Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba
By Mpho Moloi
The Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, has confirmed his acceptance of Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett’s decision to step down from the church’s inquiry panel investigating the abuse allegations against serial child abuser John Smyth. Gauntlett’s resignation follows allegations made against him by Wits University academic Dr Hylton White, who accused Gauntlett of abusing him during the 1980s when he was a teenager.
Gauntlett Steps Down Amidst Allegations
Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett announced his resignation on Thursday after Dr Hylton White published an open letter to the Anglican Church, accusing him of historical abuse. White’s allegations date back to the 1980s, adding a layer of controversy to Gauntlett’s role in the inquiry panel.
Archbishop Makgoba, who had appointed Gauntlett to the panel in November 2024, responded promptly to the letter by consulting the remaining panel members, Dr Mamphela Ramphele and retired Judge Ian Farlam, to discuss Gauntlett’s future within the inquiry. Following these discussions, Gauntlett’s resignation was formally accepted.
The Inquiry into John Smyth’s Abuses
The inquiry, initiated by Archbishop Makgoba, was established to examine whether the Anglican Church in Cape Town fulfilled its responsibilities to protect its members from abuse. This followed the release of a damning report in Britain detailing the abuses perpetrated by John Smyth, a former UK lawyer and a key figure in evangelical circles.
The report revealed that Smyth had engaged in severe abuses in Britain and Zimbabwe during the 1980s and 1990s. It also noted that Smyth attended an Anglican church in Cape Town in the early 2000s and again shortly before his death in 2018.
The panel was tasked with reviewing the church’s past actions—or lack thereof—in addressing complaints and ensuring the safety of its members from individuals like Smyth.
Archbishop Makgoba’s Statement
Archbishop Makgoba acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the concerns raised by Dr White’s open letter.
“The Church is committed to transparency and accountability, especially when dealing with matters as serious as abuse,” said the Archbishop.
He emphasised the church’s dedication to providing a safe space for victims to come forward and to ensuring that the inquiry maintains its integrity and impartiality.
Panel Composition and Controversy
The three-member panel, originally comprising Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, and retired Judge Ian Farlam, was assembled to provide a thorough review of the Anglican Church’s response to abuse allegations. Gauntlett’s resignation has raised questions about the panel’s future and its ability to proceed without further controversy.
Dr Mamphela Ramphele, a renowned activist and public intellectual, and Judge Ian Farlam, a retired judge with a distinguished career, have reaffirmed their commitment to the inquiry. Archbishop Makgoba has indicated that a replacement for Gauntlett will be announced soon to ensure the inquiry’s work continues uninterrupted.
Historical Abuse Allegations and the Church’s Role
The Anglican Church has faced significant scrutiny in recent years over its handling of abuse cases, both locally and globally. The revelations surrounding John Smyth’s abuses have further highlighted the systemic failures within religious institutions to protect vulnerable individuals.
Smyth’s abuse of young boys, often under the guise of religious discipline, shocked the international community when it came to light. The abuse was first reported in Britain, where survivors detailed their harrowing experiences. Smyth later moved to Zimbabwe and South Africa, where similar allegations emerged.
The inquiry panel aims to examine the Anglican Church in Cape Town’s role in allowing Smyth to participate in its activities and whether adequate safeguards were in place to protect congregants.
Dr Hylton White’s Open Letter
Dr Hylton White’s allegations against Jeremy Gauntlett have added a layer of complexity to the inquiry. In his open letter, White detailed the abuse he allegedly suffered at the hands of Gauntlett during the 1980s. He called on the Anglican Church to address these allegations and ensure that individuals accused of abuse are not involved in investigations.
White’s letter has sparked a broader conversation about the accountability of individuals in positions of power within religious and legal institutions.
The Path Forward
The Anglican Church’s inquiry into John Smyth’s abuses remains critical in addressing past failures and restoring trust among its members. Archbishop Makgoba has assured the public that the panel will continue its work with the utmost integrity, despite the challenges posed by Gauntlett’s resignation.
The Archbishop has also reaffirmed the church’s commitment to providing a safe space for survivors to share their experiences and seek justice.
“We will not allow past mistakes to define our future. The church must be a place of healing, accountability, and hope,” Makgoba stated.

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