Restoring the human spirit: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the place of forgiveness in the reconciliation of the rainbow nation

Abstract

The world had expected the transition period in South Africa to turn into a bloodbath. Instead, a reasonably peaceful transition was made from apartheid to democracy. One year after the first democratic elections in 1994, a Truth Commission was established for South Africa. People came from all walks of life to tell their stories - from victims to perpetrators. It was an event and process the world took notice of, learnt from and could not dismiss as insignificant.