PW Botha - Salute me!

PW Botha - Salute me!

Author: SABC Radio News January 25, 2021 Duration: 6:01

Convicted former president PW Botha was the one crucial apartheid politician who could have shed more light on the official sanctioning of gross human rights violations. Botha chaired the State Security Council from 1978 to 1989. But instead of succumbing to the Truth Commission, Botha chose to face the court system for eight months and lost. George Magistrate Victor Lugaju found Botha guilty of contempt on the 21st of August 1998 for repeatedly ignoring subpoenas to testify in public. Lugaju said Botha’s failure to testify was unlawful, intentional and without sufficient cause. His sentence was a R10 000 fine or one year in jail. An additional 12-month prison sentence was suspended for five years. This is an extract from Botha’s media briefing at the start of his expensive trial in January 1998.


Credits: Angie Kapelianis, Darren Taylor, Manana Makhanya, Cobus Bester and Danny Booysen.


From the series South Africa's Human Spirit. Available wherever you find your podcasts.


© SABC 2021. No unauthorised use, copying, adaptation or reproduction permitted without prior written consent of the SABC.


Additional music by Whitesand - Do You Feel What I Feel? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eM7qA8n9S88&list=RDkQSoW1VnkH4&index=47 


Produced by SABC Radio News, Moments in South African History is a deep and thoughtful exploration of the nation's complex past. This history podcast moves beyond simple dates and names, focusing instead on the pivotal figures, transformative events, and significant locations that collectively forged the country's identity. Each episode is crafted to feel like a conversation, drawing on archival material and narrative storytelling to bring a specific moment into sharp relief. You might hear about a decisive political meeting, the life of an overlooked cultural icon, or the story behind a landmark that holds layers of meaning. The aim is to provide context and connection, making the grand sweep of history personal and tangible. By tuning in, you engage with the multifaceted tapestry of triumphs, struggles, and ordinary lives that define South Africa. This series is for anyone curious about how the past continuously informs the present, offering a nuanced perspective that challenges and enriches our understanding. The podcast serves as an auditory archive, ensuring these crucial stories are remembered and reflected upon with the depth they deserve.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 38

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