Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
October 25, 1996
STATEMENT BY ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU, CHAIRPERSON, TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
During an hour-long meeting with President Mandela yesterday evening, I raised two points:
1. The Commission's request that the cut-off date for the Commission's brief should be moved from December 1993 to May 10, 1994, and that the deadline date for amnesty applications should be moved back by three months.
The President explained that in responding to Press inquiries about our request, he had simply been reflecting current ANC policy. I accept that he did not prejudge the issue before hearing our motivation. After our discussions, he said he would take the matter to Cabinet for discussion.
2. The statements by Premier Mathews Phosa that some ANC leaders will not apply for amnesty because they committed acts in the course of a military struggle.
I told the President that there was not much point in having a Truth and Reconciliation Commission if one side thinks it can grant itself amnesty.
Arising out of the meeting, I am calling on the ANC to make a clear statement that its members and leaders will apply for amnesty for any act in respect of which they may be liable for prosecution or actions for civil damages. I do not accept the argument that they will not apply for amnesty in respect of military actions: this is the same argument that General Magnus Malan is using to avoid coming to the Commission. If we were to go this route, then South Africa might as well have chosen the course, followed in other parts of the world, of granting blanket amnesties.
ADVISORY: Archbishop Tutu will be available, if required, for follow-up questions to this statement at the TRC offices at 10 am today, Friday October 25.