Chapter Five, Up and Running Summary and Analysis

Archbishop Tutu is about to go on sabbatical when he is chosen to head up the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Mandela asks him and he feels that he cannot refuse. For three years, Tutu engages in devastatingly difficult work that is simultaneously exhilarating. He is nominated on December 15th right before Dingaan's Day, which is a day of racist commemoration of South African domination by the white population. December 15th is transformed into the Day of Reconciliation.

The first meeting of the TRC is held in Bishopscourt, which formerly was the venue of resistance meetings. It is also where Nelson Mandela stayed the first night following his freedom. The first meeting is diverse and includes people of all nations and creeds. Tutu briefly reviews the backgrounds of the various members. Mandela has to...