JOINT PRESS RELEASE BY EXECUTIVE DEPUTY PRESIDENT MR THABO MBEKI AND GAUTENG PREMIER MR TOKYO SEXWALE
Executive Deputy President Mr Thabo Mbeki and Gauteng Premier Mr Tokyo Sexwale dismiss with contempt reports in the media that Mr Mbeki's office issued a directive to the SABC that Gauteng Premier Mr Tokyo Sexwale receives less television coverage.
This office states categorically and unequivocally that no such directive was issued from the office of the Deputy President to the SABC.
In their view the report originating from Africa Confidential in London and subsequently published in sections of our local media is intended to drive a wedge between the two leaders. It is yet another attempt to sow confusion and plant seeds of suspicion and mistrust.
They will fail in their attempt to provoke an acrimonious dispute between Deputy President Mbeki and Gauteng Premier Sexwale.
Both Mr Mbeki and Mr Sexwale values the independence of the SABC, the media in general, and would not interfere with their right to broadcast or publish.
Both leaders are members of the ANC and are committed to strengthening the unity of that organisation and are dedicated to the task of making South Africa a genuinely non-racial and non-sexist society.
In addition, Mr Sexwale rejects claims that he is contesting the Presidency. He views reports alleging that he is a presidential candidate as nonsensical and cheap speculation.
Mr Sexwale's love, loyalty and support for the President is well known and beyond approach. The media's continued speculation on a successor to the President is in extremely bad taste since he is still in power.
ISSUED BY:
MR THAMI NTENTENI, DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPUTY PRESIDENT
TEL: (021) 455 705 / 082 556 7268
DATE: 16 MAY 1995