Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President
Today, the Heath Special Investigating Unit served a Notice of Civil Proceedings to be instituted against the Minister of Health, Dr Nkosazana Zuma and others in a Special Tribunal to be set up to deal with the Sarafina II matter.
Having been informed of these intended actions by the Special Investigation Unit, the Government encouraged Judge Heath to proceed with the matter in a manner he may deem fit.
The Special Tribunals set up by the Heath Unit are intended to recover Government property from persons who unlawfully appropriated such property.
The decision to launch an HIV/AIDS awareness programme using some popular medium was supported by the Government.
The Government was also fully informed of all the processes that led to the Sarafina II agreement between the Department of Health and Mr Mbongeni Ngema.
It is also aware of all the investigations that have since been conducted in this regard.
Among others, the Government took note of the finding of the Public Protector published in his "Report No. 1" of 5 June, 1996 in which he says:
"The Minister was not involved in the tender process or the recommendation of which tenderer should be awarded the tender. The tenders were evaluated and recommended by the Director HIV/AIDS and STD Programme. There was also no evidence that the Minister influenced and official in this regard".
In addition to this, no evidence has been produced suggesting that any of the money advanced in connection with Sarafina II accrued to the Minister of Health in any way whatsoever.
The Government is certain that the Minister of Health did not in any way misappropriate any Government funds which it must now seek to recover through the Heath Unit.
The Government expresses its confidence in Minister Nkosazana Zuma and will therefore ensure that it fully defends this action.
For more information call: Mr Ronnie Mamoepa - 082 990 4853.
Issued by: Office of the Deputy President TM Mbeki Union Buildings Pretoria Date: November 13, 1998