The apology by former apartheid minister Adriaan Vlok for atrocities committed under his command, was a watershed moment for South Africa, his former deputy said on Saturday.
Leon Wessels said he was happy with the apology by the former minister of law and order.
It was revealed on Saturday that Vlok had asked Reverend Frank Chikane, director general of the presidency, for forgiveness this month.
”I am extremely happy that he has done that. I revisit the statement I made to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission where I said that the excuse ‘We didn’t know’ was simply not available to us… we didn’t want to know,” said Wessels, now a South African Human Rights Commissioner.
Vlok asked for forgiveness by washing Chikane’s feet in a private meeting between the two on August 3.
Chikane said he accepted the apology, during which Vlok admitted to atrocities committed during the apartheid era.
The ex-minister said he had hoped that Chikane would accept the ”small gesture” of washing his feet, in his bid to reconcile with God and his conscience.
He quoted a verse from the bible to Chikane. Although he was not comfortable with Vlok washing his feet, Chikane was grateful for the gesture.
”I hope that others who find themselves in similar situations will take the initiative to do what their consciences tell them to,” said Chikane.
He said it was important to confront the past, tell the truth about it and to create a better South Africa for all. According to Vlok, the atrocities of apartheid were due to a lack of love and national pride. ”It is also because of the belief that some were superior to other races,” said Vlok.
The reverend said Vlok’s gesture would strengthen nation building.
Meanwhile Wessels said the South African public should not look for hidden meanings in Vlok’s apology.
”Well the point is this: A reconciliation is not a one-time event. Reconciliation is of an ongoing nature and reconciliation goes far beyond public statements. Reconciliation is a journey and its a wonderful thing when it happens.”
Wessels apologised to South Africa for apartheid atrocities at an international conference in Oslo, Norway in 1990.
He also apologised before the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
”You know I apologised for apartheid in Oslo and I don’t think people believe the magnitude of goodwill that has generated over the years … and I have been criticised but never will I regret having made that statement [that apartheid leaders did not want to acknowledge atrocities committed under their command].” – Sapa