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MANDELA NELSON: (1918-2013) South African President 1994-99, Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1993. A good T.L.S., N Mandela, three pages, 8vo, n.p., 14th January 1998, to Helen Suzman. Mandela thanks his correspondent for her letter and states 'I do of course share your concerns regarding human rights issues of the past and the toll it has taken on our nation', continuing 'Some of the victims families still oppose The Truth and Reconciliation Commission as they fear the injustices are not being dealt with by lengthy prison sentences, however they will come to realise its importance, perhaps not during the hearings but in the years which follow. The families of the victims are finally receiving closure, this alone is a step in the right direction' and further remarking 'Our police force was negatively involved in countless acts in the past, however the force is constantly transforming and will continue to do so well into the future as a far greater number of all races are currently being accepted into the force, the human rights violations acted out by a small number of our police force can be directly attributed to the Apartheid regime'. Mandela also reflects that 'Human rights violations are an unfortunate part of our history, however we must not ignore the past but rather embark on a healing process' and comments 'The Commission is most fortunate to have Archbishop Desmond Tutu as Chairman, both parties respect him and his presence as a Christian religious leader is symbolic. Religion is the common ground, ultimately both parties believe in the same God, this difficult process is spiritual if the legal aspect is overlooked for a moment'. The President adds 'The judicial system is doing everything within its power to ensure that justice is followed in the correct manner. Over the past few years I have witnessed many success stories, South Africa has completely transformed to make me believe that The Commission will ultimately be a great success' and concludes 'I note the continued efforts you are making towards this issue. I would be happy to meet with you to discuss any general issues you may wish to raise'. A letter of interesting political content and association. A couple of very small staple holes to the upper left corner of each page, not affecting the text or signature, VG Helen Suzman (1917-2009) South African anti-apartheid Activist and Politician, twice nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. Desmond Tutu (1931- ) South African Social Rights Activist, the first black Archbishop of Cape Town. Nobel Peace Prize winner, 1984. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was a court-like restorative justice body assembled in South Africa following the abolition of apartheid in 1994. The Commission was seen by many as a crucial component of the transition to full and free democracy in South Africa.