Ramaphosa's TRC inquiry: justice or public relations stunt?

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate why apartheid-era crimes, referred to by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), have not been prosecuted.

- SIFISO MAHLANGU

This decision follows a lawsuit filed by 25 families of victims who allege that top government officials obstructed cases referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA). The inquiry aims to address long-standing grievances over the lack of accountability for human rights abuses during apartheid.

However, some critics argue that this move may be more of a public relations exercise than a genuine effort to deliver justice. The ANC did not meet the 50% threshold at the 2024 national general elections, which led to the country having a Government of National Unity.