Issued by: Office of the Deputy President T.M. Mbeki
27 MAY 1999
The Office of Deputy President Thabo Mbeki has noted the recent press reports on his alleged intention to review amnesty legislation. The Deputy President never suggested anything of this sort.
The Office of the Deputy President wishes to refer the media and the public to the Deputy President's statement in Parliament during the TRC debate on the 25 February this year in which he said: "it seems important that we should all agree that whatever happens, we should never entertain the idea of a general amnesty. At the same time, serious consideration will have to be given to ensuring that we do not allow ourselves to be drawn into a situation of conflict as a result of the political crimes of the past."
The Deputy President further said that "among others, we will all have to discuss such proposals as have been made on this matter with regard to KwaZulu-Natal and others put forward by former generals of the SANDF who have themselves reconfirmed their loyalty to the country and its constitution, as well as their commitment to peace and stability in our country and region."
In addition, it is also instructive to note that the TRC Act does not provide legal standing to Liberation Movements, Political Organisations or the State to apply for amnesty for acts committed by their members where amnesty has not been granted.
The Office of the Deputy President wishes to point out that the sentiments expressed in his January 25 speech remains the position adopted and forms the basis of the referral of all the issues mentioned above to the Justice Ministry to look into.
The Deputy President is of the view that the quest for national unity and reconciliation is fundamental to our emergence as a nation at peace with itself.
For more information call Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Issued by Office of Deputy President T. M Mbeki
Communication Division, P/Bag X955, Pretoria, 0001.