MEETING OF THE RELIGIOUS LEADERS REGARDING THE INVESTIGATION INTO THE ARMS DEAL

In a meeting with President Thabo Mbeki, on Friday, January 19, religious leaders emphasised that transparency was essential in the process of rooting out corruption. They expressed concern that this was being clouded by the intensity of the debate surrounding the role of the Heath Unit in the investigation being set up.

It was therefore imperative that the nation's priority remains the impartial scrutiny of issues of morality and corruption and that honesty and integrity are the basis for conducting the business of the nation.

Having had to interpret the conflicting messages has contributed largely to the confusion that reigns and has resulted in the nation becoming divided on the crucial issue of corruption. Therefore, the delegation urged the President to define the different profiles of the Auditor General, the Public Protector, the Director of Public Prosecution and the Heath Special Investigation Unit which are unclear in the minds of the public. This would serve to dispel the panic that such an investigation would not be pursued as rigorously, without the participation of the Heath Unit.

Religious leaders emphasised that it was the right of South Africans who may not have sufficient insight into government structures and procedures, the majority of whom do not have access to the electronic media to, by all means possible, be given verified information designed to give understanding and clarity.

Whether unfounded or not, the public perception exists that a cover-up is being shaped, that our democratic institutions are being undermined, that mischievous and misleading forces may be at work and that correct procedures could have been flaunted.

In the interests of transparency and good governance - irrespective of the composition of the investigation - the public needs convincing that the process has been arrived at with integrity and honesty and that those involved, have everything that is required to conduct the investigation.

The delegation was led by Bishop Mvume H Dandala (President of the South African Council of Churches); Mr Ashwin Trikamjee and Prof Joshi (Hindu Community), Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris and Rabbi Ron Hendler (Jewish Union); Mrs Shoreh Rahwani and Mr Krishna Naidoo (Baha'i Assembly); Mr Docrat and Moulana Abbas Ali Jeena (Muslim Community) and Dr Donald Cragg (SACC).

For further information contact: Val Pauquet 082 784 7963