“Forgiving is not forgetting; its actually remembering–remembering and not using your right to hit back. Its a second chance for a new beginning. And the remembering part is particularly important. Especially if you don’t want to repeat what happened.”―Desmond Tutu
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the chairman of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Created by Nelson Mandela’s Government of National Unity in 1995, it was set up to help South Africans come to terms with their extremely troubled past.Established to investigate the violations that took place between 1960 and 1994, it provided support and reparation to victims and their families. It also compiled a full and objective record of the effects of apartheid on South African society. April 16, 1996 -Day Two of the TRC hearings in the East London City Hall, Archbishop Desmond Tutu wept. Former Robben Islander Singqokwana Ernest Malgas was describing his torture by security police. The TRC would hear from 21 000 people across South Africa.
Tutu shares some of his thoughts on the TRC
“We have looked the beast in the eye. Our past will no longer keep us hostage. We who are the rainbow people of God will hold hands and say, ’Never again! Nooit weer! Ngeke futhi! Ga reno tlola!’”
“Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need of one another.”
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