The memory of the past and the struggle with the present : an investigation into the restorative possibilities of providing public testimony at South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Master Thesis
2007
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to examine the complex issue of healing in relation to the TRC. More specifically, it addressed questions regarding retraumatisation through testimony as well as the immediate and also longer-term effects of providing public testimony by accessing the lived experiences of victims in their post-testimony lives. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 individuals who had experienced a gross violation of human rights and who had provided public testimony to the TRC. Thematic analysis of the interview data reveal themes of traumatisation by human rights violations, presence of social support, testimonial significance and the influence of the post-traumalpost-TRC context.
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Includes bibliographical references (leaves 146-170).
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Mohamed, A. 2007. The memory of the past and the struggle with the present : an investigation into the restorative possibilities of providing public testimony at South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. University of Cape Town.