Country of My SkullEver since Nelson Mandela dramatically walked out of prison in 1990 after twenty-seven years behind bars, South Africa has been undergoing a radical transformation. In one of the most miraculous events of the century, the oppressive system of apartheid was dismantled. But how could this country - one of spectacular beauty and promise - come to terms with its ugly past? How could its people, whom the oppressive white government had pitted against one another, live side by side as friends and neighbors? To begin the healing process, Nelson Mandela created the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, headed by the renowned cleric Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Established in 1995, the commission faced the awesome task of hearing the testimony of the victims of apartheid as well as the oppressors. In this book, Antjie Krog, a South African journalist and poet who has covered the work of the commission, recounts the drama, the horrors, the wrenching personal stories of the victims and their families. Through the testimonies of victims of abuse and violence, from the appearance of Winnie Mandela to former South African president P.W. Botha's extraordinary courthouse press conference, this award-winning poet leads us on an amazing journey. |
From inside the book
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Page 50
... heard shots being fired - approximately what time was it when you first heard that ? MR SNAYER : It must have been between about 12:30 and 12:45 in the morning . I remember that because I had been out rehearsing with the band I play for ...
... heard shots being fired - approximately what time was it when you first heard that ? MR SNAYER : It must have been between about 12:30 and 12:45 in the morning . I remember that because I had been out rehearsing with the band I play for ...
Page 51
... heard it revving up . It speeded up and rammed the wall of Mr Noordien , my neigh- bour next door , rammed the wall . About three attempts were made before the wall gave and the Casspir then parked right opposite , in very - very close ...
... heard it revving up . It speeded up and rammed the wall of Mr Noordien , my neigh- bour next door , rammed the wall . About three attempts were made before the wall gave and the Casspir then parked right opposite , in very - very close ...
Page 54
... heard a grenade ... I think it was then that I knew it was not about arresting him ... somebody shouted that they could- n't get in and that he had grenades ... I heard a very big explosion , it sounded like a rocket had been launched ...
... heard a grenade ... I think it was then that I knew it was not about arresting him ... somebody shouted that they could- n't get in and that he had grenades ... I heard a very big explosion , it sounded like a rocket had been launched ...
Contents
They Never Wept the Men of My Race | 1 |
None More Parted than Us | 14 |
First Hearings | 22 |
Copyright | |
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Afrikaner already amnesty answer Apartheid asked become blood body Botha bring busy called changed child coming Commissioners Committee crying death don't door eyes face fact father feel fire force four front give Government hall hand happened head heard hearing heart honour human it's journalists keep kill kind later leader leave live look Mamasela Mandela means months morning mother murder never night offices Party past person police political questions reconciliation remember responsibility says shot someone sound South African speak stand started Stompie stop story taken talk tell things thought told took town Truth Commission turned Tutu victims voice waiting walk week whole wife woman wrong