Date: 30/07/2004
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government
Title: L Brown: Response to reports on travel scam


STATEMENT BY LYNNE BROWN, WESTERN CAPE MINISTER OF FINANCE, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & TOURISM, ON INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS ARTICLE IMPLICATING HER IN THE ALLEGED TRAVEL SCAM, 30 July 2004

I have viewed with concern reports, which have appeared in the Cape Times and Cape Argus over the last two days, regarding the alleged travel scam in the National Parliament.

These reports have made a number of insinuations and assumptions about me, even though I am in no way connected to the alleged scam. At no point have the investigating authorities even suggested that my name has surfaced during their probe into the matter.

For the record I wish to state that, I know Soraya Beukes and have been good friends with her for the past twenty years. I have utilised the services of her travel agency in these twenty years. On the occasions that I have used her travel agency for official purposes, there has been nothing irregular with these transactions.

I am also not in any way involved with Soraya Beukes' company, I am not an investor in the company, have never been, I have never worked in it and I have never derived any profit from it.

Secondly contrary to what has been stated in the reports, I do not live in Milnerton, but I share a home with my family in the southern suburbs.

My concern with the way the stories were reported is that despite the fact I am not in any way connected to the investigation, my name has been dragged into the story, without any substantiation for doing so.

I feel this is an unwarranted attack on my integrity. I have been singled out for ridicule and innuendo. Later this afternoon I intend laying a complaint with the Press Ombudsman against Independent Newspapers. These attacks are personal and meant to tarnish my dignity and reputation, by insinuating that I could be connected to activities that are allegedly illegal.

Pending the decision of the Ombudsman, I also reserve my right to further legal recourse.

Thank you.

For more information contact:
Thabo Mabaso
Media Liaison Manager/Spokesperson
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism
Tel: (021) 483 3531
Fax: (021) 483 3892
Cell: 083 414 8144
E-mail: thabo_m@hotmail.com
Issued by: Department of Finance, Economic Development & Tourism, Western Cape Provincial Government
30 July 2004