In January 1998, Tutu was in New York to receive treatment for prostate cancer. He gave just one interview during that time.28 He sought to explain the work of the TRC: “It is not enough to say let bygones be bygones. . . . Reconciliation does not come easy. Believing that it does will ensure that it will never be. We have to look the beast firmly in the eyes.” At the same time, he said, “We seek to do justice to the suffering without perpetuating the hatred aroused.” He continued, We recognize the past can’t be remade through punishment. Instead — since we know memories will persist for a
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