Issued by: Office of The Deputy President
Following publication of a number of articles in the weekend media regarding recommendations of the Presidential Review Commission, the Office of the Deputy President Thabo Mbeki wishes to clarify the position of the government on the matter.
Whereas the Office of the Deputy President does not dispute the right of the media and indeed the public to engage in analysis, it is our view that this should be done on an informed basis and facts.
In this regard, recommendations of the Presidential Review Commission are a subject of continuing discussions in government. As soon as the discussions have been finalised, recommendations will be made to the incoming president for ratification.
It is therefore incorrect for some sections of the media to report on the matter as if finality has been reached. This only serves to pre-empt the outcome of the current processes underway in government. We wish to reiterate our view that no decisions have yet been reached on the Presidential Review Commission Report.
It is unfortunate that despite these facts bring brought to the attention of some of those media commentators implicated, they chose to do the dishonourable.
For more info contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by Office of Deputy President T.M. Mbeki
Communication Division P/Bag X955, Pretoria
7 April 1999