Truth and Reconciliation Commission.REASONS FOR THE TRC;

Lesson outcomes

After the lesson learners should able to understand abbreviation “TRC” means

After the lesson students should be able to name three committees which were called into existence in order to for TRC to achieve its purpose.

After the lesson learners should able to define and describe Truth and Reconciliation Commission

After the lesson learners should able to explain reasons for the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

After the lesson learners should able to compare and contrast the positive and the negative aspects of TRC

Background knowledge of TRC

In July 1995 South Africa’s new parliament passed a law authorising the formation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The Commission, chaired by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, was appointed in December 1995.

The central purpose of the Commission was to promote re-conciliation and forgiveness among perpetrators and victims of apartheid by the full disclosure of truth.

The Commission was charged with three specific tasks: To discover the causes and nature of human rights violations in South Africa between

1960 and 1994; To identify victims with a view to paying reparations; and to allow amnesty to those who fully disclosed their involvement in politically

motivated human rights violations.

Background knowledge of TRC

TRC was a court-like body which was assembled in South Africa following the end of Apartheid

Anyone who felt that they had been a victim of violence could come forward and be heard at the TRC.

Perpetrators of violence could also give testimony and request amnesty from prosecution.

The TRC was seen as a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy in South Africa

Background knowledge of TRC

The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was set up by the Government of National Unity to help deal with what happened under apartheid.

The conflict during this period resulted in violence and human rights abuses from all sides. No section of society escaped these abuses.

Archibishop Desomond Tutu on the Reasons for the TRC

Reasons for the TRC

Some form of accountability had to be taken for the immense violence that took place during

There had to be a diagnosis of what exactly happened, why it happened, and who was responsible

It was thought that if there was no accountability made, a message would be given to the new security forces and to the people of South Africa as a whole that future abuses may be treated similarly

Would reinforce the culture of abuse and intolerance that had been breeding in South Africa for the past several hundred years

There was a need to record and publicize what happened from the victims as well

Reasons for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission

The TRC was based on the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No 34 of 1995

To prevent the future violations of human rights. The commission promoted the investigation of past abuses and the

uncovering of the truth

The commissioners who served on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission