Public Protector Adv. Thuli Madonsela will on Monday, 24 August 2015 release her report on an investigation into allegations of maladministration relating to financial mismanagement, tender irregularities and appointment irregularities against the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa (PRASA).
A media lock-up has been arranged to afford members of the media ample time to thoroughly process the content of the more than 550-page report ahead of release. This is being done in recognition of the volume of the report, the need to enhance the understanding of the contents thereof and the accuracy of resultant news reports.
Journalists are requested to confirm attendance with Oupa Segalwe on oupas@pprotect.org The cut-off date for RSVPs is Thursday, 20 August 2015 at noon.
The Public Protector South Africa cannot guarantee the availability of space in the media room in the event of failure on the part of members of the media to RSVP. Broadcasters, particularly those that wish to be take the briefing live, need to have set up an hour before the lock-up commences.
Interview requests should be sent to salvationm@pprotect.org. Opportunities in this regard will be awarded on first-come, first-served basis. The cut-off date for RSVPs is Thursday, 20 August 2015 at noon.
- Members of the media will be expected to fill-in an attendance register form prior to entering the lock-up room.
- Members of the media will be given access to the full report and fact sheets in hard copies.
- The report and fact sheets will be embargoed until the Public Protector starts addressing the media.
- The investigation team will be on site to provide clarity where such is required.
- Photographers and camera persons will not get the report and fact sheets. They will however be welcome in the lock-up room, provided they observe the rules.
- Members of the media will be prohibited from transmitting or disclosing, by any means, to anyone outside the lock-up room, the contents of the Public Protector’s report and fact sheets.
- Members of the media will not be allowed to enter the lock-up room with laptops, tablets, cell phones or any other information-transmitting gadgets/devises until the embargo is lifted. Note pads and pens will be provided for members of the media to make and take notes while inside the lock up room until the embargo is lifted.
- Members of the media will go through a metal detector, and, if need be, searched upon entering the venue.
- Members of the media will not be free to leave the lock-up room until the lock-up time has lapsed.
- Members of the media will be expected to sign an undertaking, committing to observe and comply with the rules above.
- The lock-up will be monitored at all times by Public Protector South Africa personnel.
- A contravention of the rules contained in the undertaking may lead to expulsion from the lock-up and the subsequent briefing, and a possible ban on the part of the offenders and the media houses they represent from covering future media briefings of the Public Protector.
- Communication personnel will be present to assist members of the media with their needs.
- The lock-up time will lapse when the Public Protector addresses the subsequent briefing.
The report will be made available on www.publicprotector.org shortly after the Public Protector commences with her address.
Enquiries:
Kgalalelo Masibi
Cell: 079 507 0399
E-mail: kgalalelom@pprotect.org
