Mr Botha smiled and shook hands with people in the public gallery before taking his seat in court in the coastal town of George.

The BBC's Africa correspondent Jeremy Vine: 'Hardline Botha is standing firm'

The Commission has been hearing from individuals about their activities during the years of apartheid, but Mr Botha has described it as "a circus."

He offered to communicate with it in writing, but the commission demanded that he appear in person.

When he refused he was charged with being in contempt of the commission.

Human rights abuse allegations

In April, prosecutors asked for an adjournment after Paul van Zyl, Secretary of the Truth Commission, said Mr Botha should answer questions about his role as chairman of the State Security Council, which allegedly ordered the deaths of political opponents during the 1980s.

At the height of his rule 30,00 black opponents were jailed without charge.

Mr Botha maintains that he has nothing to apologise for, and will stand by the actions of his government.

If the former president is convicted of refusing to testify in person to the Truth Commission, the court may fine him up to $3,890 (£2,400).

The offence can also carry a maximum two-year prison term.

Tutu: in the witness box

But Archbishop Desmond Tutu, chairman of the commission, has previously been reported as saying he does not intend to ask for a custodial sentence

Mr Tutu says it is because of his stature as a former president and his age. Mr Botha is 82.

A BBC correspondent says it is also because they do not want him to become a martyr for supporters of the old regime.

Mr Tutu is expected to take the witness stand against Mr Botha.

The Truth Commission is trying to help heal the wounds of apartheid through full disclosure of atrocities committed on both sides of the racial divide.

Archbishop Tutu has tried to assure Mr Botha that he did not intend to humiliate him.

Mr Tutu offered the ex-president a compromise deal in which he would give evidence in private, but Mr Botha refused.