Identity area
Reference code
ZA COM MR-S-823
Title
Statement by the Office of the President on submissions at TRC Hearings by General van der Merwe
Date(s)
- 1998-07-29 (Creation)
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Transcription of speech made by Mr Mandela
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Migrated from the Nelson Mandela Speeches Database (Sep-2018).
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South African Government Information Website
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On submissions at TRC hearings by General van der Merwe ; Contact: Parks Mankahlana
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- English
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Note
TRANSCRIPT
The President's Office confirms that consequent upon the submissions by General van der Merwe at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, the Office of the President has received a notice in terms of section 30(2) of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act 34 of 1995. This notice affords the President, if he so wishes, an opportunity to either submit representations to the Commission or to give evidence at the hearing.
In the light of the subsequent retraction made by General van der Merwe to the effect that he had never meant to suggest that the President had actually directed Judged Goldstone and his investigative team to stop the investigation into police activities further submissions by the President are not necessary.
The President is already on public record confirming that he did not intervene in any such manner. Indeed, it is clear from the facts and from the General's own testimony that the relevant investigations were not halted, but on the contrary, proceeded with the unit, under the Attorney-General, which took over the terminated Commission investigations. As all of this is one record it is not essential for the President to make any representations nor give evidence.
The President's Office confirms that consequent upon the submissions by General van der Merwe at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, the Office of the President has received a notice in terms of section 30(2) of the Promotion of National Unity and Reconciliation Act 34 of 1995. This notice affords the President, if he so wishes, an opportunity to either submit representations to the Commission or to give evidence at the hearing.
In the light of the subsequent retraction made by General van der Merwe to the effect that he had never meant to suggest that the President had actually directed Judged Goldstone and his investigative team to stop the investigation into police activities further submissions by the President are not necessary.
The President is already on public record confirming that he did not intervene in any such manner. Indeed, it is clear from the facts and from the General's own testimony that the relevant investigations were not halted, but on the contrary, proceeded with the unit, under the Attorney-General, which took over the terminated Commission investigations. As all of this is one record it is not essential for the President to make any representations nor give evidence.
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Acquisition method: From website ; Source: South African Government Information Website. Accessioned on 19/12/06 by Helen Joannides