On 13 February 1996, an inter-faith service was held for the blessing and dedication of members of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, at St George’s Cathedral in Cape Town. In his address, President Mandela wrote:

"Yours is a task of extreme difficulty and of great consequence to the future of our nation.

All South Africans face the challenge of coming to terms with the past in ways which will enable us to face the future as a united nation at peace with itself. To you has been entrusted the particular task of dealing with gross violations of human rights in a manner that ensures that the painful truth is laid bare and that justice is done to the victims within the capacity of our society and within the framework of the constitution and the law. By doing so, and by means of amnesty, your goal is to ensure lasting reconciliation.

The choice of our nation is not whether the past should be revealed, but rather to ensure that it comes to be known in a way which promotes reconciliation and peace. This will also impact on our ability to end violent crime and establish the rule of law, today. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission affords all South Africans an opportunity to participate in reconciliation and nation building. There is a role for community- based organisation and non-governmental organisations to play their part. There is a role, too, for individuals to make a contribution." (The full address can be read http://www.mandela.gov.za/mand...)

Mandela’s words are as applicable to us in 2023 as they were in 1996. The 67 minutes for Mandela Day are about service. Our school values of love, community and integrity, echo Mandela’s charge, that we are to strive for lasting reonciliation and in service of others.

REVD RAKGADI KHOBO
CHAPLAIN