MONDAY, 1.00PM:
CLOSE to 8 000 applications for amnesty poured into the Truth and Reconciliation Commission before the final deadline struck at midnight on Saturday. Among last-minute applications was a hefty 1 000-page submission from jailed former Vlakplaas commander, Eugene de Kock, which arrived 20 minutes before the cut-off time, and 280 applications from the Pan Africanist Congress, one of them from former Apla operations director Letlapa Mphahlele.
The Inkatha Freedom Party was under-represented in the final flood. Home Affairs Minister and IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi said he didn’t apply for amnesty because he had never been in command of an army.
However, high-profile politicians from other political parties took advantage of the extended deadline. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki will present the ANC’s amnesty applications to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission today; applicants include Cabinet ministers Mac Maharaj (transport), Joe Modise (defence), Dullah Omar (justice) and Zola Skweyiya (public administration). On Wednesday, the National Party will appear before the commission and the Freedom Front is scheduled for Friday.