This Day in Black History: April 15, 1996

South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission launches hearings into apartheid-era crimes.
By Britt Middleton
Posted: 04/15/2012 07:00 AM EDT
Filed Under South Africa, Global News, apartheid, This Day in Black History, Nelson Mandela

South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu (C) with fellow commissioners listen to testamony from witnesses during the start of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission which opened in East London, 15 April. (Photo: PHILIP LITTLETON/AFP/Getty Images)       

On this day in 1996, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission began hearings into crimes committed in South Africa by government forces and Black guerilla movements while the country was governed under apartheid rule, a system of racially oppressive laws enforced by the white-majority government. The commission, set up by President Nelson Mandela in 1995, heard testimony from individuals seeking amnesty for their actions. It also fielded about 20,000 claims for reparations from victims. The hearing concluded on July 31, 1998.

BET Global News - Your source for Black news from around the world, including international politics, health and human rights, the latest celebrity news and more. Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.  

Videos You May Like

Comments

Trends
Black Music Month •Evelyn Lozada •Chad Johnson •Sports News •domestic violence •Chad Ochocinco •Celebrity Videos •Movie Trailer •Movies •Chris Rock •Vado •DJ Khaled •Music News •Raekwon •Jadakiss •Snoop Dogg •Raheem DeVaughn •R&B •Barack Obama •Political News •National News •Father's Day •Kim Kardashian •Kanye West •Celebrity Pregnancy •Celebrity News •Celebrity Couples •Chicago Gun Violence •gun violence •homicide •

What to Know About Fisher v. University of Texas

A Supreme Court ruling may eliminate affirmative action. 06/14/2013

Fathers of the White House

White House staffers open up about being a dad. 06/14/2013

Sports Rewind: Jason Kidd to Coach Brooklyn Nets

Plus, NASCAR driver killed in horrific crash. 06/13/2013

Out and About: Rihanna Attends Brother Rorrey's Performance in London

Plus pics of Drake, Big Sean, Solange, Nas and more. 06/17/2013

Tweet Sheet: Celebs React to the Birth of KimYe's Baby

Well wishes from Taylor Swift and more for Kim and Kanye. 06/17/2013

Instagram Photos of the Week: Rihanna and Chanel Iman…Pretty Girls Rock!

Plus more pics from Rick Ross, Beyoncé, and more. 06/13/2013

SEARCH

© 2013 BET Interactive, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Black Entertainment Television LLC. All rights reserved.