The Conflict

South Africa was formerly ruled by a minority white population that denied political participation to the majority black population. During this time, black groups fought for recognition of their rights, including the right to self-government, and were frequently brutally oppressed. As part of the process of moving to majority rule, a commission to investigate human and civil rights violations was established.

Political

• Some view the commission and the exposure of past violence—including murders committed in support of apartheid—as the best hope for community healing for the future.
• Some criticize that the individuals who committed the violence should be tried and punished—not merely confess their crimes.
• Critics view the investigation as political and believe it will delay focus on the future. In addition, they believe the commission disproportionately focuses on...