Could you
forgive?
by Yee-Liu Williams
G
inn Fourie and Letlapa Mphahlele arrived in the UK for the eagerly anticipated Beyond Forgiving
speaking Tour (18-30 May) that aimed to inspire and left many lingering on the key question of
‘Could I forgive?’
Initiatives of Change in partnership with The Forgiveness Project and The Wilderness
Foundation hosted Fourie and Mphahlele, the two South African protagonists of the award-winning
documentary Beyond Forgiving. Touring the country they shared a platform at six public screenings visiting
universities, schools and community outreach programmes in Belfast, Bradford, Durham, Liverpool, London
and Oxford. Marking 20 years since the
end of Apartheid, this was a chance
for people in the UK to hear a moving
story of ‘tragedy and hope’ and how it
is possible to go beyond forgiving to
break the cycle of vengeance.
A journey of forgiveness
From Oxford’s dreaming spires to
Belfast’s peace line, the message that
Fourie and Mphahlele carried was
that ‘forgiveness is not a destination
but a journey.’ At South Africa House,
London (19 May) His Excellency Mlaba
also commented on the ‘forgiveness
journey’ that provides ‘lessons for the
world.’ A similar sentiment was echoed
by historian Dr Peter Shambrook in
Durham, ‘Forgiveness and reconciliation
is a process, a journey over many years.
A journey with no map.’
There is little doubt that Fourie
and Mphahlele’s visit to the UK has
inspired and captured the hearts of
new audiences across the country,
different cultural backgrounds, religious
communities, and for both old and
young. But what is the meaning of
forgiveness, how does this make you
feel and why is it important? These were
questions that Fourie expertly facilitated
and encouraged audiences to reflect
upon at each event.
The forgiveness challenge
In London’s East End with the Life
Line Institute (20 May) hands shot up
fast from the young British gathering
obviously inspired by the film who had
little awareness before that day of the
social injustices of Apartheid; the years
of conflict around the world or the
movement towards restorative justice.
Wit