Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South AfricaEver 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. Repressive laws mandating separation of the races were thrown out. The country, which had been carved into a crazy quilt that reserved the most prosperous areas for whites and the most desolate and backward for blacks, was reunited. The dreaded and dangerous security force, which for years had systematically tortured, spied upon, and harassed people of color and their white supporters, 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. Amnesty was granted to those who offered a full confession of any crimes associated with apartheid. Since the commission began its work, it has been the central player in a drama that has riveted the country. 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 toformer South African president P. W. Botha's extraordinary courthouse press conference, this award-winning poet leads us on an amazing journey. Country of My Skull captures the complexity of the Truth Commission's work. The narrative is often traumatic, vivid, and provocative. Krog's powerful prose lures the reader actively and inventively through a mosaic of insights, impressions, and secret themes. This compelling tale is Antjie Krog's profound literary account of the mending of a country that was in colossal need of change. |
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Page 48
... started igniting her feet . They were beating her up . There was nobody who could stop this , the po- lice were looking for her , but they were lost and they couldn't find her . She tried to [ take the police ] to them ... to the people ...
... started igniting her feet . They were beating her up . There was nobody who could stop this , the po- lice were looking for her , but they were lost and they couldn't find her . She tried to [ take the police ] to them ... to the people ...
Page 218
... started crying when they realized the per- petrators did not have to show remorse for their deeds . One may well ask why no one objected to the fact that the person who gets amnesty is freed immediately , whereas the victim has to wait ...
... started crying when they realized the per- petrators did not have to show remorse for their deeds . One may well ask why no one objected to the fact that the person who gets amnesty is freed immediately , whereas the victim has to wait ...
Page 367
... started when Professor André du Toit discussed overseas Truth Commissions with me in the offices of Die Suid - Afrikaan way back in 1993. And it started when Pippa Green asked me to become part of her political reporting team and later ...
... started when Professor André du Toit discussed overseas Truth Commissions with me in the offices of Die Suid - Afrikaan way back in 1993. And it started when Pippa Green asked me to become part of her political reporting team and later ...
Contents
ONE They Never Wept the Men of My Race | 3 |
TWO None More Parted Than Us | 19 |
THREE Stretched Thinner and Thinner over Pitches of Grief | 37 |
Copyright | |
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