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BONGANI, (first name not given)Age Description ... more detailed descriptions of the men?s deaths, however their testimonies differ from evidence given by Vlakplaas commander Eugene de Kock and do not disclose where the order for the killings came from. The following segments provide a profile on Truth Commissioner Bongani Finca and a report ... My own grandfather, who had a lasting impression on my life, was a minister of religion. I looked up to him; he became a pillar of strength in the community. I sort of admired this person and wished that perhaps when I grow up, I wish I could be like him. Truth Commissioner Bongani Finca During the conference of December 1993, that was in Umtata was it not? // That’s correct. // You say the armed struggle or the idea of the armed struggle was to continue; that was the resolution that was taken at that conference. // That’s correct. // Was that a clear signal that went out from ... ... with a very supportive wife; we have been married now for 23 years. We have through the work of this Commission experienced for the first time not living together all the time. We have three daughters. I don’t think they really support the work of the Commission but of course it’s always ... Williams says his experience in ANC camps has left him scarred. // I want to remember this, and it would be hazy and my head would feel like cracking, you understand? Sometimes it would be like I’m losing my mental capabilities. // This is probably why he struggled to relate his story to a ... Under the circumstances I know that it is difficult for you to forgive. // It’s God’s will OK, God will … away, not you and me. // I truly respect you feelings and I do apologise for what happened. It’s not that I’ve done that because I hate white people but because of the circumstances ... 1995, Mtubatuba, an IFP stronghold. Another warzone. An assassination attempt by the IFP and KwaZulu police on ANC leader Bheki Ntuli is unsuccessful. Then they started killing his family. Then, on the 15th of September my brother’s son was also killed, Jabulani. In fact they killed two people on ... I try to start my morning if I’m not out at hearings standing here, sitting here and even kneeling here at times, just to start off with a period of quiet and it inspires you. It brings you closer to nature and closer to God and starts your day in a sense. Valentine’s day in 1994. South Africa is run by a transitional executive council and preparations for the first ever democratic elections are well under way. But in the bustling coal mining town of New Castle however preparations of a different kind are being made. ... in this very hall and victims came in their hundreds to open their souls to the TRC and I believe that we have then a responsibility as the TRC not to let those who opened their souls to us down. The Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee must begin to lead the TRC towards assisting in ... One had a sense that once the victims were stretching out this hand of reconciliation, the white society in general in this province, seemed to be not interested in publicly – perhaps people were feeling it internally, I don’t know – that hurt me very profoundly and made me perhaps to even ... this week Niewoudt was once again implicated in torture. Because of the court order, he was referred to as ‘Mister X’ or ‘that policeman we cannot name.’ // So we will ask you that question now Mkhuseli Jack, do you intend to name Gideon Niewoudt as a perpetrator in your testimony? // I ... ... if he is innocent, he should immediately approach the Commission, approach the East London office of the Commission and arrange that he clears his name. But if he knows that he’s been involved in any way he should approach the Amnesty Committee. ... Originally my view was rather more radical in that I felt that those who were responsible for ghastly deeds which brought about so much suffering to so many families or so many people, many of whom were members of my own congregation, and many of whom were my friends, I felt that there had to be ... Victims came in their hundreds to open their souls to the TRC and I believe we have then a responsibility as the TRC not to let those who opened their souls to us down. I thought I knew what happened in this country. I was involved, so when I was appointed I didn’t expect surprises. But I was shocked again and again and again as I sit at hearings to realize how little I knew. I was deeply touched by people who refused to be crushed. Deeply moving moments, which ... The number of applicants who come before the Amnesty Committee of the Commission to apply for amnesty and who in their testimony to the Amnesty Committee actually blame the teachings of their church and say that they were misled by their church into believing that the things that they did were ... On one hand there is a sense of great honour, completely undeserved, to be part of this instrument for the reconciliation of our nation, the trust that makes such an appointment possible. It’s an awesome honour. It leaves you humble. But also there is the feeling when you sit down at the end of ... Bongani Finca describes himself as a pastor, a preacher and an activist for justice. Since he was a young boy growing up in a small, rural village near Pietermaritzburg he felt a calling to the church. |
