Issued by: Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development
14 March 2001
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Dr Penuell Maduna's office has noted reports in both print and electronic media today that the Minister left Parliament yesterday during a special debate on the Public Protector's report into the Strategic Fuel Fund.
The Ministry would like to take the opportunity and correct these reports as they create a wrong impression amongst the public.
The Minister left the chamber because he had to officiate at the opening of the Western Cape Justice Centres of the Legal Aid Board in Athlone and Mitchell's Plain, which was due to start at 16h00. It was indeed the Journalist's responsibilities to have checked with the Minister or his media representative, as to why he left the debate before they were over.
The reports are therefore not true. The Ministry hope that a correct version on this matter will be published.
Contactpaul Setsetse: Spokesperson to the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development
Cape Town
14 March 2001
Cell: 0832524770