BAFANA BAFANA MATCH NOT LATE BECAUSE OF MBEKI

Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President T.M. Mbeki

OFFICE OF THE EXECUTIVE DEPUTY PRESIDENT T. M. MBEKI

There is a perception that is being created by some in the media that the match between Bafana Bafana and Brazil started 10 minutes late because the Executive Deputy President Mr Thabo Mbeki arrived late.

This office would like to state unequivocally that is factually incorrect. As the ceremonies were taking place in the pitch, the Executive Deputy President Mr Thabo Mbeki had long arrived in the Presidential suit at the FNB stadium.

Mr Mbeki together with Dr Sticks Morewa the president of SAFA who was escorting him to the pitch were delayed by the milling crowds and the congestion of cars as they left the Presidential suit for the official ceremony.

For some in the media to allege that the kick off was delayed because of the Deputy President Mbeki's late arrival without taking the trouble to verify the facts, can only be described as mischievous.

Issued by: Thami Ntenteni Tel: 0835555118 Date: 25 April 1996