DECISION
The applicant applies for amnesty in respect of the illegal production, printing and distribution of banned T-shirts.
The applicant was a member of the Liberal Party before its dissolution and describes himself as having been a supporter of any and all anti-apartheid organisations. He states that he produced and distributed T-shirts as an act of non-violent defiance against the apartheid regime. He made no personal gain from his actions. He was charged in the Pietermaritzburg magistrate's Court with the production and distribution of prohibited material, but the case against him was never proceeded with.
We are satisfied that the application satisfies the provisions of Section 20 (1) of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, No.34 of 1995, in that it complies with the requirements of the said Act, the offence to which it relates is an act associated with a political objective committed in the course of the conflicts of the past in accordance with the provisions of Section 20 (2) (a) and the applicant has made full disclosure.
We are also satisfied that the offence to which the application relates does not constitute a gross violation of human rights and that there is no need for a hearing in this matter.
In the result, the applicant is granted amnesty in respect of the illegal production, printing and distribution of the following T-shirts:
1. The Steve Biko T-shirt;
2. Mxenge, The Struggle Continues;
3. We are Everywhere, Even in the Kitchen; and
4. We are Everywhere, Even in your Kitchen.
SIGNED ON THIS THE 11TH DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1998.
