A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF REPORTING ON THE TRC DISCOURSES IN DIE KERKBODE

• Christine Anthonissen Department of Linguistics Stellenbosch University

DOI : https://doi.org/10.7833/83-0-883

Résumé

This article uses Critical Discourse Analysis as a methodological framework for considering the ways in which Die Kerkbode mediated the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) from 1995 to 2001. It reflects on the reasonable expectations one could have of a publication of the nature of Die Kerkbode, the official publication of the Dutch Reformed Church, with its very specific readership. It also reflects on how such expectations were met. The analysis indicates how an early position of doubt in the integrity of the TRC process gradually developed into one that responded sensitively to the volume of testimonies to human rights abuses of the years of struggle. However, it also indicates a primary interest in the image of the DRC and its own participation (or not) in the TRC processes. There is no coverage of particular narratives of the special event hearings, the Human Righrts Violations hearings or the Amnesty hearings. No reference is made to real events which were topicalised during the TRC hearings themselves. Eventually, in 2001 there appears to be a return to a position that questions the value of the TRC and is concerned more with amnesty for all than with restitution for those who suffered. This calls for further reflection on why the DRC could at the time not respond with more empathy and a more considered notion of reconciliation.