Thirty years ago, South Africa (SA) witnessed the first hearings of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC).
The TRC was established in 1996 to promote reconciliation and uncover the truth about severe human rights violations that took place under the apartheid regime between March 1960 and May 1994.
During the apartheid era, the National Party government committed atrocities, including murder, torture and enforced disappearances. However, this did not deter oppressed communities from fighting for their freedom.
In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly declared apartheid a crime against humanity.
During negotiations to end apartheid, it was agreed that reconciliation was essential to securing a non-racial democracy and ensuring stability. This led to the establishment of the TRC, chaired by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The first TRC hearings were held in the Eastern Cape province. They were intensely emotional, often marked by tearful and harrowing testimony.
The investigative team faced major challenges, including the destruction of some evidence by the former security apparatus. For many victims, the process meant reliving traumatic experiences. Similar hearings were later held across different provinces in the country.
–SABC–
