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The articles in the December 1997 issue of Track Two came like a breath of fresh air, dealing as they did with the concepts of truth, reconciliation and justice. In the final analysis, a commission has a short life. It is people like your contributors, and other ordinary people, who have to act and reflect as they attempt to reconcile the noble goals and objectives of our transition phase with "the people's perceptions and actions". This in no way detracts from the hard work and commitment of the TRC staff and others engaged in post-apartheid reconstruction.
The question mark behind "justice" (on the cover) is precisely the issue that confounds and challenges those who engage with concepts of truth, reconciliation and justice. Would there perhaps be an opportunity, in future publications, to see a deconstruction of our familiar buzzwords?
Thank you for a wonderful publication. It never fails to give me the perspective I find lacking in academic discourse - maybe because I'm so wedded to action/reflection.
Sarah Henkeman, Pinelands
I read the December issue from cover to cover - what an excellent issue, and what an excellent contribution to "coming to terms" with the outcome of the TRC. I understand the questions you raise and the feelings and hopes you express. In particular, I understand that - seen through South African eyes - the bottle of reconciliation is half empty. On the other hand, for us overseas outsiders, the bottle is more than half full.
Compared with what other countries in similar situations have done (or have not done), the process in South Africa deserves very high marks, even if the process will by definition be an unfinished symphony. No one can "manage" reconciliation. But a government - in conjunction with other parties - can set a climate in which efforts of reconciliation can be promoted and nurtured, where examples can be set which will help others come to terms with the past. I had the privilege to discuss the dilemmas last September with Archbishop Tutu, and realised afterwards even more that a process should not be judged by its results, but by its contributions.
Gert van Maanen, Ecumenical Development Cooperative Society, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
I was very pleased to come across a copy of Track Two at the ACCE School of Journalism at the University of Nairobi. The focus of the issue was "States and Conflict" (June 1997), and I found the articles very well researched, analytical, informative and educational to a level that makes the journal compare well with other international publications.
I was particularly impressed by the analytical work contained in the opinion on the Burundi crisis and the article on strengthening the OAU's conflict resolution mechanism. The article on modalities of sale and use of arms, with South Africa used as an example, left me a lot wiser on a subject not very well understood by many policy makers and scholars, particularly in developing countries. Handling of arms by the current South African regime under Mandela is therefore an issue of global importance.
Conflicts in Africa are so common - your journal could not come at a more appropriate time than now. Civil society must remain empowered on looming conflict issues and hence improve the state of preparedness. Please circulate your journal as widely as possible.
E N Barua, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
Your magazine is precise, lucid and appropriate for my work as a peace activist. I am presently living in the Gambia because of the conflict in my home country, Sierra Leone. I am currently writing on conflict and violence there. I came across your publication at the African Centre of Human Rights and the Study of Democracy here in Banjul. Because of its relevant contents, I will always endeavour to read Track Two.
Theophilus F Parker, Banjul, The Gambia
Laurie, your Editorial in the April 1997 issue of Track Two, "Strategic Interventions" is a wonderful summary of conflict resolution. It is not easy to offer a summary in a language people generally understand. You have in my view achieved something not achieved before. I hope it gets used widely.
John Burton, Bruce, Australia
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