ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 22, 1996 TAG: 9608220030
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-7 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
SOURCE: Associated Press
When pressed, former President F.W. de Klerk had to admit Wednesday that the white minority's refusal to yield power forced apartheid's opponents to desperate action.
The truth commission official who questioned de Klerk prodded gently - even apologizing for asking ``such a difficult question.'' But deputy chairman Alex Boraine insisted on knowing whether the former leader of apartheid South Africa understood why the African National Congress and others resorted to guerrilla attacks.
``With hindsight, yes. Doors should have been opened which were closed,'' de Klerk answered.
About 400 people filled the auditorium to hear the National Party leader present a 30-page report to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The commission is working to help South Africans understand their past, compensate victims of political crimes and recommend amnesty for some who confess to apartheid-era atrocities.
The National Party, which oversaw apartheid from 1948 until reforms began in 1990, was one of a number of political parties appearing before the commission this week to give their versions of history. Deputy President Thabo Mbeki of the governing ANC was to appear today.
A few protesters with signs reading, ``Apartheid. Never Again,'' stood outside the auditorium. In nearby St. George's Cathedral, members of the ANC Women's League held a daylong prayer and fasting vigil.
``We will not forget, but forgive if De Klerk tells the truth,'' said Thandi Ngamlana, a Women's League leader.
The commission has struggled to balance its responsibilities. Some critics say it has put too much weight on reconciliation, and complain that perpetrators of human rights abuses should be tried and punished, not offered a chance at amnesty. Others fear the commission will only fan racial hatred by publicizing horrors from the past.
The careful questioning of de Klerk seemed designed to reassure South Africans and encourage more people to speak out.
Last week, the Center for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation and several other prominent South African human rights groups released an open letter asking the commission to ensure that this week's hearings opened a serious debate on apartheid.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) de Klerkby CNB