F. W. de Klerk: 'What I haven't apologised for is the original concept of seeking to bring justice to all South Africans through the concept of nation states.'

What I haven't apologised for is the original concept of seeking to bring justice to all South Africans through the concept of nation states.

In his quote, former South African President F. W. de Klerk reflects upon his decision to seek justice for all South Africans through the concept of nation states. Summarizing his words plainly, de Klerk implies that he has not apologized for the original idea of pursuing justice through the creation of distinct nations within South Africa. This statement holds profound meaning and importance in the context of South African history and reconciliation efforts. However, to bring an unexpected philosophical concept into the mix, let us delve into de Klerk's statement by exploring the concept of transcendental justice and juxtaposing it with the notion of nation states.Transcendental justice, as a philosophical concept, proposes that justice can only be achieved when individuals rise above their particular concerns and embrace a more universal perspective. It suggests that justice should surpass the divisions created by national identities or boundaries, focusing instead on the shared humanity and collective well-being of all people. This concept challenges the traditional notion of nation states as the primary vehicles for delivering justice and poses an interesting contrast to de Klerk's claim.De Klerk's decision to seek justice through nation states can be seen as a direct response to apartheid, the deeply entrenched system of racial segregation and discrimination that plagued South Africa for many years. Apartheid had stifled any sense of unity in the country, dividing people based on their racial backgrounds. De Klerk's concept of nation states aimed to address this division by acknowledging distinct communities within South Africa and granting them autonomy. By granting self-governance to these different groups, de Klerk aimed to ensure justice by allowing each community to have control over their own affairs.While de Klerk's concept of nation states was undoubtedly a step forward towards justice and reconciliation, it falls short of the transcendental justice that philosophers propose. By focusing on creating separate nations within South Africa, de Klerk perpetuated divisions based on race and ethnicity. He indirectly reinforced the idea that individuals are defined primarily by their national identity, rather than recognizing their common humanity.Transcendental justice challenges us to think beyond the constraints of national borders and to consider justice as a universal and inclusive concept. It encourages us to approach justice from a broader perspective, one that recognizes and respects the diversity of individuals while also acknowledging their shared values and aspirations. While de Klerk's nation-states concept sought justice within the confines of South Africa, transcendental justice calls for a deeper understanding that justice cannot be contained within these boundaries, as it is an inherent right of all human beings.In conclusion, F. W. de Klerk's quote highlights his pursuit of justice through the concept of nation states in South Africa. While this approach represents a significant step towards justice and reconciliation, it also invites us to contemplate the concept of transcendental justice. The philosophy of transcendental justice challenges the idea that justice can be achieved solely through nation states and urges us to recognize justice as a universal and inclusive concept that transcends borders. By considering this perspective, we can envision a world where justice is not limited to specific nations but is extended to all individuals, regardless of their background, thus fostering a more truly just and equitable society.