Photo AI
QUESTION 2: WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE TRC? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Question 2
QUESTION 2: WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE TRC? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D to answer the following questions. 2.1 Study Source 2A. 2.1.1 Explain the fol... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:QUESTION 2: WHAT WERE THE CHALLENGES FACING THE TRC? Study Sources 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D to answer the following questions - NSC History - Question 2 - 2016 - Paper 2
Step 1
Explain the following concepts: (a) Human Rights violations (give examples)
Answer
Human Rights violations refer to acts that infringe upon the fundamental rights and freedoms to which every individual is entitled. Examples include:
- Killings: Targeted assassinations of activists.
- Kidnappings: Forced disappearances of political opponents.
- Torture: Inflicting pain or suffering to extract information, such as unlawful imprisonment of dissenters during apartheid.
Step 2
Explain the following concepts: (b) Amnesty
Answer
Amnesty is a legal provision that allows individuals who have committed crimes to be forgiven or pardoned, often in exchange for truth-telling about their actions. In the context of the TRC, it was aimed at promoting reconciliation by encouraging perpetrators to disclose their crimes and contribute to healing.
Step 3
List the aims of the TRC as contained in the source.
Answer
The aims of the TRC included:
- To investigate human rights violations that occurred during the apartheid era.
- To promote national reconciliation among divided sectors of society.
- To provide a forum for victims and perpetrators to share their stories and experiences.
Step 4
Why were the public hearings important for the reconciliation process?
Answer
Public hearings were vital as they provided a platform for victims to voice their experiences and for perpetrators to confess their actions. This transparency helped to acknowledge the past atrocities, fostering a collective understanding and acceptance, which are essential for reconciliation.
Step 5
With relevance to the statement: 'The TRC's objective was not to prosecute people', what kind of justice was the TRC advocating in favour of?
Answer
The TRC advocated for restorative justice, which focuses on repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior through reconciliation and understanding rather than punishment. This approach sought to heal the victims and the broader society affected by apartheid.
Step 6
Use the source and your own knowledge to explain the pre-conditions for the granting of amnesty.
Answer
The TRC stipulated several pre-conditions for amnesty, including:
- Full disclosure of all relevant facts about the crimes committed.
- Involvement in gross human rights violations, ensuring that only those who had committed serious offenses were considered.
- Disclosure should be made in a timely manner, facilitating the reconciliation process.
Step 7
Explain what Krog, regarded as significant about the process of the TRC. (Perspective 1)
Answer
Krog noted that the TRC provided opportunities for South Africans to share their stories and confront their past, revealing the silenced voices of many. The process was significant in exposing the injustices of apartheid and facilitating dialogue among communities.
Step 8
Step 9
What message is the cartoonist trying to convey with regards to the NP submission before the TRC?
Answer
The cartoonist likely suggests that the NP was attempting to manipulate the narrative by trying to present itself in a favorable light while downplaying its past wrongdoings, highlighting the ongoing denial and lack of accountability.
Step 10
Use the source and your own knowledge to explain how De Klerk viewed the work of the TRC.
Answer
De Klerk viewed the TRC as a necessary mechanism for national healing but expressed reservations, feeling it sometimes portrayed the NP negatively. His perspective suggested a recognition of the need for accountability but also a concern for the political implications of the TRC's findings.
Step 11
Step 12
Why is this source not reliable for historians researching the attitude of the NP towards the work of the TRC?
Answer
The source may not be reliable as it reflects the opinion of a single cartoonist, which can be biased or oversimplified. It may not provide the comprehensive, objective analysis required for accurate historical interpretation.
Step 13
With reference to opinion 1, explain whether or not you believe that the objective of reconciliation was achieved by the TRC.
Answer
Opinion 1 suggests that reconciliation was not fully achieved, as many in South Africa continued to struggle with accepting the past and addressing socio-economic inequalities. The TRC laid the groundwork but did not provide the complete healing needed.
Step 14
How does opinion 2 differ from opinion 1 with regards to the reconciliation?
Answer
Opinion 2 emphasizes a more optimistic view, suggesting that the TRC did effectively promote dialogue and understanding, paving the way for greater social cohesion, contrasting the more critical view presented in Opinion 1.
Step 15
According to opinion 3, what was revealed during the TRC process?
Answer
Opinion 3 reveals that the TRC process highlighted the extent of atrocities committed, allowing victims’ voices to be heard and acknowledging the deep wounds of apartheid, thus bringing attention to the need for ongoing work in healing.
Step 16
Using the information in the relevant sources and your own knowledge, write a paragraph of about EIGHT lines (80 words) in which you assess the successes and the failures of the TRC.
Answer
The TRC successfully facilitated a national dialogue about apartheid, enabling many victims to share their stories and securing some level of truth regarding human rights violations. However, it fell short in fostering complete reconciliation, as many South Africans still grappled with economic inequalities and social divides. Additionally, the TRC's reliance on voluntary disclosures meant some perpetrators never faced consequences, which left lingering frustrations regarding justice and accountability.