"Give Mabandla Her Marching Orders Now!"

MEDIA STATEMENT ISSUED BY:
MR KOOS VAN DER MERWE MP
IFP SPOKESPERSON ON JUSTICE

November 24, 2006

The Inkatha Freedom Party's Chief Whip and Spokesperson on Justice, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP, said today that the Minister of Justice, who has for three years ignored the human rights of 384 prisoners, has now also unashamedly ignored the South African Human Rights Commission as well.

"After I had reported the Minister to the Human Rights Commission for violating the human rights of the 384 prisoners, she was given three opportunities to respond to the Human Rights Commission answering on charges of human rights violations. She didn't adhere to any of these deadlines of which the final deadline was today. She has thereby demonstrated that she has no respect for the South African Constitution.

"The IFP really feels enough is enough now. Mrs Mabandla has proved beyond doubt that she is incapable of performing the duties of Minister of Justice.

The IFP therefore calls on President Mbeki to dismiss this Minister from cabinet and replace her with a capable person who has respect for the human rights of fellow South Africans.

"What must be reemphasised here is that we are not asking the Minister to set the 384 political prisoners free without due consideration. We have always advocated a fair process of evaluation of these applications. The IFP itself cannot judge the merits of these applications. Our task as members of Parliament is merely to submit them to the Minister for consideration, which we have done three years ago."

In conclusion, Mr van der Merwe said: "The Minister has now proved that her lack of action violates the spirit of the Constitution.

The IFP therefore -

. Calls on the Human Rights Commission to take immediate action against Minister Mabandla, and

. Calls on President Mbeki to give Mrs Mabandla her marching orders!


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Mr Koos van der Merwe MP: 082 444-4944
Liezl van der Merwe: 083 611 7470