Ramaphosa extends Khampepe Commission term to December 2026

Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the term of the judicial commission of inquiry probing alleged attempts to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes until 18 December 2026.

The Presidency announced that the extension follows a request by the commission for more time to complete its work and finalise its report.

The commission was established by Ramaphosa in May 2025 to investigate allegations that efforts were made to stop the investigation or prosecution of cases linked to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).

Previously, the President had amended the commission’s Terms of Reference to require that the inquiry complete its work by 29 May 2026 and submit its final report by 31 July 2026. 

Its establishment formed part of a settlement agreement reached during court proceedings brought by families of victims of apartheid-era crimes.

The Inquiry is chaired by retired Sisi Khampepe, who is assisted by retired Northern Cape Judge President Frans Diale Kgomo and Advocate Andrea Gabriel SC.

According to the Presidency, Ramaphosa considered both supporting and opposing submissions regarding the extension before granting the commission additional time to conclude its work.

The commission is now expected to submit its final report to the President by 18 December 2026.