The Fragility of Truth

Reconstructed identities, redefined differences and a reconstitution of diversity mark the key tasks South Africa society has undertaken in the years of transition from an oligarchic tyranny to a plural democracy. With that as the key, this essay looks at the question of tolerance in an emerging democracy in four steps. The first comments on the transition to democracy in South Africa, particularly in respect of the establishment and work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The second unpacks the discourse about nation-building which predominates since 1994. The third, a brief excursus on the question of religious diversity and political tolerance follows, attempts to show how the politics of identity and difference plays itself out in one, significant cultural form. The final step is a turn to the theory of democracy, exploring the notion of tolerance in relation to identity and difference, and indicating my preference for a discourse ethics or deliberative theory of politics.