“Mbeki and Zuma went to the Gauteng High Court demanding that Khampepe step down as chair of the commission, citing as reasons the fact that she worked as deputy director of the National Prosecuting Authority before getting involved in the ground-breaking Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, which, they contended, created a perception of bias.”

“Zuma’s gripe with Khampepe, of course, goes much further. She delivered the Constitutional Court judgment sentencing Zuma to 15 months’ imprisonment for refusing to give evidence to the Zondo commission in 2021.”

“The two have now filed for leave to appeal to the Constitutional Court.”

“When the two former presidents initially raised their objection, Ramaphosa meekly asked Khampepe to resign, and when she rightfully refused, he told the court he would abide by whatever decision it made.”

“Mbeki and Zuma fell out most spectacularly at the ANC Polokwane conference in 2007 when Mbeki suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Zuma.”

“A few months later, the ANC, now under Zuma’s thumb, recalled Mbeki as the country’s president.”

“In October 2011, Zuma appointed the ill-fated Seriti commission, clearly designed to put to bed allegations of corruption in the arms deal.”