Issued by The Presidency
10 April 2001
A year ago tragedy struck Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg resulting in the loss of 43 lives and injuries to scores of people.
The date, 11 April 2001, remains etched in the memory of South Africans, particularly the families who lost loved ones in such appalling circumstances.
The President at the time expressed his condolences with the families affected and the entire South African soccer fraternity. The President also undertook to put in place mechanisms thoroughly to investigate the disaster and for recommendations to be made that would prevent a similar occurrence.
The President wants to assure the families of all victims that he shares their grief and pain. He is acutely mindful of the anniversary of the tragedy and calls on all South Africans in their homes, schools, places of work, towns and cities to join the bereaved families in commemorating the heart-rending loss of lives.
When he instituted a Commission of Inquiry into the soccer disaster, the President appointed the Judge President of the Transvaal Division of the High Court of South Africa, Mr Justice Bernard Ngoepe, as the chairperson.
The Judge President has since submitted an interim report to the President who has studied the contents and noted that a final report will be submitted at a later stage.
The President has consequently authorized the release of the interim report to coincide with the anniversary and wishes to assure the affected families, organizations and the public at large that the conclusion of the final report remains a high priority.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo on 083 256 9133 or 012 300 5436
Graham Abrahams on 082 453 2244