Source: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development
Title: Maduna: Apartheid reparations litigation in New York
PRESS STATEMENT: THE APARTHEID REPARATIONS LITIGATION IN NEW YORK
Recent news reports have incorrectly suggested that the South African Government has changed its stance on the apartheid reparations litigation currently before the courts in New York.
I wish to confirm that the South African Government is of the view that the litigation should be halted. It is of this view, because it believes that the issue of reparations is an issue which affects South Africans and should be dealt with by South Africans, if necessary in South African courts.
We do not believe that matters affecting a sovereign state should be adjudicated upon by a foreign court. Issues of the past, including the question of reparations for victims of apartheid and amnesty for perpetrators of gross human rights abuses, are being dealt with in South Africa. The legislative frameworks are in place and, where necessary, will be amended. In April already, President Thabo Mbeki announced what the reparations to be paid to individuals will be. In addition, the question of community reparations and the form that it will take, is being given attention. An appropriate amendment to the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act, 1995; to reflect this aspect has been tabled in Parliament. The President's Fund that has been established, has made interim payments to victims and will receive donations from various sources, including business, governments and individuals. We do not believe that the goodwill which exists in South Africa and the partnerships which have developed to deal with the past should be jeopardised by the litigation in New York.
The South African Government commits itself to finding solutions to the problem and is willing to facilitate discussions between all the role players, should such discussions be mooted.
The Government is of the view that the litigation in New York must be stopped.
Enquiries: Kaizer Kganyago at 082 4663053 or Zolile Nqayi at 082 8986483
Issued on behalf of the Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development, Dr Penuell Maduna (MP), 10 September 2003
Source: SAPA
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
