Wally Mbhele
Plans for the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s final report were almost ambushed this week when the African National Congress attempted to use its power to prevent its publication.
This followed the ANC’s blistering opposition to some aspects of the commission’s findings on the party’s activities during the armed struggle. The report is to be presented to President Nelson Mandela next Thursday.
Incensed by the commission’s refusal to meet the ANC before publishing the report, certain Cabinet ministers sought to invoke legal provisions that allow the president to study the report for up to two months before releasing it.
An ANC leader told the Mail & Guardian it “would be wrong for the [commission] to expect the president to release the report the same day it’s handed to him … as it would be wrong for the president to dictate to them on how they must write the report or present it. They … cannot dictate to him on when and how to release it.”
The M&G reported three weeks ago that the ANC’s attitude stems from what the party sees as the commission’s failure to differentiate between those who violated human rights in pursuit of liberation and those who committed violations in preservation of apartheid.
It is believed the commission is particularly harsh on the ANC’s treatment of detainees in its Angolan Quatro camp, as well as some violations that occurred inside the country. It is not yet clear if the commission has attached any blame for necklacing murders to the ANC or the United Democratic Front. Both organisations distanced themselves from necklace murders.
The ANC’s argument was bolstered by alleged disagreements between commission staff members over the report. It is believed, for instance, that commissioners at one stage held different views on whether apartheid should be declared a crime against humanity. This was why the ANC said the commission’s findings represented a minority viewpoint within the commission.
The Pan Africanist Congress joined the fray this week, saying it failed to understand how the commission could put the organisation on the same “pedestal” as apartheid masters. The Inkatha Freedom Party is also unhappy.
It is still not clear if the ANC’s response to the commission’s findings will be included in the final report, but sources within the party confirmed that its submission has been concluded.