The Truth and Reconciliation Commission as a Transcendent Function

Abstract Barbara Cerminara (2024) has argued that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission ( TRC ) was not a transcendent function because it created a moral split between redeemed and resentful victims. She says this discredited and marginalised those who refused to reconcile, prioritised reconciliation over addressing inequalities, suppressed opposition, failed to acknowledge societal complexities, and did not integrate opposition for genuine transformation. Cerminara raises many good points and important issues, but these do not lead to the conclusion that the TRC was not a transcendent function. On the contrary, they illustrate advanced and nuanced aspects of the transcendent function and demonstrate why it is a multi-faceted and ongoing work. A holistic analysis shows that the TRC transcended and reconciled many conflicts, contributing to the overall work of dismantling apartheid. However, no transcendent function achieves complete wholeness and other apartheid-dismantling transcendent functions are required to continue the work.