8: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was established in 1996, principally to look into what had happened during the apartheid years, principally to uncover truth about severe human rights violations.
Shortly after his appointment as chair, Archbishop Desmond Tutu attended a meeting of the SACC, encouraging church leaders to cooperate. He outlined some of his ideas, some of which I felt I could not accept.
‘You propose traditional ritual cleansing as part of the process of reconciliation. That’s fine but please don’t forget the sacrifice made once and for all that is the centrepoint of our faith.’
He readily accepted the point I had made. Disagreement only strengthened a growing relationship. But more importantly I had to address the challenges as leader of a denomination.
The executive council considered the question of whether to make a submission to the TRC.
There had been significant steps towards greater integration of The Salvation Army in South Africa over the years, but there had also been tacit acceptance of the status quo, and by accepting government policies and financial support, complicity with the regime. There had been a half-hearted attempt by one General to address the issue, and then the bold condemnation of apartheid by General Eva Burrows.
I knew a number of my predecessors personally and had a high regard for all. But I was also aware that sometimes decisions had been taken might have been regarded as racist. One memory lingered in my mind. The Salvation Army had two maternity hospitals in Cape Town – the Booth for white patients; the ‘Non-European’ for women of colour. The former was under threat financially. The Army mounted a massive campaign: 'Save the Booth’. Government ruled that the latter should close; it was in a ‘white’ suburb. As house-surgeon to Obstetrics and Gynaecology Professor Davy, in 1966 and while scrubbing up with him, he told me how disappointed he was with the Army’s decision to fight for one and not the other.
If there was hesitation in some minds, the council soon reached consensus. We should go ahead and make a submission. At the following executive officers retreat, and a year later we returned to the same conference centre where we had met in the process of ‘opening up’, this time with a submission to the TRC drafted by Brian Tuck. All who were present endorsed the statement in what proved to be emotionally charged moments.
'The submission to the truth and reconciliation commission is a statement of regret. We kept quiet when we should have spoken out to condemn apartheid and racism in our country.'
'We make a statement recognising our past, but with great respect for all our predecessors. It is a submission on behalf of The Salvation Army, but the first signature is my own!'
A leader has to decide; but a leader also has to lead! He leads by example.
Although the international leadership of The Salvation Army warmly welcomed the initiative, leaders in some other countries did not.
If I am accused of getting involved in politics let it be so. There comes a time when we have to take a stand and that I will do.
Taking a stand seldom leads to an increased popularity. It often leads to a feeling of loneliness. But these outcomes are prices worth paying for doing what is right.
Reparation and restitution are more difficult matters to deal with. The finance council also recognised the implication of getting involved in the wider call to the national issues - better to concentrate on what we have inherited, was their thinking.
Zulu monarch, King Zwelitini had asked for some of the Mountain View property - a large farm purchased by the Army well before the cut-off date after which land was regarded as illegally acquired. The farm had been occupied by small-scale farmers; there was a school, the hospital and a church building. Attempts had been made in earlier years to farm cattle and to cultivate wattle. Fencing the property, maintaining the road and providing essential services, including water and electricity were expensive.
'We have no legal obligation to return land which was bought and is legally ours, but we will allow permanent tenure to the present occupants of Mountain View.'
I made this statement at the opening of an extension to the hospital. Subsequent negotiations with the resident farmers and others staking a claim proved difficult. One of these difficulties was the perception of the farmers of being overpowered. It required a blend of patience, humility and gentleness to sustain the momentum of negotiations.
The task is never done. We must carry on.
I believe it is our calling to be involved with active neutrality, engaging with both sides in a conflict. The process of negotiation is a vital part of our role.
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