Restricted Reconciliation: Limitations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa

Abstract

The transition between apartheid and democracy was a confusing and difficult time in South Africa. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in hopes of creating a "common history" among all South Africans by calling forth both victims and perpetrators to share their stories and truths. It was believed that by exposing the past, citizens would be reconciled and able to move forward into a brighter future. Although this process did uncover many previously unknown details and crimes, the TRC had a number of flaws that prohibited true reconciliation for South Africans. This thesis uses testimony and Commission reports to prove that the limited mandate of the Commission, the lack of participation by key political players and the inconsistency between the amnesty and reparation program hindered the TRC from achieving true reconciliation for South Africa. My research concludes first by exploring how South Africa has coped with the past after the TRC, followed by suggestions on how to improve a similar type commission in the future.