Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) supports the proclamation by President Cyril Ramaphosa, establishing a commission of inquiry into alleged attempts to prevent the investigation and prosecution of apartheid-era crimes exposed by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). This follows sustained pressure from the DA and civil society for these investigations and prosecutions to be concluded without any further delays.
The preamble to our Constitution states explicitly that the Constitution was adopted to “heal the divisions of the past and establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights”. These words send a clear message that without dealing with past injustices, we will never be able to realise the shared dream of truly free South Africa.
The delay of investigations and prosecutions of these cases flies in the face of the ideals upon which the TRC was established. As a country, we need to heal from the atrocities committed during the previous dispensation, so that we can move forward together. It is unacceptable that decades later, the families of many of the victims have received neither closure nor justice.
The DA has always been the strongest supporter of the rule of law, and we find the allegations of interference into the work of the South African Police Service and National Prosecuting Authority deeply concerning. It is for this reason that we express our support and eagerly anticipate the commission’s findings.
While the mandate of the commission is somewhat limited, we support any move in providing answers to families of victims as a step in the right direction. It must, however, be noted that such a commission of inquiry will take a long time to finalise its findings, and even longer for its findings to be implemented. This is not ideal, but is perhaps the only route to an answer.
We reiterate our unwavering support for the families of these victims, and we place our full trust in the commission to provide them with closure. The families of victims have waited far too long.
Regards
Adv. Glynnis Breytenbach MP
DA Spokesperson on Justice and Constitutional Development