Independent Electoral Commission Chairperson, Dr Brigalia Bam was last night (August 16, 2006) named the winner of the 2005 Justice and Reconciliation Award by the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation.

The Award was presented to her by the patron of the institute, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu at a function at the District Six Museum in Cape Town.

The award recognises those who have made a significant contribution to national reconciliation and nation building.

Dr Bam, who began her term as Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of South Africa in 1999 has travelled extensively around the world raising awareness and organizing conferences regarding women, youth and human rights issues.

Previous recipients of the award include Tim Modise, Pieter Dirk Uys, PJ Powers, Dullah Omar, and Mary Burton of the Black Sash.

According to the executive Director of the IJR Dr Charles Villa-Vicenci, the recipients of the award anticipate and symbolise "political normality."

"They promote truth and reconciliation and participatory democracy."

Dr Bam was awarded the Social Justice Award in 2000.

Source: HWB Communications / 17 August 2006

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