Exploring truth and reconciliation through fiction: Dr Berend Mets unveils his latest novel
Dr Berend Mets' powerful new novel explores the theme of forgiveness through the lens of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Dr Berend Mets' powerful new novel explores the theme of forgiveness through the lens of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission
Dr Berend Mets, an internationally acclaimed author and celebrated medical professional, dives deep into his latest novel, Truth & Conciliation, an exploration of forgiveness against the backdrop of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) hearings.
Known for his previous acclaimed work, Immorality Act, Mets builds on his profound understanding of the complex narratives woven through South Africa's history.
He shares that the novel is set in Cape Town in 1996, and follows an Afrikaans doctor navigating his request for amnesty concerning his participation in apartheid-era atrocities. Initially a quest for legal redemption, his plea evolves into a deeply introspective reckoning when he encounters Detective Thembisa Dlamini, a determined Xhosa police officer who compels him to confront his past.
In Truth & Conciliation, Mets says he aims to convey a powerful message about forgiveness, articulated through the relationships depicted in the story. 'I hope it will be widely read and acknowledged as what it is trying to send: a message of the power of forgiveness but also, in the end, a sense of hope. And there are two relationships running through this book and their ultimate message of hope, of course, reconciliation. And so that is what I want to leave the reader with,' he shares.
This duality of hope and reconciliation serves as the ultimate takeaway he hopes to instil in his readers.
Mets also reveals that he draws heavily on his admiration for the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, a key proponent of the TRC's mission to bring South Africa back from the brink of civil unrest towards healing and unity.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment during a town hall meeting in KwaZulu-Natal, Mets recounts the profound impact Tutu had on him as he witnessed the Archbishop's unwavering humility and charismatic presence despite the hostility he faced in the press.
'I was practising as a medical doctor in KwaZulu-Natal in the hospital, and Bishop Desmond Tutu came for a town hall meeting, and we all got to see him being vilified by the press because he is an anti-apartheid activist. So we went to this town hall packed with people. And there he was, the most humble and charismatic man we all know. There he was, right in front of us, talking conciliation; he was such a humane person, and he could bring people together. And that was a pivot point in my understanding of the promise because here we are, seeing somebody who is vilified by the press, but when you see this person, their humanness comes,' said Mets as he acknowledged the importance of Tutu's influence in shaping his understanding of the promise of reconciliation," he said.
He sees the TRC hearings as not just a period of legal reckoning but as a transformative journey towards understanding and healing.
'So then, to write a sequel, which is a completely standalone novel, I sought to find another major pivot point in South Africa's recent history. And so having had an enormous respect for Archbishop Tutu. I thought about the idea of centering the Truth and Reconciliation around the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings that were happening, of course, throughout the country from 1996 to 1998,' he explains.
Mets credits much of his creative inspiration to his wife, born in SA, who plays a role as both his muse and critical partner in shaping his stories.
'She is my muse and best critic,' he states, acknowledging her invaluable feedback and contributions in crafting his stories.
Born in Indonesia to Dutch parents and raised amid the complexities of apartheid, Mets pursued a career in medicine that eventually took him to the United States, where he currently teaches at Pennsylvania State University. With a distinguished career in anaesthesiology and significant contributions to medical literature, Mets transitioned to fiction, finding a voice for those often left unheard. His MFA in Creative Writing at Carlow University in Pittsburgh has further enabled him to uncover forgotten histories and give life to urgent stories.
