FW pleads forgiveness
2005-03-20 17:28
Pretoria - Forgiveness is the cure to bitterness, revenge and escalating conflict, former president FW de Klerk said on Sunday.
He was speaking at the closing of the Arts and Reconciliation Festival and Conference held at Pretoria University.
The event was opened by Bishop Desmond Tutu on Monday.
"Forgiveness is the road to reconciliation," De Klerk said.
He said when people sincerely and truly forgave the wrong done to them, they were freed of the burden of bitterness.
"The next decade would be dominated by the need for socio-economic transformation," De Klerk said.
He said although each South African had a vote, not many had a job. The manner in which South Africa dealt with socio-economic transformation would determine its future.
"Let us recommit ourselves to true reconciliation in the spirit of forgiveness," he said.
- SAPA