The Truth and Reconciliation Commission said the R270-million set aside by government for interim reparation of victims of human rights abuses is not enough. This is the reason a trust fund to which the business sector would be urged to contribute had been set up.
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The government had come under fire from bodies representing victims for its apparent slow pace in compensating victims. Two bodies representing victims – Khulumani, and Representatives of the Former Political Prisoners and Torture Survivors Association – had further criticised the government for having a “poor” attitude towards the matter and held several protest marches demanding speedy action.
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A Justice Ministry spokesperson said a team of directors-general set up by the cabinet to develop a policy for final reparations was “attending to the issue”. Once the policy had been developed, it would have to be approved by the cabinet, role-players would have to be consulted, and it would eventually go before parliament for deliberations and approval.
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The TRC believed the money set aside by the government for urgent interim reparations was not enough, and talks were under way with businesses to offer financial commitment. Their contribution would, among other things, assist the commission to set up reparation offices to identify “victim clusters” and their different needs.
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The spokesperson accused bodies representing the victims of being interested only in money.
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Source: Full article “TRC wants business to boost its coffers” appeared on the Independant Online iol.co.za website
