Issued by: Truth and Reconciliation Commission
July 31, 1998
STATEMENT BY ADV. MARTIN COETZEE, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE AMNESTY COMMITTEE OF THE TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
Following an order by the Cape High Court setting aside 37 amnesties granted to African National Congress members and directing that their applications be considered afresh, the Amnesty Committee of the TRC wrote to the African National Congress on July 3 this year asking the applicants for further particulars. The request was directed to the applicants, via their party, in terms of Section 19(1) of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act. At the same time, the Committee requested further particulars from another 37 ANC members whose applications had not yet been considered.
The Committee requested that the further particulars be supplied by today, July 31. The head of the ANC'heir applications and were willing to give the Committee whatever assistance was needed, but that there was uncertainty about the nature of the further particulars required. As a result the ANC asked for a meeting with Committee representatives to clarify the matter.
I have consulted with the chairperson of the Committee, Judge Hassen Mall, who has instructed me to arrange a meeting with ANC representatives and explain what particulars are needed. Consultations with representatives of the amnesty applicants will be arranged in due course.
Inquiries: John Allen, 082-452-7859