The screening of the seminal documentary “Black Christmas” took place on the 24th of June 2016 at Cornerstone Institute. Among the audience members we were honoured too have welcomed producer of the film, Prof. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela. The work is a uniquely South African story that probes the deep dimensions and many layers of forgiveness, with special focus on the events of the 1996 Christmas Eve bomb blast by right-wing activists in Worcester, Western Cape, that killed 4 people and injured 67.
The film follows the journey of one of the survivors, Olga Macingwane, and one of the perpetrators, Stefaans Coetzee, and their story’s inspiring influence on other survivors and members of the Worcester community.
Echoing the sentiments of all viewers, Life Coach, Patricia Manshon commented: “Thanks again, Cornerstone. Your featured film was very thought-provoking.
It demonstrated how forgiveness of both the victim and the perpetrator could change lives. I thought I knew about anger, forgiveness, acceptance, reconciliation and retribution but I guess there is so much still to learn”.
This bit of history, captured from the actual horse’s mouth, so to speak, is deep and powerful in its quest to spread the message about forgiveness. It is a starting point, an awakening of awareness, and perhaps even an understanding of both sides of our recent history. A worthy viewing that stays with you.
