Chapter Nine, Why The Heck Am I Doing This Thankless Job? Summary and Analysis

Tutu often wonders whether he should have his head examined for agreeing to chair the commission. Initially many of the commissioners try to establish their authority by staking out their turf to represent the coalitions they represent. Everyone acts like prima donnas.

Tutu again emphasizes that no one can be human alone. The worst thing about apartheid is that the rebels often become brutal themselves and sink to the same level as their oppressors. In fact, they internalize the oppressor's image of themselves. The oppressors make children of God doubt that they are children of God, which he says is a profound sin. The purpose of the commission is to heal this image.

However, the TRC faces many challenges throughout its...