Part 3: Wrestling with the Truth
Episode notes
Wilmot James shares behind-the-scenes accounts of launching the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which confronted the heartbreaking and brutal stories of apartheid and sought to restore justice and promote healing for a new democratic nation.
To move forward as a new democracy, South Africa must face horrific truths. Wilmot James, while director of the Institute for Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), supports a brave initiative called The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). Led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the TRC confronted decades of human rights violations from 1960 to 1990. Assassins and hit squads seek amnesty and witness protection. Mothers relive brutal stories. Grieving families demand answers. Questions loom about Wouter Basson (aka Dr. Death) and the fate of South Africa’s secret chemical and biological weapons program. Did the TRC smooth the transition from apartheid to democracy, or did powerful leaders escape accountability and punishment? Wilmot James exposes the successes and failures of the TRC as it redefines a model for restorative justice and gives the world a new way to reckon with the past.
REELBLUE AND COCOON AUDIO
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PANDEMIC CENTER AND THE BROWN POLITICAL REVIEW
PRESENT LISTENING TO SHADOWS
PRODUCTION ASSISTANCE BENTLEY HOLT, ALICE IM AND CLARA BAISINGER-ROSEN
PRODUCTION SUPPORT JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER JR. LIBRARY
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS JENNIFER GALVIN AND BART WARSHAW
ILLUSTRATION BY ROKIA WHITEHOUSE, LYDIA SMITHEY AND ORLA MAXWELL
SOUND DESIGN AND AUDIO MIXING BY BART WARSHAW
EDITED BY JENNIFER GALVIN AND BART WARSHAW
WRITTEN BY WILMOT JAMES AND JENNIFER GALVIN
NARRATED BY WILMOT JAMES
DIRECTED AND PRODUCED BY JENNIFER GALVIN
SPECIAL THANKS TO JENNIFER NUZZO AND JESSIE GRAHAM
MUSIC BY BLUEDOT AUDIO