Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION IN SOUTH AFRICA
The South African International Diplomatic Association (SAIDA)
As the mandate of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) draws to a close in August this year, SAIDA felt it fitting to organise this seminar in an attempt to better understand the TRC experience and to see whether lessons emerge in the international context. Guest panellists include Dr Faisal Randera, Commissioner of the TRC, Mr Vasu Godin, Executive Director of ACCORD, Mr Graeme Simpson, Executive Director of the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and Dr Jorge Heine, Ambassador of Chile.
Proceedings will include the showing of excerpts of a 3-part BBC Television series "The Tennor and the Truth," which looks at transitions in Chile, Argentina, Bosnia, Rwanda, the former German Democratic Republic and South Africa, will also be shown.
The media is welcome to attend the workshop and to join the participants for a lunch during the programme.
The following day SAIDA has invited Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Chairperson of the TRC, to address the Heads of Mission of the Diplomatic Community in South Africa on the reconciliation process in South Africa, which the TRC has spearheaded in such a powerful way. There will be an opportunity for a question and answer session after the Archbishop's address.
The media is welcome to cover the Archbishop's address which will take place at 12:00 on 23 June 1998 at the Presidential Guesthouse, Bryntirion Estate in Pretoria. (Entrance through Gate 9 on Church Street). Press cards essential.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA
19 JUNE 1998
The mandate of SAIDA is to increase interaction and cooperation with the foreign diplomatic community based in South Africa. It encourages mutual cooperation and understanding between South Africans and the foreign diplomatic community in the area of peaceful relations, democratization and respect for human rights and the achievement of sustainable development. It provides a forum for the development of knowledge and understanding of the rich and diverse historical and cultural heritages of South Africa. SAIDA's membership consists of officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs and diplomats accredited to the Republic of South Africa.