The South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission: an experience in the research department

Abstract

This paper identifies some of the key functions performed in the research department of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) of South Africa. It elaborates on the kind of research that researchers undertook. The paper pays special attention to individual experience of a researcher in conducting such research. It also offers possible lesions that an international audience could learn from such an experience. The paper begins by providing a brief background on the structure of the research department of the TRC. It looks at the research team, how it was composed and how it was distributed within the various regional offices.