Issued by: SA Communication Service
JOINT PRESS STATEMENT OF THE PRESIDENT AND DEPUTY PRESIDENT THABO MBEKI
A media statement issued today by the Democratic Party insinuating that the President and Deputy President Thabo Mbeki were engaged in a cover-up relating to the funding of Sarafina 2 is viewed in a serious light.
To set the record straight, this office places on record that both the President and Deputy President Mbeki were fully briefed about the concept to use theatre as a vehicle to raise aids awareness. Both of them accepted and supported the principle and give their full blessings to the project.
Following allegations related to the process of awarding the contract for Sarafina 2 to playwright Mbongeni Ngema, the Minister of Health instituted an internal inquiry to determine whether there were any irregularities. To enhance the credibility of this inquiry, she requested and secured the participation of the Auditor General.
Contrary to the fears expressed by the Democratic Party, the President, his Deputy and the Minister of Health places on record that they have no objection whatsoever to the Public Protector conducting his own investigations.
For the Democratic Party to insinuate that there is an attempt at a cover up on the part of the President and his Deputy is insulting and must be dismissed with the contempt that it deserves.
Issued by: Thami Ntenteni, Director: Communications Date: 5 March 1996 Tel: 083 555 5118