Saturday Star
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
Chicken feet and champions: Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am enjoy Mzansi's fave dish
On a boys day out, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi decides to kick back with his teammates. The setting is just as epic as the man himself. Recently, Siya Kolisi and fellow Sharks and Bok players Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am took a much-needed break from the pressures of the rugby field. They indulged in a classic South African meal, chicken feet and dombolo (steamed bread). It was the perfect occasion for Siya, Makazole and Lukhanyo to enjoy Mzansi's favourite dish together. What started as a simple meal turned into a celebration of culture, food and camaraderie. There was also a side of humour and some playful banter from fans and teammates. Traditional feast in Durban: the Xhosa way Chicken feet and dombolo. Picture via Instagram The Rugby World Cup winners headed to Fresh Food with Thuladu, a popular eatery in the heart of Durban. It serves up traditional South African dishes, like the ones Kolisi, Mapimpi and Am relish. The setting was relaxed, with the men indulging in a hearty meal while sharing stories, laughter and, of course, a touch of rugby banter. But it wasn't just the food that caught everyone's attention. It was the bond between these Xhosa men that was highlighted when they relished the traditional dish. Siya, known for his strong connection to his Xhosa heritage, posted a picture of the meal with a caption that included their Xhosa clan names: Zikhali, uQhinebe, and oGqwashu. To netizens who saw the post, it felt like a reunion of the Dyani's, a term that means 'big man', 'grown man,' or, as locals say, 'Grootman'. This was a nod to those who have successfully gone through the rites of passage in Xhosa culture. For many, it was a powerful moment of shared identity and respect for their ancestry. Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am: the silent giants While Siya may be the captain, his teammates Makazole Mapimpi and Lukhanyo Am are no strangers to the spotlight. Mapimpi is often seen as the quiet, stoic but most fashionable player in SA. He was at ease as he sat down with Siya and Lukhanyo. The trio looked content over plates filled with chicken feet, dombolo, and other offal delicacies. Lukhanyo is often reserved. However, you could see in the photos that he was savouring the rare opportunity for a bit of fun while standing out with Kolisi and Mampimpi. ALSO READ: WATCH: Inside Ntando Duma's magical wedding to Una Rams Offal: South African tradition of brotherhood In South Africa, meals like offal, the internal organs of animals such as the liver, heart, and kidneys, have long been associated with tradition and brotherhood. Men often share these hearty meals over good conversation, sometimes accompanied by a cold beer. It's a time-honoured tradition that goes beyond food; it's about bonding, sharing wisdom, and celebrating life. The meal Kolisi, Mampimpi and Am enjoyed was a reflection of their heritage and the unity they feel as teammates. South African captain Siya Kolisi lifts the trophy at the Rugby World Cup 2023 final between New Zealand and South Africa at the Stade de France on 28 October 2023 in Paris, France. Picture:Siya's Instagram post didn't go unnoticed. Fellow celebrities were quick to jump into the comments with playful jabs and cheers. One follower affectionately called them 'Desiney's Child,' a nod to the legendary R&B group, Destiny's Child, all while enjoying Mzansi's prescribed dish with Mampimpi and Lukhanyo. Another teammate, Eben Etzebeth, couldn't resist poking fun, quipping, 'Really nailed it with that food, yummy.' The comments were full of love, proving that the gents picked the right dish for a fun boys' day out. ALSO READ: SA's Amapiano DJ duo TxC wins BET award From the looks of it, this meal wasn't just about satisfying their hunger. It was a chance for these athletes to recharge, bond, and celebrate their shared history. In the end, it was the perfect choice for a boys' day out, illustrated beautifully by Kolisi, Am and Mapimpi enjoying Mzansi's favourite dish.
The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Youth Day public holiday: Long weekend lies ahead for South Africa
South Africans are counting down the days until the next long weekend – and the good news is that it's mere days away! Those who like to diarise days off work will no doubt be well aware that the next official day off work is Monday, 16 June when Youth Day will be celebrated. Youth Day is the day on which South Africans honour the youth that were ambushed by the apartheid regime police in Soweto on 16 June 1976. On the day over 500 youths were killed. On the morning of 16 June 1976, thousands of black students went on a protest rally from their schools to Orlando Stadium. They were protesting against an official order which made Afrikaans compulsory in black township schools throughout the country. The use of local languages was prohibited in these schools whilst the constitution supported that Afrikaans and English be made the official languages of the country. The rally was meant to be a peaceful protest with the intentions to plea with government not to make Afrikaans compulsory in schools. However, things got out of control when the police were called in to disperse the crowds and riots broke out. Although the protests of 16 June 1976 resulted in a number of casualties, the youth of 1976 played a role in fighting and overcoming the inequality and oppression caused by apartheid. Following the advent of democracy in 1994, the new democratic government declared 16 June as National Youth Day and June as Youth Month. Although South Africans will enjoy fewer public holidays in 2025, there will be more long weekends this year than in 2024. Mzansi had 14 public holidays in 2024, but there will only be 13 days this year – and only 12 will be actual days off work. Of course, the fewer days off, the better for business in the country. Working South Africans will not get a day off to celebrate National Women's Day in 2025 because the public holiday falls on Saturday, 9 August. The Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994) determines that whenever any public holiday falls on a Sunday , the Monday following it will also be a public holiday. However, for public holidays that fall on a Saturday , it's just a 'normal' weekend day. The exciting news is that there are FIVE long weekends in 2025. The first was thanks to Human Rights Day on Friday, 21 March which gave South Africans 21-23 March off. The second was the Easter weekend with a four-day 18-21 April break to enjoy your chocolate. The third was thanks to Freedom Day falling on Sunday, 27 April, meaning Monday, 28 April was a holiday – and another three-day weekend. Monday, 16 June (Youth Day) will mean another three-day long weekend in mid-year, while the fifth and final long weekend in another four-day one with Christmas and the Day of Goodwill (Boxing Day) falling on a Thursday and Friday, respectively. Diarise the following public holidays in 2025 and plan your vacations accordingly! Wednesday, 1 January: New Year's Day Friday, 21 March: Human Rights Day Friday, 18 April: Good FridayMonday, 21 April: Family Day Sunday, 27 April: Freedom Day
IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
UWC study exposes bullying of refugee children in Cape Town schools
UWC study exposes bullying of refugee children in schools. Image: Freepik Congolese refugee children attending schools in Maitland and Parow face relentless bullying rooted in xenophobia, racism, and cultural differences, according to a recent study by UWC Master's student, Adelina Nakatya Ntagerwa. For Ntagerwa's MA thesis, she interviewed 20 parents of adolescent refugees from the war-torn Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which revealed harrowing accounts of verbal abuse, physical violence, and systemic neglect at these schools. The interviews took place amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and a protest by mostly Congolese refugees who were demanding to be repatriated to Canada, Australia and other Western countries. Many Congolese families fled the DRC's Kivu region, an area devastated by decades of conflict, only to find their children subjected to bullying in South African classrooms, according to Ntagerwa. In her interviews, parents reported that their children were frequently called derogatory names like "makwerekwere" and "black boy", highlighting the racial and xenophobic undertones of the abuse. One mother, Sakina, shared how her son was ostracised and physically assaulted by peers who mocked his accent and nationality. "They push him, swear at him, and tell him he doesn't belong here," she said. Another parent, Adelaide, recounted how her daughter was called "swart" (black in Afrikaans), a term hurled with such malice that the girl begged to change schools. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading UWC's Varsity Shield rugby captain Romauld Nsombamanya, 24, who was born in the DRC, although not from Kivu, echoed Ntagerwa's findings, describing his primary school experience as 'quite hard, quite intense'. 'I've been in South Africa since 2011, but I only started school in 2013 at Pinedene Primary in Ravensmead. My primary school experience, I would say, was quite hard because I had numerous (varied) experiences. I was the new kid in school, just trying to fit in. South African kids were very reluctant to accept me,' said Nsombamanya. While the welcome he got at the school was not the greatest, one teacher, Ms McKay, showed great kindness to bridge the language barrier. 'She would take her own time to sit with me for two hours to make English cue cards to learn certain words. It just so happens that she was my English teacher, and it really helped me to develop,' says Nsombamanya. One instance of bullying he encountered at the school was with one of his fellow pupils who teased him about his bad stutter. 'I ignored him until he started spitting in my face. I walked away, and then he came and slapped me from the back, and then I retaliated, which caused a fight. A prefect then came and held me for the other kid to beat me,' said Nsombamanya. He ended up being punished by the principal despite explaining the violent provocation he had endured. The bullying continued at Florida High School, where most of the pupils from his primary school were enrolled. At high school, Nsombamanya became a loner, but this changed when his older cousin from the DRC joined him, and he learned to assert himself. In her research, Ntagerwa found that bullying often escalates into physical violence. A participant called Rodrigue shared that his daughter was taunted for her long name and Congolese heritage, while Imani's son was beaten by classmates who told him to "go back to Congo" after he outperformed them academically. In one tragic case, a child, overwhelmed by relentless bullying over his old clothing, committed suicide. His mother, Mateso, discovered too late that he had left a note detailing his torment. Teachers and school staff are sometimes complicit. A Xhosa-speaking teacher refused to translate lessons for a Congolese student, telling her: "This is not your country; go find someone who speaks your language." Another parent, Shabani, described how a school administrator publicly shamed his daughter for unpaid fees, humiliating her in front of classmates. Beyond peer bullying, systemic issues exacerbate the trauma. Refugee children are often placed in grades below their age level, making them targets for ridicule. Christiane's daughter, once in Grade 10 in the DRC, was demoted to Grade 8 in Cape Town and mocked as an "eagle" for her height and age. Extracurricular activities, a potential refuge, are also marred by discrimination. Several parents reported their children being barred from sports competitions or cultural events due to their refugee status. "They used my son to win athletics matches but disqualified him from finals because of his Congolese birth certificate," Imani said. Despite the hostility, some children find solace in friendships with peers who share similar backgrounds or empathetic teachers. Ayale's daughter thrived after a teacher provided extra books to improve her English, while Riziki's son found protection in a group of friends who stood up to his bullies. Parents who were interviewed urged schools to enforce anti-bullying policies consistently and provide language support for refugee students. They also demanded sensitivity training for educators to address xenophobia and racism. The study underscores the urgent need for inclusive policies to protect refugee children, whose resilience is tested daily. As one parent poignantly noted, "We came here for safety, but our children are fighting another war - this time in the classroom." Cape Times
