Zuma Foundation denies former president is avoiding TRC inquiry

The Jacob Zuma Foundation has denied that former president Jacob Zuma is trying to avoid appearing before the inquiry into delayed prosecutions arising from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The foundation's response followed the Constitutional Court's dismissal of applications by Zuma and former president Thabo Mbeki to have retired justice Sisi Khampepe removed as chair of the inquiry.

The court ruled on Monday that the two applications did not meet the requirements for direct access. The decision means Khampepe remains chair of the inquiry.

Inquiry examining delayed apartheid-era prosecutions

The commission is investigating allegations that political interference prevented or delayed the prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred by the TRC to the National Prosecuting Authority.

Zuma and Mbeki are among the witnesses expected to appear before the inquiry. Both former presidents had argued that Khampepe should recuse herself because she was a member of the TRC's amnesty committee.

Foundation spokesperson Mzwanele Manyi told Eyewitness News that Zuma had not refused to participate in the inquiry. He did not confirm whether the former president would testify before Khampepe.

The inquiry's work has included evidence from former government and prosecuting officials about the handling of TRC-linked cases after South Africa's transition to democracy.

No finding has been made that Zuma or Mbeki interfered in any prosecution. The inquiry is still hearing evidence and testing claims placed before it.