Why Vlok washed Chikane's feet
27/08/2006 23:18  - (SA)  

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'Vlok's apology is a watershed' Vlok apologises for atrocities

Gert Coetzee and Liezel de Lange, Beeld

Cape Town - President Thabo Mbeki has been "deeply moved" by the gesture of Adriaan Vlok, former minister of law and order, to wash the feet of the Rev Frank Chikane, director-general in the presidency.

Mbeki described Vlok's actions as an extraordinary and moving gesture of reconciliation.

He said at a media conference Chikane had felt uncomfortable about the gesture and would have been satisfied with Vlok just verbally asking forgiveness.

Mbeki said: "The gesture was from a committed Christian, who said that if Jesus Christ could do it, he could also."

Symbolised victims of the past

Vlok arrived at Chikane's office earlier this month and asked him whether he could wash his feet.

Describing the moment, Vlok said: "I sacrificed myself."

Apart from the fact that Chikane had been targeted by the authorities during apartheid, Vlok saw him as symbolising victims of the past.

They said in a joint statement that it actually had been a private meeting, but decided that Vlok's actions had been "so deep and important," they couldn't keep it secret.

Vlok said: "I want to thank him again for his attitude and the way he approached the situation."

Vlok said he had set a bad example throughout his life.

"I'm deeply grateful that, through the grace of God, I received the opportunity to follow the example of my saviour, Jesus Christ, to set a better example for others."

Vlok said he and Chikane had talked about the significance of washing someone's feet.

Vlok said: "I give up my pride, my own self, my superiority, my uncharitable attitude, and my selfishness."

'A very personal extension of the TRC'

Independent Democrats leader Patricia de Lille said Vlok's gesture had been "a very personal extension of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission".

"As we get older, we do more introspection about the good and bad we've done throughout our lives.

"As the only apartheid minister who acknowledged his sins before the TRC, he is apparently more honest with himself than others about the immoral nature of his previous deeds," said De Lille.

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