EXECUTIVE DEPUTY PRESIDENT T.M. MBEKI
Issued by: Office of the President
The President, on the 27th of March announced his decision to terminate Mrs Winnie Mandela's appointment as Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology.
At the time, the President believed, in good faith, that all the requisite persons had been informed as required by the Constitution. Indeed, attempts were made on his behalf to contact Minister Mangosuthu Buthelezi, as the leader of one of the parties in the Cabinet. The Minister was at the time on his way to KwzZulu/Natal.
Subsequently, the intentions and decision of the President were conveyed to the Minister, when he became available.
President Mandela is aware of legal opinion that such consultation as took place was sufficient. However, the President is committed to act within the spirit of the Constitution and, further, wishes to spare the government and the nation the uncertainties which might follow protracted litigation on this issue.
He has accordingly decided that the dismissal of Mrs Mandela should be treated as technically and procedurally invalid. She has thus been informed that she is still the Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and that the appointment of Mrs Brigitte Mabandla to this post has been reversed.
The President, upon his return, will consider her position as Deputy Minister afresh.
12 April 1995
Issued by:
Acting President