Abstract

Using the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC) and the concept of reconciliation as a case study, the article attempts to assess the knowledge and understanding of the registered undergraduate history students at the University of the Free State’s main campus about the TRC and the concept and process of reconciliation in the country at large. The research will firstly assess whether the younger generation of students, specifically students taking history as a subject, have any knowledge of such a significant and contemporary event in South African historiography as the TRC process. Secondly, in relation to the aims and recommendations of the TRC and against the background of reconciliation efforts in the country, to perceive the views and thoughts of undergraduate history students on the progress in reconciliation endeavours in South Africa. As a result, a sample of 128 undergraduate history students was randomly selected to complete a quantitative questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of both closed and open-ended questions. Group interviews, as a qualitative research method, were added and used to conduct interviews with 16 undergraduate history students selected randomly and answers were recorded. Accordingly, an explanatory mixed- method research method approach was employed by implementing both the qualitative and quantitative method.

Highlights

  • Nineteen years have passed since the “Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act” (Act no. 34 of 1995) mandated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC)

  • Emphasis has been placed on reconciliation in South Africa; taking into account the efforts and University of the Free State, Department of History, PO Box 339, Bloemfontein 9300

  • The problem statement was an empirical question: What is the knowledge and perceptions of registered undergraduate history students at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) main campus regarding South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and the concept and process of reconciliation in the country?. Answering this question is of importance to firstly assess if the younger generation of students, students taking history as a subject, have any knowledge of such a significant and contemporary event in South African historiography as the TRC process

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Summary

Introduction

Nineteen years have passed since the “Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act” (Act no. 34 of 1995) mandated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC). Nineteen years have passed since the “Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act” 34 of 1995) mandated the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa (TRC). The main goal of the TRC was to uncover the origins, nature and level of the gross human rights violations that took place in South Africa from 1 March 1960 to 10 May 1994, with the additional aim of fostering individual and national reconciliation.. Emphasis has been placed on reconciliation in South Africa; taking into account the efforts and *. Republic of South Africa, “Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act no. TD The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa, 10(1) July 2014, pp. Oelofse & Oosthuyzen recommendations of the TRC there is intense debate whether South Africa has, in actual fact, made any progress in terms of reconciliation. The main goal of the TRC was to uncover the origins, nature and level of the gross human rights violations that took place in South Africa from 1 March 1960 to 10 May 1994, with the additional aim of fostering individual and national reconciliation. Emphasis has been placed on reconciliation in South Africa; taking into account the efforts and *

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