Special Report Transcript Episode 41, Section 7, Time 24:50

South Africa’s political parties made submissions to the Truth Commission in August last year. Most parties promised to give further information at a later stage and promised to respond to any questions coming from the Truth Commission. Last Sunday, the leader of the National Party, FW de Klerk handed over his party’s second submission to the Truth Commission with the answers to the questions put to him. This is the 46 page document. The first 11 pages contain a stringent attack on the Truth Commission and the African National Congress. De Klerk says ”the Truth Commission is not perceived to be impartial.” I quote. ”Its composition is seen to be overwhelmingly representative of only one side in the former conflict. An analysis of the statements and speeches of some leading members of the Commission indicates that they tend to view the conflict of the past from the broad perspective of the ANC and its allies.” // De Klerk’s response to the Truth Commission statements can be summarized in three short sentences: I did not know. I was not responsible. I am innocent. ”I had no knowledge of the existence of the CCB, or of the nature of its activities, until they were publicly exposed…No proof could be found of the existence of such a ‘third force’…The Government never adopted a policy to promote ‘black-on-black’ violence…I had heard of the Vlakplaas installation but was under the impression that it was a facility for the reorientation of captured ANC cadres who wished to work for the security forces… I do not possess the information you require.” // In his first submission De Klerk said his party had defended South Africa against those who planned to seize power by violent and unconstitutional means. The Truth Commission then asked him. How does one achieve power constitutionally if one does not have a vote and is denied basic human rights? This is De Klerk’s response. ”The answer is that, in the end, all of the people were empowered and enfranchised through negotiations and a peaceful constitutional process – and not as a result of violent conflict. The armed and violent dimension of the ANC’s strategy was not a major factor in the transformation of South Africa. It was unnecessary and counter-productive… it delayed the process which led to the enfranchisement and empowerment of the people.” So far former president De Klerk’s new submission to the Truth Commission.

Notes: Max du Preez