Media Statement: NCOP Deputy Chair Shares South Africa’s Lessons on Reconciliation at IPU Panel Discussion

Istanbul, Türkiye, Friday, 17 April 2026 - The Deputy Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Mr Les Govender, has delivered an address at the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Multistakeholder Panel Discussion on Peace and Reconciliation, held at the Hilton Hotel in Istanbul, Türkiye.

The workshop was aimed at equipping parliamentarians with practical insights into diverse approaches to managing conflict, including through diplomacy, mediation and multi-stakeholder engagement and provided a space to share country-specific experiences. It brought together parliamentarians, religious leaders and other experts to exchange knowledge and share good practices in peacebuilding and reconciliation.

Mr Govendor delivered his address alongside Ms Karen Bradley, a Member of the House of Commons from the United Kingdom, Mr Ahmed Shaheed, Professor of International Human Rights Law and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs from the Maldives and Ms Safak Pavey, Special Envoy for UNHCR and former Deputy Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Türkiye.

Mr Govender reflected on South Africa's transition from apartheid to democracy, emphasising the importance of inclusive dialogue, negotiated settlement and institutional mechanisms of accountability and reconciliation in building sustainable peace. He outlined that apartheid was a system of institutionalised racial segregation and economic exclusion, which entrenched structural inequality, forced removals and segregation, and long-term socio-economic disparities. He noted that while the democratic transition of 1994 dismantled the formal apartheid system, its legacy continues to shape socio-economic conditions in South Africa.

The Deputy Chairperson emphasised that South Africa's transition was achieved through multi-party negotiations involving political formations, civil society and faith-based organisations, despite significant challenges including political violence and deep inequality. These negotiations culminated in the adoption of an interim Constitution and the country's first democratic elections on 27 April 1994.

He further highlighted the role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), established through the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act of 1995, as a key mechanism in facilitating transitional justice processes between 1995 and 2002. The TRC, chaired by the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, enabled processes of truth-telling, restorative justice and national healing.

Mr Govender said the TRC served as a critical instrument in South Africa's transition. "The Truth and Reconciliation Commission served as a historic bridge between a divided past and a democratic future." He further noted that the TRC prioritised restorative justice over retribution through conditional amnesty and public hearings that allowed both victims and perpetrators to contribute to national healing.

Mr Govender also underscored the contribution of faith-based institutions during the transition period, noting their role in mediation, peace advocacy and providing moral leadership in a volatile political environment. He highlighted the role of Parliament in advancing peace and reconciliation through its legislative, oversight and public participation functions, citing the enactment of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act of 1995 as a key example of Parliament's contribution to transitional justice.

He further emphasised the importance of complementary roles between parliamentarians and faith actors in peacebuilding and mediation, noting that while Parliament provides constitutional authority and accountability, faith actors contribute moral legitimacy, social trust and community-level engagement.

Mr Govender cautioned that such partnerships must be guided by clear institutional mandates to ensure accountability and avoid the politicisation of religious structures. "Sustainable peace requires strong institutions, clear mandates and partnerships grounded in constitutional democracy, justice and human dignity," he said.

He concluded by reaffirming that inclusive dialogue, institutional integrity and cooperation between state and societal actors remain essential pillars for peace and reconciliation.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Enquiries: Moloto Mothapo