24 March 2006
Following numerous public concerns pertaining to the events around the trial
of Jacob Zuma in terms of the court proceedings, the conduct of the supporters
outside the court building and the role of the media in its coverage of the
trial, the three Chapter 9 institutions, the Public Protector, the Commission
for Gender Equality (CGE) and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC)
met on 24 March 2006 to discuss the above and to agree on possible
interventions.
The following has been agreed upon:
Proceedings in the Court
The three constitutional bodies (C9s) will not, in terms of their mandate,
comment on the proceedings of the trial and will only do so at the conclusion
of the trial, taking into account that there could still be other judicial
processes such as a judicial review or an appeal.
Legislation Pertaining to Sexual Offences
The three C9s are concerned about the slow process in the enactment of the
Sexual Offences Bill, which we envisage will provide better protection for the
rights of victims of sexual offences.
The three C9s will thus communicate with the Ministry of Justice and
Constitutional Development and the relevant Portfolio Committee of the National
Assembly, Justice and Constitutional Development, on the slow pace in enacting
this legislation and to urge for the speedy enactment of the Bill.
Conduct of Supporters
The three C9S condemn the conduct of the burning of photos and insults by
some supporters outside the Court Building. This is completely contrary to our
constitutional values. The C9s do however recognise the rights of any person to
support any of the parties in this trial. This support should not violate the
rights of others, especially respect for the dignity of the alleged rape
victim.
To this end, the Commission for Gender Equality met with the Gauteng
Provincial Police Commissioner to ensure that all investigations of the
complaints lodged against the conduct of some of the supporters are being
attended to.
Role of the Media
While the three C9s respect the right of the media to report on the trial
there is a concern on how some sectors of the media have covered the trial. The
three C9s are of the view that some of the coverage by the media is not in line
with the founding values of our society and has a tendency to belittle sexual
offences.
The three C9S will thus seek to engage editors in order to ensure that the
media conducts itself in a more responsible manner that augurs well for the
promotion and protection of human rights in our country.
Issued by: Public Protector, Commission for Gender Equality and South Africa
Human Rights Commission
24 March 2006
