Institute for Justice and Reconciliation

About us

The Institute for Justice and Reconciliation was launched in May 2000 and is self-consciously located in post-TRC (Truth and Reconciliation Commission) South Africa. The Institute is committed to using the insights generated through its work in South Africa to engage in dialogue with other African countries.

It seeks to look forward, rather than backward, asking the question: where do we go from here? It is founded on the assumption that there are two inseparable and equally important challenges facing this nation, namely justice and reconciliation. Justice without reconciliation and reconciliation without justice are both doomed to fail. Our constitution speaks of a "need for understanding but not for vengeance, a need for reparation but not retaliation, a need for ubuntu but not for victimisation."

The Institute focuses on the promotion of nation-building within a constitutional democracy. It is committed to bringing South Africans of different persuasions and insights into dialogue with one another, premised on the understanding that social change in South Africa cannot occur in isolation from developments on the African continent and in the broader global context. As such it seeks to promote solutions to problems that continue to undermine peaceful transition both in South Africa and elsewhere.

Located at the interface between academia and the broader structures of civil society, the Institute draws on the insights and research resources of scholars, intellectuals and people of creative perception - while promoting debate and programmes of action in the society as a whole.

The past is remembered and reflected upon as a basis for understanding the present and building a better future. Strategies are developed for co-operation between individuals and groups who had hitherto lived in isolation from one another. The Institute at the same time, addresses the legal, social and historical dimensions of peace-making. It seeks to keep open a space for people to learn to live together in the wake of social upheaval and conflict, without resorting to recrimination and revenge.

For other net participants we can expert guidance through trained staff, give an expert opinion, deliver a lecture, procure expert information and establish new contacts in the field of our work.