Minister in the Presidency
8 January 2007
Mr M Makhanya
The Editor
The Sunday Times
Johannesburg
Dear Mr Makhanya
We seem to be entering an extended silly season of wild reporting about the
Presidential succession stakes. That is the right of the media, if they wish to
pre-empt procedures and risk making asses of themselves.
Since the publication of your lead story on 7 January 2007, I had numerous
approaches from both the electronic and print media to comment on the story. I
declined and indicated that out of courtesy I will respond to you first.
It needs to be said, that there is no truth whatsoever in the claim that I
have had talks with Mr Tokyo Sexwale in relation to this matter as reported.
You now face the daunting challenge of providing your readers with at least
some details of why you should suggest that such (non-existent) talks took
place. Equally the 'concerns' attributed to me in relation to this matter are
without basis and I would like to know when and to whom these were
expressed.
The tested processes, in due course, to elect the President of the African
National Congress (ANC) and of South Africa are something that will follow the
normal rules and conventions over the period that lies ahead. Mischievous
attempts to report falsely on the matter, whether to create factions or achieve
other ends, will have nil influence on the course of events, be sure.
As for the suggestion that my cellphone rang "unanswered" when you allegedly
sought to phone me, I have checked all my calls, answered and unanswered, and
can find no record of this. I conclude that the call attempts simply did not
exist. But let us give you the benefit of any shred of doubt, and I invite you
to demonstrate - using the modern technology that is available these days -
that you did indeed make such a call. If you are not able to do this, the
public and your readers will draw the appropriate conclusions about your
credibility and standards of reporting.
Essop Pahad
Minister
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
8 January 2007
Source: SAPA
