Issued by: The Office of the Public Protector
STATEMENT BY THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR, ADV S A M BAQWA
REPORT ON SARAFINA II
The Public Protector has compiled a report on his investigation regarding the AIDS play, Sarafina II. The Report is to be Tabled in Parliament on 5 June 1996, when it will become public knowledge. In pursuance of section 8 of the Public Protector Act 23 of 1994, advance copies were made available to the Minister of Health, Dr Zuma, the Director-General of Health, Dr Shisana, the complainant, Mr Ellis, MP, Democratic Party, as well as the Ambassador of the European Union Commission in South Africa. The Director-General was also requested to inform certain officials of her Department, who are implicated by the findings contained in the Report, of the contents of the Report.
All advance copies of the Report were made available under embargo until the Report is Tabled in Parliament. The Public Protector has noted with concern the extensive coverage his Report received in certain Sunday newspapers, notwithstanding the embargo. What is disconcerting, is that it is clear from the newspaper reports that the reporters were aware that the Report is still under embargo.
The Public Protector wishes to voice his displeasure at this apparent breach of journalistic ethics.
ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC PROTECTOR
PRETORIA, 3 JUNE 1996