The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was founded in South Africa in 1995 as a response to the extensive human rights violations that occurred during the apartheid era. Its primary aim was to uncover the truth about these violations, offering a platform for victims to share their experiences and allowing perpetrators to admit their wrongdoings without fear of imprisonment. The commission was led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who emphasized forgiveness and healing over retribution. Following several years of public hearings and investigations, the TRC released its final report on October 29, 1998. This report was monumental in shaping South Africa's post-apartheid society.

The TRC's final report highlighted numerous cases of violence, torture, and murder committed by both the apartheid government and anti-apartheid groups. It argued for accountability on both sides, emphasizing that the legacy of apartheid had inflicted profound trauma on the nation. Key findings included detailed accounts of the injustices suffered by innocent civilians, as well as actions taken by liberation movements, thereby challenging the narrative of clear dichotomies between oppressor and oppressed. The TRC called for reparations for victims and stressed the importance of recognizing the past to foster a more equitable future.

This report served as a crucial foundation for South Africa's policy-making in the years that followed, influencing discussions about justice, reconciliation, and nation-building. By documenting a comprehensive account of apartheid and its associated atrocities, the TRC aimed to create a collective memory that acknowledged the pain of the past while promoting a shared vision for the country moving forward. Its impact reverberated beyond South Africa, inspiring similar truth commissions in other countries dealing with legacies of violence and oppression.