National Narrative Versus Local Truths: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Engagement with Duduza

Posted on January 16, 2002
In Publications, Research
by Hugo van der Merwe

One of the central goals of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was to 'uncover the truth' about South Africa's human rights abuses. This paper explores different understandings of the nature of this truth, by examining the tensions between the views of the TRC and those of a range of community stakeholders in Duduza, a township near Johannesburg.

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Hugo van der Merwe

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Dr. Hugo van der Merwe is the Director of Research, Knowledge and Learning at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation. Since joining CSVR in 1997, he has developed and managed numerous research projects evaluating the work and impact of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and managed various research, advocacy and intervention projects relating to transitional justice in South Africa and on the African continent.

Tags: Transitional Justice, Truth Commissions

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