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themselves in helping to tell the stories of the victims and survivors of apartheid and the victims of those who fought against apartheid.  I commend the Media warmly.  There are some whose conduct is less than commendable, particularly certain newspapers.  Some have already been reprimanded by the Honourable Judge presiding in the so-called Malan trial, e.g. for calling in question the credibility of witnesses.  I am myself and out-and-out libertarian and believe in the freedom of the Press, passionately.  I strove for it.  But I am concerned that some of what certain papers are doing is beyond the limits of proprietary of fair comment.  They are introducing an insidious poison, they are almost seeking to bring the Commission into disrepute.   We have powers vested in us by the law.  I would advise journalists and their editors to acquaint themselves with this Act.  In certain respects we have the powers of a court of law.  And again let me read, so that you don't think I am making it up. Section 39 reads,
"If any person does anything in relation to the Commission which if done in relation to a court of law would constitute contempt of court then they are guilty of an offence.  If anyone does anything calculated improperly to influence the Commission in respect of any matter being or to be considered by the Commission that person commits an offence"
I have said I don't want to invoke any of those powers, but I do hope that the newspapers especially will take count of what I have said.  There is a nobility of spirit in our land and we must give thanks to God for this extraordinary spirit, this wonderful "ubuntu".  
 These hearings are a forum in which people who have 
JOHANNESBURG HEARING TRC/