« Back to Provision

Truth or Reconciliation Mechanism – 1994

On June 8, 1994, the South African government said that it would introduce legislation that would grant amnesty to those who would confess to political crimes committed for and against apartheid. “Under the proposals, a “truth commission” would investigate accusations of human rights abuses and political crimes and present a report to Mandela, who would have final say on who receives amnesty”. “Reconciliation is not simply a question of indemnity or amnesty and letting bygones be bygones,” Omar said. “If the wounds of the past are to be healed … disclosure of the truth and its acknowledgment are essential.”¹

The truth and reconciliation commission was expected to be unveiled in the third week of September 1994, but was delayed because of disagreements between the ANC and National Party. A cabinet committee was said to have accepted the principle of establishing a truth commission but differences remained between the ANC and the National Party (NP). The NC had objections on “limiting the time for applications for amnesty or indemnity to several months, arguing that it should be allowed at any time.” The NC also objected the public hearing of the commission.²

1. “South Africa Proposes Amnesty for Political Criminals Who Confess,” The Washington Post, June 8, 1994, PAGE A25.
2. “SOUTH AFRICA-POLITICS: APARTHEID’S INFORMERS LET OFF THE HOOK,” IPS-Inter Press Service, October 24, 1994.