By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The former Minister of Intelligence Services, Safety and Security respectively Charles Nqakula testified at the TRC Cases Commission of Inquiry on Friday, 23 October 2026.
The inquiry is examining allegations surrounding the handling of the TRC-related investigations and prosecutions, including claims of political interference and the failure to prosecute cases arising from the commission’s work.
Nqakula is the husband of former Defence Minister and former National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. The latter is currently facing charges of corruption and money laundering at Pretoria High Court.
Nqakula has rejected claims that he may have colluded with apartheid-era security generals to secure pardons for human rights abuses.
He said he takes offence at the allegations, citing his role in the liberation struggle and the persecution and killing of his comrades under apartheid.
He recalled receiving support in his youth from Reverend James Calata, the grandfather of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four.
Nqakula also recalled working closely with Chris Hani, serving as his deputy when Hani was Secretary-General of the South African Communist Party from 1991 until his assassination.
He said the allegations were deeply insulting, given the history of those who fought against apartheid.
Nqakula said that when he joined the ministry and the security cluster in 2002, there were no discussions about these cases during the cluster’s meetings.
“We were dealing with the pressing issue of ensuring peace and order in South Africa following a legacy of violence,” he told the inquiry.
He said the security cluster travelled around the country, engaging communities and encouraging them to maintain peace and security.
At the time, tensions remained high, with pockets of violence between supporters of the African National Congress (ANC) and the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), particularly in KwaZulu-Natal.
“This was a priority for us in order to avoid a civil war,” Nqakula said.
Nqakula and his former colleagues denied interfering in any investigation or prosecution or instructing anyone to abandon TRC-related cases.
Meanwhile the commission has written to President Cyril Ramaphosa requesting an extension of its tenure.
It has received extension in November last year and is expected to complete its work and submit its final report by the 18th of December 2026.
The Commission spokesperson Lionel Aderndorf said the commission needs more time because witnesses are only now cooperating, while new information has implicated more people and raised further issues requiring investigation.