JUSTICE FOR AN ANTI-APARTHEID ACTIVIST
Aug 30th, 2007 by kendi
South Africa’s former Police Minister Adrian Vlok and his then Police Chief Johan van der Merwe got suspended 10 year sentences. Under a plea bargain they both admitted to trying to kill prominent black activist Frank Chikane in 1989 by lacing his underwear with a nerve toxin.
Rev. Chikane, who is now a director in the president’s office, has said he did not want to see the men go to prison.
South Africa’s Ambassador to Greece Ms. Mandisa Dona Marasha emphasized the importance of the truth and reconciliatory commission which gave victims of violence and the perpetrators an opportunity of presenting a clear picture of the events of the apartheid regime. Adrianne Vlok admitted in part to his crimes during the apartheid era and should have spoken the truth when he was initially questioned.
HE WASHED FRANK CHIKANE’S FEET TWO YEARS AGO, WASN’T THAT ENOUGH?
I think this was creativity on his part because he chose not to follow the laid down procedure during the truth and reconciliatory process. As people have observed it’s not just for Mr. Chikane but for the whole country to understand what actually happened
MR. VLOK CLAIMS HE IS NOW BORN AGAIN?
I wouldn’t know but I will appreciate the change of heart. When we were dealing with the development and reconstruction of South Africa, Mr. Nelson Mandela our former president said it was most important to look at the reconstruction and development of our souls. The need for soul searching is important, I guess this is what Mr. Vlok is doing now but again this is between him and his God. If he is truly born again then he must take the mantle and preach the gospel.
WHY DID HIS SYMBOLIC APOLOGY DRAW SO MUCH CRITICISM?
We need to appreciate the dynamism of human nature because people are afraid to raise their concerns and voice their opinions but as part of the general public why did Mr. Vlok not admit openly during the truth and reconciliatory committee. This is what the general public does not accept. Why did he hide the whole information?
HAS SOUTH AFRICA FULLY RECOVERED FROM THE EVILS OF THE APARTHEID REGIME?
We are talking about decades and centuries of human rights violation, of atrocities and violence that was perpetuated, oppression and discrimination and other horrible things done to the people of South Africa. The issue now is redressing all the imbalances. It will be a continuous process but a process that began with the amendment of the laws of the apartheid era. Changing policies that were discriminatory and oppressive. Positively, looking at our traditions and cultures for value and dignity.
Finally, allowing the people of South Africa to live peacefully and freely without forgetting what happened. We can never forget its part of our history. All we can do is to forgive.