It is with a deep sense of sadness that the government has learnt of the passing away of Minister Abdullah (Dullah) Mohamed Omar.
Having struggled with Hodgkins-Classic, a form of cancer of the lymph nodes over the past 13 months, his body finally succumbed in the early hours of Saturday morning. A patriot has gone to rest, forever. A stalwart has breathed his last breath at his post.
Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) has noted a statement by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that it intends to object to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and the Public Protector regarding the publication of an updated summary of Government's Ten-Year Review following the President's State of the Nation Address.
In response to media reports of comments by the Democratic Alliance on the publication of a summary of government's Ten Year Review, the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) wishes to clarify the situation.
The South African government will, on 5 December 2003, acknowledge and honour communicators who have shown commitment, innovation and excellence in government communication. The Government Communicators' Awards (GCA) is an annual event, which seeks to appreciate and encourage excellence and professionalism in government communication.
The Department of Justice has seconded John Bacon to the Hefer Commission (Commission) as the official spokesperson of the Commission. Accordingly, all media enquiries regarding the work of the Commission should be referred to him with immediate effect.
His contact details are as follows:
Cell: 082 928 8687
E-mail: nnchejane@justice.gov.za
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
Government has examined the statement made by MP Patricia de Lille with regard to the arms procurement process, and we are astounded at the ease with which she elects to question the integrity of the President of our country, Thabo Mbeki.
We would have hoped that, for a Member of Parliament and now a leader of a political party, mere courtesy would have persuaded her to exercise caution and circumspection before levelling these kinds of allegations.
In response to queries regarding the report of the South African Human Rights Commission on socio-economic rights, government wishes to draw attention to the following summary of progress in the implementation of its programmes:
Freedom has brought progress
This morning, a committee of the South African Cabinet dealing with security matters received a comprehensive briefing on security arrangements for the Cricket World Cup, which is to be hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Kenya. The committee noted that, with the arrival of several teams in South Africa, some of the security arrangements are already being implemented according to plan.
Information and access to information tools for members of disadvantaged communities in South Africa have taken on a new and exciting meaning since July last year, as President Thabo Mbeki signed in to law the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA) which is to be up and running at the beginning of this year, 2003.
As we celebrate the birth of the MDDA, it is worthwhile to reflect on some of the challenges it will face, and on the expectations of South Africa's emerging publishers.
The South African Government wishes to commend the leaders and the supporters of all the protest marches that took place today for the disciplined way in which they conducted themselves.
We are pleased to report that there were no reported incidents of criminal behaviour during the various marches.
The manner in which the marches were conducted and the atmosphere that prevailed, allowed people to express themselves freely and without fear.
