Issued by: Office of the President
This morning I held a comprehensive discussion with the Deputy Chairman of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Alex Boraine and the leader of the Freedom Front, General Constand Viljoen. The two leaders once more reiterated their proposal for the extension of two cut-off dates pertaining to amnesty:
I have in the past stated that both these dates should not be changed. Among other reasons, it is my conviction that we should not send out a wrong message about the preparedness of our government and our society to deal firmly with criminal actions under whatever guise, and from whatever quarter.
However, I have in the past weeks listened carefully to Bishop Desmond Tutu and General Constand Viljoen, and reflected intensely on their arguments.
I fully respect the integrity of both these leaders, and I am of the firm view that their request for an extension of both these dates is motivated by the desire for a process of reconciliation that is as inclusive as possible. Above all, these are men who have contributed immensely to the cause of peace, as strong moral voices among their followers and society; men who helped our country avert a bloody civil war.
In a sense, they belong among the legion of leaders who are responsible for the settlement that South Africa enjoys today.
Taking these factors into account and, in part, deferring to their wisdom and good faith:
1. I have decided to extend the deadline for amnesty applications to the TRC from mid-night tomorrow, to 10 May 1997. The original date is contained in the founding legislation on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission; and I will today sign a proclamation effecting the extension.
2. I have also decided to accede to the request by the TRC, the Freedom Front and other interested parties to extend the cut-off date for the period in which political acts can be considered eligible for amnesty. This will be extended to the 10th of Ma 1994, the date on which the Government of National Unity was inaugurated. Because the original date is contained in the Interim Constitution, I will recommend to parliament that the necessary amendments should be effected in the new year; and I am confident that this proposal will receive the co-operation of all the parties in the national legislature.
This is one of the most difficult decisions I have had to take. Much pain and suffering have been wrought on families, communities and the nation as a whole, by acts of the nature for which amnesty is to be requested and possibly granted.
But I have decided to take this decision because, on balance, I am persuaded that it will help to further consolidate nation-building and reconciliation in a manner that is all-inclusive.
The message that we are therefore sending out to all South Africans, especially those aggrieved because they felt the current process excluded them, is that they should seize this opportunity and accept the nation's hand of peace and reconciliation.
I call on all those who had not yet applied for amnesty, and who fall within the ambit of provisions in the TRC Act, to do so. Let us all co-operate with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to unearth the truth, to bring succour to the victims, and to promote justice in our new and democratic South Africa.
13 December 1996
For further information contact: Joel Netshitenzhe 082 900 0083