Two former enemies from apartheid-era South Africa square off in this week's episode of Insight.

In a tense and dramatic exchange, Shirley Gunn talks directly with the man responsible for framing her for a crime she didn't commit. His actions led to Shirley spending a traumatic stint in jail.

Their dialogue forms part of Insight's discussion on the best way to heal after a mass wrongdoing.

The program traverses continents and conflicts to bring in examples from child sex abuse scandals, the stolen generation and forced adoptions.

The guests discuss whether an apology, compensation or public acknowledgement can help them come to terms with what happened to them, or whether healing comes from elsewhere.