To this day, people all around the world still debate on the effectiveness and the conclusions of the Truth and Reconciliation. It is a disputed topic worldwide, as the TRC had many pros and cons, contributing to the heated debate. Let’s take a look at both sides.
The Pros
Unlike legal convictions and criminal court trials, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission uses different methods in determining the verdict of candidate, and whether or not they are eligible for political forgiveness and amnesty. Since the Commissions do not abide by the regular laws of criminal evidence collection, they allow the participant to reveal the whole truth of their crimes, allowing a broader perspective on the crimes committed and the violence imposed. The article “Placing the Global Success of TRCs in Local Perspective” also states that, “In addition, the commission's hearings, as well as the final report, serve as an official acknowledgement of the victims’ suffering and loss.” Furthermore, the article explains that this truth, revealed by the candidate, has a therapeutic effect on the victim’s family and friends, as it providing a sense closure and healing for individuals and society as a whole. This is proven to be the case, as many Commissions are said to have a sense of mending with the victims of the crime. These Commissions allow for the people of South Africa to really encapsulate the apartheid effect as a whole, and gives them a chance to break and reflect on the 50 years of mistreatment and horror. By listening to the truth of these crimes finally being revealed and acknowledged, a sense of closure is emitted. In the article, “The Truth about Steve Biko,” writes explain that the TRC reveals information that is vital and indispensable for the healing of South Africans. They state that the commissions have lead high ranking officials to reveal the inner workings of apartheid, which further gives information on how to prevent such things from resurfacing in the future. Later in the article, writes state that the amnesty applications are only one side of the TRCs. They write that stories of ordinary people, thanks to the televised Commissions, which tells detailed accounts of mistreated Africans continued to make the news each day. “The televised statements of victims and criminals can open the eyes of whites who ignored or justified apartheid’s crimes, a crucial ingredient of reconciliation and for creating democratic culture.”
The Cons
Yes, The Truth and Reconciliation Commission does providing healing and closure for apartheid’s many victims, but it is not all sunshine and roses. The TRC has faced lots of criticism ranging from it’s way of dealing with convictions, to its long term impact. One major issue with the Commission is clearly defined in the New York Times Article, “The Truth About Steve Biko.” Reporters state, “At bottom, the controversy over the TRC is a debate over what new democracies must do to overcome the legacy of dictatorship.” The jump from a dictator-lead country where rights are limited, to a free country with a democratic government is a huge gap, with every step open to error. These governments, in the beginning, need to have two main goals. To heal the victims of the former dictatorship, and in this example, apartheid, and to successfully insure that dictatorship never returns. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, by it self, is in an impossible race to fulfill both. If the TRC is an example of how the government of South Africa will been run in the future, it definitely does not ensure a safe and stable future.
The most prominent and influential opinions was leveled by the family of activist Steve Biko, who fought against apartheid, and created the Black-Consciousness movement. During apartheid, he was killed by white security police, and because of his impact on South African independence and overall part in the overthrow of apartheid, his story was featured in the film Cry Freedom. Steve Biko's family explained in their opinion that the TRC was a "vehicle for political expediency", and they believed that it had robbed them of the right to justice and a fair trial. The family favored against granting amnesty for his killers, and on these grounds brought their view on the TRC to legal action in South African court, arguing that the TRC was unconstitutional.
The most prominent and influential opinions was leveled by the family of activist Steve Biko, who fought against apartheid, and created the Black-Consciousness movement. During apartheid, he was killed by white security police, and because of his impact on South African independence and overall part in the overthrow of apartheid, his story was featured in the film Cry Freedom. Steve Biko's family explained in their opinion that the TRC was a "vehicle for political expediency", and they believed that it had robbed them of the right to justice and a fair trial. The family favored against granting amnesty for his killers, and on these grounds brought their view on the TRC to legal action in South African court, arguing that the TRC was unconstitutional.