He was a professor of religion and society at the University of Cape Town.[2] He is presently an Emeritus Professor of that university.[1] He was the National Research Director of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
A regular contributor to debate in South Africa, his present work is largely in the area of transitional justice. He is currently worked, or has worked, in countries with fractious societies ripped apart by civil war or ethnic strife. These range from the Basque separatist movement, Peru, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Rwanda, and other African countries.
Charles Villa-Vicencio (2000). "Why perpetrators should not always be prosecuted: Where the International Criminal Court and Truth Commissions meet". Emory Law Journal. 49 (1): 205.