SACTJ convened its National Reparations Conference from 16 to17 October 2024 at the Parktonian Hotel in Johannesburg, with the support of the Open Society Foundation–Africa. It brought together SACTJ members, senior officials from the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ&CD) and victims and survivors to chart a way forward for the delivery of comprehensive reparations. SACTJ’s position paper was presented at the conference hyperlink. The National Reparations Conference emphasised the urgent need to re-open the victim list, improve transparency, and the efficient management and allocation of the President’s Fund. Should collaborative efforts fail, SACTJ may consider legal action to advance reparations for those who suffered gross human rights violations during apartheid.
The DOJ&CD acknowledged the need for greater public engagement and outlined plans to enhance outreach and improve access to information about the TRC. In addition, the DOJ&CD proposed the establishment of two committees: Legal Technical Committee, and a Reparations Committee to oversee a holistic, multi-sectoral approach to reparations.
The National Reparations Conference highlighted critical gaps in the current TRC reparations implementation by the South African government and called for renewed commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and urgency in the delivery of reparations.
