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 219
... police , the farmer , his children . Without his self - respect , he cannot live , and he cannot make life grow . ' Since that day / that the jackals came into my house to bite us , / I cannot even carry a spade to do gardening . ' The ...
... police , the farmer , his children . Without his self - respect , he cannot live , and he cannot make life grow . ' Since that day / that the jackals came into my house to bite us , / I cannot even carry a spade to do gardening . ' The ...
Page 228
... police system usually dis- rupt the rituals of grieving . The violent death of a child usually lacks a sense of closure . CARUTH ROLAND PALM : I immediately made my way home to tell my wife . I was blinded by the shock and tears . I ...
... police system usually dis- rupt the rituals of grieving . The violent death of a child usually lacks a sense of closure . CARUTH ROLAND PALM : I immediately made my way home to tell my wife . I was blinded by the shock and tears . I ...
Page 257
... police informer makes a statement that Winnie was involved in the assault on Stompie . His statement is removed by the security police , who say they are also investigating the matter . The informer is later blown to pieces by Vlakplaas ...
... police informer makes a statement that Winnie was involved in the assault on Stompie . His statement is removed by the security police , who say they are also investigating the matter . The informer is later blown to pieces by Vlakplaas ...
Contents
They Never Wept the Men of My Race | 1 |
None More Parted than Us | 14 |
First Hearings | 22 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
Afrikaner already amnesty answer Apartheid asked become blood body 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 honour human it's journalists keep kill kind later leader leave listen 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