President Cyril Ramaphosa is establishing a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate delays in prosecuting apartheid-era crimes referred by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Critics have lamented that the president is wasting money and resources in setting up another commission of inquiry, instead of capacitating the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) to follow through on the TRC findings.

The Presidency says that allegations of improper influence in hindering these investigations have persisted across administrations.

The commission stems from settlement discussions with families of victims, who have long sought justice.

While parties agreed to the commission, unresolved issues include claims of rights violations and constitutional damages.

Government insists these matters will be addressed within the commission’s terms of reference.

President Ramaphosa emphasizes the importance of closure for affected families and the need to uncover the truth.

The Presidency will soon announce the commission’s head, timeline, and scope.