuma and Mbeki to "stop the work of the Commission and to avoid having to come and testify before the Commission has failed".
She said preparations are already under way for the former presidents to be cross-examined.
"From the families’ perspectives, justice has prevailed, and the Commission will continue with its important work over the last but vital six weeks. But as far as the families are concerned, this matter has now been settled, and it’s now time for Mbeki and Zuma to actually appear before the Commission and give their evidence," she said.
The Zuma Foundation has rejected claims that the former president has tried to avoid appearing before the Commission.
It said his only concern has been the alleged apprehension of bias involving Justice Khampepe, but insists the legal battle is not over, and criminal charges could still follow.