UNITED DEMOCRATIC MOVEMENT

MEDIA RELEASE

GLARING INEQUALITY IN BROADCASTING OF PUBLIC HEARINGS

STATEMENT ISSUED BY MS ANNELIZÉ VAN WYK, MP
UDM CAUCUS LIAISON OFFICER

The UDM is dismayed by the glaring inequality meted out to broadcasters in the public hearings into the arms deal and the Ellispark tragedy. Whilst both these public hearings are proceeding it is difficult not to note that the Ellispark inquiry allows broadcasting and the arms inquiry does not.

Surely the argument is not that the Ellispark tragedy is of greater national importance than the controversial multi-billion Rand arms deal? This contradictory and unequal treatment undermines the whole purpose of having public hearings. It also creates danger perceptions regarding the independence of the arms investigators, namely the Public Protector, Director of Public Prosecutions and the Auditor General.

Enquiries:
Ms Annelizé van Wyk, MP
UDM Caucus Liaison Officer
082 - 557 4184

Cape Town
18 July 2001