Having affirmed the process of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the South African Council of Churches is now calling on the government to implement the TRC recommendations without further delay.

The SACC, with others, have been mindful of some of the glaring imperfections in the process. But despite these imperfections, we are of the view that the TRC is an invaluable tool in placing our nation on a solid path to unity and reconciliation.

Our view is that while we express our gratitude to government for being courageous in engaging with the legal and political mechanism of promoting reconciliation through this process, we are concerned about the sluggish manner in which this process is moving. Our view is that priority to matters of reparations can no longer be delayed. We are aware of the legal stumbling blocks that you are faced with, including a challenge to the release of the final TRC report by a certain political party. Even this challenge, it is our view, should not serve as an excuse to delay the process of reparations.

The SACC acknowledges the need for ongoing healing of all the people in our country, and for millions of victims of the apartheid regime and its excesses. The Council recognises that there were areas in common life that hindered the process of reconciliation, including disrespect of life, social and economic inequalities, the culture of entitlement, consumerism, and the demon of racism.

In the light of the above, the SACC has resolved that there is a need to establish the TRC Information Desk at all its provincial units in order to resource local congregations with necessary material to embark upon the process of reconciliation and healing.

The SACC National Executive has been given a task to approach the President's Fund Committee regarding the list of victims so that a copy of this list could be sent to the Provincial Councils to assist them in locating victims and monitoring the process of reparations.

For further information, contact Fr. Joe Mdhlela at (011) 241 7800/4 or 084 580 5793.