South Africa to hold inquiry on alleged hampering of apartheid prosecutions
Al JazeeraMAY 1
Ramaphosa Orders Inquiry Into Apartheid-Era Prosecutions
Above: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the State of the Nation Address at Cape Town City Hall on Feb. 6, 2025. Image copyright: RODGER BOSCH/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
President Cyril Ramaphosa's inquiry into allegations that past ANC governments failed to investigate apartheid-era political crimes is a step in the right direction. This judicial commission will establish the truth and provide guidance on how best to right past wrongs. In the process, this will help heal old wounds and achieve justice for the victims and their families.
Narrative B
While the inquiry is welcome, the government's plan to let the commission decide whether the rights of victims and their families were violated and if they are liable for compensation is completely wrong. As an inquiry, the commission will have no power to act on these, only provide advice, which will leave these important issues unresolved. This will prolong the pain and trauma families and survivors have had to endure.