Johannesburg – Former Safety and Security Minister Charles Nqakula has rejected allegations that he colluded with apartheid-era security generals to secure pardons for human rights abuses, telling the TRC Cases Inquiry that the claims were deeply offensive given his history in the liberation struggle.
Testifying before the inquiry in Johannesburg on Friday, Nqakula said he took offence at suggestions that he would have supported efforts to protect those responsible for abuses committed under apartheid.
According to SABC News, he recalled how his comrades had been persecuted and killed during the struggle, highlighting his close relationship with the late South African Communist Party (SACP) secretary-general Chris Hani, whom he served as deputy from 1991 until Hani’s assassination in 1993.
Nqakula also spoke about Reverend James Calata, who supported him during his youth and was the grandfather of Fort Calata, one of the Cradock Four murdered by apartheid security forces in 1985.
“Anyone who would suggest that I would have supported a measure that would have defiled the memory of not just Chris Hani but also of Calata, who, as history will tell you, was also banned, and was also detained as a priest, and they would come and pick him up from our church, and people will say I wanted those people to be pardoned; that is a deep insult,” Nqakula said.
TRC CASES INQUIRY | Former Minister Charles Nqakula says it was not unusual for ministerial meetings to be held at private homes, describing the practice as acceptable under certain circumstances. https://t.co/D3heqH10Q0
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 23, 2026
Nqakula’s testimony forms part of the TRC Cases Inquiry, chaired by retired Constitutional Court Justice Sisi Khampepe. The commission is investigating allegations that efforts were made to obstruct the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes referred for further action after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The inquiry has heard evidence about alleged discussions between senior government figures and former apartheid-era military and police generals concerning a possible post-TRC amnesty arrangement.
According to Channel Africa former justice minister Penuell Maduna’s testimony, discussions broke down over demands by former military leaders for blanket amnesty without full disclosure of gross human rights abuses.
Maduna previously said he insisted that the law be followed and denied granting amnesty outside the legal framework.
Nqakula’s appearance follows testimony by former intelligence minister Ronnie Kasrils, who also denied participating in alleged secret talks with apartheid-era generals.
TRC CASES INQUIRY | Former Minister Charles Nqakula says TRC cases were never discussed in security cluster meetings, as the focus was on national safety and security. https://t.co/BysV3EwHa5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 23, 2026
According to eNCA, Kasrils said he knew nothing about the alleged high-level discussions and disputed claims that he was involved in efforts to prevent prosecutions.
Former president Thabo Mbeki has also rejected allegations of political interference in TRC-related prosecutions, describing claims of a secret amnesty deal as fabricated.
The inquiry is examining whether political decisions or interventions contributed to delays in prosecuting cases involving serious human rights violations committed during apartheid.
Nqakula’s testimony adds to the evidence being considered by the commission as it seeks to establish whether attempts were made to shield perpetrators from accountability.
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Compiled by Glaan Sibuyi
