13 September 2001

The South African government has confirmed with CNN officials that there is no truth to an e-mail message being circulated; quoting "CNN News flash", that US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, hinted that South Africa might be implicated in the tragedy that has befallen the US.

The message is simply and utterly a hoax.

The South African government hopes that the media, both here and abroad, will handle this piece of psychological and financial terrorism with the contempt it deserves.

The SA government views the withdrawal of the USA delegation or any other delegation as unfortunate and unnecessary. It will be unfortunate if a perception were to develop that the USA’s withdrawal from the Conference is merely a red-herring demonstrating an unwillingness to confront the real issues posed by racism in the USA and globally.

30 August 2001

In the light of queries from the media and comments on the costs of the government advertisement campaign concerning the general strike called by Cosatu, GCIS wishes to provide the following information:

The total cost was R838 973,45.

This sum should be seen in the context of the issues at stake and the national costs at play.

5 June 2001

The views expressed in a letter published in the Cape Argus on 30 May and signed by Mr Al-Ameen Kafaar, Deputy Director: Parliamentary Liaison, GCIS, in no way reflect the views of the government or the GCIS.

Mr Kafaar's letter concerned the antiretroviral therapy programme being implemented in Khayelitsha by Médecins sans Frontières.

Mr Kafaar has since confirmed that he was writing in his personal capacity.

Enquiries
Nad Pillay
Cell: 082 553 7980

1 March 2001

Responses to the Media Diversity and Development Agency (MDDA) draft position paper were received from a wide range of organisations and individuals by the submission deadline yesterday.

The draft paper was published by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) on 29 November 2000, and the initial deadline for submissions was extended to 28 February 2001.

23 February 2001

In response to media queries regarding the assessment of the situation in South Africa by The Economist of 24 February 2001, government wishes to state that the Survey is a contribution to discourse on critical challenges facing our country and the efforts of government and all South Africans to tackle these challenges.

7 December 2000

In response to requests from stakeholders, Government has agreed to extend to 28 February 2001 the deadline for public comment on its draft Position Paper on the Media Development and Diversity Agency (MDDA).

This extension will give stakeholders time for more thorough consultations with their constituents. Amongst those making the request were the Association of Marketers and the Freedom of Expression Institute.

23 November 2000

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) today launched this year’s edition of the South Africa Yearbook – the only official source of reference on South Africa and its government.

The South Africa Yearbook 2000/01 – which contains a foreword by President Thabo Mbeki – contains a wealth of information on South Africa, and is a must for researchers and librarians, tourists, businesspeople, students, companies and non-governmental organisations.

17 October 2000

A week ago, the Minister of Provincial and Local Liaison announced the date of the municipal elections. This officially marked the beginning of the formal election period.

During this time, it is normal practice in most democracies that particular attention is paid to ensuring that government communication structures and officers do not act in a way that advantages or disadvantages participants in the electoral contest.

16 October 2000

To: The Editor, The Citizen

This is a request for a correction in the article "by Jameson Maluleke with SAPA" on the debate around the science of HIV/AIDS in The Citizen of 16 October 2000 (p3): "ANC "Confused" over Mbeki AIDS Debate".

The article quotes ANC spokesperson Nomfanelo Kota denying that the President or the ANC National Executive Committee had issued a statement that President Thabo Mbeki had withdrawn from the scientific debate.