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The African National Congress can today the 2 December 2009, confirm that
National Executive Committee (NEC) member Manto Tshabala-Msimang who has
been admitted to a Johannesburg hospital, is now in a stable condition with
her recovery being monitored by doctors.

The ANC condemns the negative and
irresponsible reports by a Sunday Newspaper on Cde Manto hospitalisation.
It is our view that such reporting is a violation of Cde Manto's rights to
privacy as well as a breach on a doctor-patient confidentiality. We also
believe that this type of reporting by some sections of the media shows
utter disregard to medical rights of fellow South Africans.

We are outraged
that the society and newspaper watchdogs like the Press Ombudsman, preferred
to remain quiet on the face of this blatant violation and abuse of Cde
Manto's rights, in the name of investigative journalism.

The ANC calls on
the Press Ombudsman and other organs of civil society charged with
monitoring human rights violations to investigate the conduct of the
newspaper that published the story. Such investigation will bring closure to
this uncultured and inhumane behaviour by some sections of the media.

We
will also be supporting Cde Manto's family in taking whatever action
necessary within the country's legal framework on this matter. We call on
the hospital where Cde Manto is being observed to also act in protection of
her rights.