ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the South African context, on where things stand concerning the reconciliation that was envisioned through the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). It reflects on the meaning of the concept “intergenerational transmission” of historical trauma in the South African context. The chapter considers whether the concepts that have been used in the literature on the transmission of the traumatic past adequately capture the essence of what it means for the younger generation to grow up in the shadow of apartheid. It draws from the Kleinian perspective to consider the dynamics of victim-perpetrator dialogue and its limitations. The TRC made the finding that in its fight against apartheid, the African National Congress committed gross violations of human rights. The reflective perspective-taking of the depressive position allows the victim to work through the traumatic loss and the buried memories of the trauma.
