Inquiry into TRC asks Ramaphosa for extension even before it gets underway

The inquiry into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) has asked President Cyril Ramaphosa for an extension even before it could begin.

This week, the commission heard arguments for the recusal of chief evidence leader, Advocate Ishmael Semenya. 

This application has caused delays in the commission, with hearings pushed to next year.

The inquiry was set up by President Ramaphosa to investigate possible political interference as a reason for failure to prosecute TRC cases.

The month of November was meant to be the end of the inquiry into TRC cases after the president gave commissioners six months for hearings. 

But the first witness is yet to take the stand.

On Friday, the commission was set to hear an application by the families of victims who want to be lead by their own lawyers during their testimonies.

The commission’s spokesperson, Lionel Ardendorf: "Before the commission could hear arguments in objection to the decision that Legal representatives can lead their own witnesses all legal representatives that that can be the case and that if there is anyone with an objection, that can be raised with the commission"

Once the commission makes a ruling on Semenya’s recusal, the first witness is expected to take the stand in January.