The Freedom of expression Institute is most disappointed to note the ANC's response to a robust interview conducted by John Robbie with Health Minister Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang. The question John Robbie was posing, and which Ms Tshabalala-Msimang refused to answer, is crucial in terms of South Africa's policy on AIDS and HIV. By refusing to engage in a constructive debate on the government's position, Ms Tshabalala-Msimang, did herself and her department a disservice. Furthermore the whole debacle has obfuscated the real issues instead of illuminating them.

ANC's Smuts Ngonyama's statement calling for the media to condemn Robbie's conduct is to be rejected as is his call for the station to remove him. Ngonyama's interpretation of what constitutes objectivity is also highly questionable. The statement has an element of coercion in it and suggests that the ANC will prevent its leaders from communicating with the South African public through the media unless the media co-operates and tows the ANC line. The Freedom of Expression Institute believes this would be totally unacceptable and a breach of South Africa's commitment to an independent press.

Politicians world-wide are regularly grilled by the media whose task it is to expose the real meaning behind some of the statements they make. In comparison to the vigorous questioning politicians all over the world have to deal with daily, South African leaders have a relatively easy time. Perhaps what is needed is better training so that politicians are not phased by this type of questioning.

Contact : Salim Valley, Chairperson 082 802 5936 Laura Pollecutt, Executive Director 083 604 1073