Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 10:18:09
We come from a generation of white South Africans who benefitted from apartheid's maintenance of white privilege. During the eighties, we received good educations and presently are employed in well -paid, stable jobs. However, during our student years, we both became aware of the injustice of apartheid, and actively participated in organisations which opposed apartheid policies and conscientised young white people regarding the need for a new, democratic order in South Africa.
Today we want to contribute towards the reconstruction of a democratic new South African society by applying our skills and knowledge for the benefit of this society. In this way we feel we can make a positive contribution towards reconciliation.
Annalet van Schalkwyk and Henk Coetzee, Pretoria, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 11:16:46
I wish to express solidarity and identification with the whole proocess.
Patricia May Hebbard, Florida Park, Gauteng, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 13:28:31
When I, as a Christian, reflect on my past, I have to confess to my fellow human beings and especially to my fellow black brothers and sisters, that there was a time in my life filled with hypocrisy -- instead of serving, I expected to be served; instead of sharing, I wanted more; instead of reconciling, I judged and condemned.
Through the reconciliating love of Christ and through the power of the Holy Ghost and through the mercy of God my eyes were opened -- I confess my unkindness and my hypocrisy as a Christian
Let us all pray that God be merciful unto us all and may he give all reconciled Christians the courage to go into the darkness so that all those still covered in darkness may find the way to the Light.
Rolf Behrens, Kempton Park, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 14:25:01
I would like to express my commitment to the reconciliation of all our people. I often regret that I did not have the courage to do more in the past.
A. Trossbach, Johannesburg, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 15:04:48
To all South Africans of colour and other people who suffered under the injustices of the apartheid system, I say I am truly sorry. The lifestyle I now live has been made possible because others were disadvantaged.
I pledge to be positive and support the New South Africa not only to make up for past inaction but also in gratitude for having been fortunate enough to have experienced the birth of this wonderful new society.
Don Lindsay, Henley on Klip, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 20:53:59
I feel ashamed for the past of my country, but still I am proud to be a South African. I am filled with hope, optimisn and excitement for the future of the "Rainbow Nation". I hope and pray that we can all strive together towards a society where discrimination does not exist. All people are equal in the eyes of Him who has made them. May these words of one of the greatest men be true for ever: "Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another..."
Liesl Kruger, Cape Town, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 21:41:52
Ek is 'n afrikaanse sprekende man wat graag ander afrikane om verskoning wil vra dat ek my oe gesluit het vir wat so duidelik verkeerd was, maar tog so gerieflik. Mens was geindoktrineer sonder die moed om te bevraagteken.Ek voel veral skuldig omdat ek vir 'n onwikkelingsinstansie gewerk het en dus meer as ander geweet het van die onregverdighede en die pyn. My verskoning dat die sterkte nie in my was om sterker beswaar te maak nie
Johan Kruger, Johannesburg, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 21:57:52
'n Fout is 'n fout is 'n fout. Apartheid is verkeerd. PUNT.
Waar begin mens regmaak?
Dr Zac de Beer het 'n paar jaar gelede min of meer die volgende wysheid voorgehou: Die sukses van onderhandelings sal bepaal word deur hoeveel die witmense bereid is om toe te gee, en hoeveel die swartmense bereid is om te vergewe.
Dit geld veral vir ons toekoms.
WAT KAN EK DOEN MET MY TYD EN AANLEG OM TE HELP?
Christo Potgieter, Kempton Park, SA
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Tuesday, December 23, 1997 at 22:41:19
As a non-white being hurt by the injustices of the past I wish to apologise to my fellow white South-African for hating them for what they have done during the time of apartheid. As many whites were brainwashed about the evils associated with blacks I was brainwashed to hate whites. Until about 5 moths ago I found it quite difficult to forgive whites for the hurt they caused our people. But in the spirit of reconciliation and as a result of the work done by the TRC I believe I have made the paradigm shift. I do forgive you. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
God bless Africa!
Andre Damon, Elsies River, SA
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Wednesday, December 24, 1997 at 01:24:55
As a "white" South African who grew up in the eighties, with the spectre of a future filled with violence, conscription, censorship and a nation full of conflict, I think we are all incredibly lucky to be living in the situation we are now.
I was unable to even vote before 1994, being too young. But I I still wonder about guilt, should I feel guilty, should I fell guilt for what my forefathers did? Or can I claim that I was unable to do anything anyway?
Either way, the fact is I am so incredibly happy that as a South African, I am now able to meet with all my countrymen. I can read what I like, and generally participate as a free South African.
Thank goodness that we all had such a peaceful transition.
Thank you all for being so understanding of each other.
Stephen Meiert Grootes, Johannesburg, SA
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