‘It Must Be the AmaGeu’: Charles Nqakula’s Humorous Response After Evidence Leader Praises His Age

Former South African government minister Charles Nqakula has amused those following the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Cases Inquiry after offering a light-hearted explanation for his youthful appearance at the age of 84.

The moment unfolded during proceedings when the inquiry’s evidence leader expressed curiosity about Nqakula’s age, leading to a brief but entertaining exchange that shifted attention from the formal proceedings to the veteran politician’s appearance.

“I’m just interested to know when you were born,” the evidence leader asked Nqakula.

Responding calmly, Nqakula revealed that he had recently celebrated his 84th birthday.

“Well, on the 13th of September, which was last month, I became 84,” he said.

His response appeared to surprise the evidence leader, who complimented his appearance and expressed a desire to age as gracefully as the former minister.

“I want to look like you as an 84-year-old,” the evidence leader remarked.

Nqakula responded with characteristic humour, suggesting that his modest lifestyle might have contributed to his appearance.

“Well, I suppose it’s because I was not rich and the only thing I had access to was amaGeu,” he said.

AmaGeu, a popular fermented dairy drink in South Africa, is commonly enjoyed by people across different communities. Nqakula’s reference to the beverage added a humorous twist to the exchange, prompting interest in the unexpected explanation behind his youthful looks.

Although the conversation was brief, it offered a lighter moment during an inquiry dealing with matters linked to South Africa’s history and the pursuit of justice.

The TRC Cases Inquiry is associated with efforts to address outstanding cases connected to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process, which was established to investigate gross human rights violations committed during apartheid.

The exchange also highlighted Nqakula’s relaxed demeanour while answering questions before the inquiry. His response combined humour with a reference to an everyday South African drink, turning a straightforward question about his age into a memorable moment.

At 84, the former minister’s appearance clearly impressed the evidence leader, whose compliment drew an equally memorable response.

Whether or not amaGeu deserves the credit, Nqakula’s explanation added a distinctly South African touch to the proceedings, leaving the audience with a humorous takeaway from an otherwise serious inquiry.

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