Pumla’s insights into the mechanisms of trauma and forgiveness in post-apartheid South Africa have created a globally recognized model for social healing in the aftermath of conflict, a model she calls “the reparative quest.” — John Templeton Foundation

Pumla is a member of the Human Rights Violations Committee of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission that aimed to address the injustices of apartheid. Her award-winning 2003 book A Human Being Died That Night recounts her conversations with the former commander of state-sanctioned death squads, Eugene de Kock, and argues for the possibility of remorse, accountability, and forgiveness.

Pumla has invited my wife Iris and I to South Africa, and we are discussing ways in which the Trebuchet/Convisero approach might be brought to Stellenbosch University, especially given recent nationwide students’ protests in South Africa.

She recently wrote a reflection on Desmond Tutu’s legacy, which was published in the Daily Maverick in January of 2022.

In 2001 Pumla had written me:

I would like to explore ways in which we could replicate the approach you use at EPIIC. I have always been inspired by your idea of bringing people together from diverse academic, cultural, and political backgrounds to engage in vigorous discussions. I have no doubt getting black and white students at Stellenbosch, where I’ll be based next year to work on intellectually stimulating projects, that also have emotional and political implications would be such an amazing project.