New commission into delayed TRC cases will 'cleanse wound of South Africa' - SA Human Rights Commission

Zain Johnson (in for 702 and CapeTalk's Africa Melane) is in conversation with Chris Nissen, Chair of the South African Human Rights Commission.

Listen below:

President Cyril Ramaphosa has set up a commission looking into whether there was any interference in the investigation or prosecution of apartheid-era crimes.

The commission, chaired by retired Justice Sisi Khampepe, will focus on cases from 2003 to the present.

It must complete its work within six months.

Ramaphosa says the inquiry is key to truth, justice, and accountability.

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"There are many, many untold stories and people that needed to find closure and people that need to be compensated."

- Chris Nissen, Chair - South African Human Rights Commission

"People still feel... they have not tasted justice because people just walked away from whatever deeds they did..."

- Chris Nissen, Chair - South African Human Rights Commission

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The government says the establishment of the commission forms part of an agreement reached in settlement discussions with families of victims of apartheid-era crimes. 

"What is important about the opening of this commission is, in my opinion, the cleansing of the wound of this country."

- Chris Nissen, Chair - South African Human Rights Commission

"Because we have covered this wound."

- Chris Nissen, Chair - South African Human Rights Commission

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation from Early Breakfast.