Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The following statement is from a "bosberaard" of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which finished meeting yesterday. It was designed primarily for staff but is being released in the same form for the public.
September 20, 1996
STATEMENT FROM THE "BOSBERAAD"
Commissioners, Committee members and the senior management of the Commission yesterday ended a two-day bosberaad during which they undertook a thorough review of its activities, including an analysis of our strengths and weaknesses, and drew up proposals for the way ahead.
Among areas which were identified for consideration and action were:
- Re-modelling our hearings schedule to provide for a wider variety of hearings; - Enhancing the quality and quantity of statement-taking, on the basis that the making of statements will be the means by which we will reach most victims; - Ensuring that findings on human rights abuses begin to be made; - Improving the administrative capacity of the Amnesty Committee; - Finalising the Reparation and Rehabilitation Committee's proposals for urgent interim relief for those victims of human rights abuses who need immediate assistance; - Conveying to the public that it will be Parliament, not the Commission, which decides finally on the nature and extent of reparations and mechanisms of rehabilitation for other victims; - Enhancing the Commission's capacity for seeking the truth, specifically in identifying perpetrators of human rights abuses; - Concrete strategies to promote reconciliation; - Communication and interaction with the public; - Improving the information flow in the Commission; and - Issues of management and team-building, including factors which affect the Commission's public image.
Proposals to address these and other issues will be finalised by a strategic planning committee and the full Commission, operating in conjunction with management and staff of the Commission.
A key factor in planning the Commission's activities is the financial resources available to it. The Commission, in order to maintain and even step up its activities, is expecting the State to allocate adequate resources to facilitate the achievement of national unity and reconciliation. However, the Treasury Committee has indicated to us that it believes our budget has to be cut in line with national priorities and other cuts in State spending. This proposal challenges the Commission anew to exercise strict fiscal discipline and to streamline our operations to achieve the strategic objectives identified during the bosberaad at the lowest possible cost. At the same time, the Commission is determined that its independence from the political process needs to be firmly defended and it will work to ensure that the national objective of promoting unity and reconciliation in South Africa is given proper recognition in financial decision-making. These issues will be taken further by the Commission and discussed fully with staff and management.
Inquiries: John Allen, 082- 452-7859