The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in South Africa after Nelson Mandela became President in 1994. Its mandate was to record and, in some cases, grant amnesty to perpetrators

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was established in South Africa after Nelson Mandela became President in 1994. Its mandate was to record and, in some cases, grant amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations, while also providing reparations and rehabilitation for victims.

The TRC was necessary for the South African government to heal the wounds of the past political experience because it aimed to promote psychological healing and reconciliation among individuals, groups, victims, and offenders. This process was considered essential for the survival of a new democracy by addressing the injustices of apartheid and fostering a path towards national unity and healing.