ANC+statement+on+S+Times+article+re+Progressive+Business+Forum

ANC Press Release, 18-Feb-2007 19:00
=ANC STATEMENT ON SUNDAY TIMES ARTICLE=

The African National Congress has noted an article on the front page of the Sunday Times today (18 February 2007) on the ANC's Progressive Business Forum (PBF).

This is a clear case of a paper making news out of nothing at all.

The PBF has been in existence for a year, information on its activities are freely available on the ANC website, and members of the media have attended - and reported on - its functions.

It has around 2,000 members nationally, comprising companies of various of sizes from a range of sectors.

Among other benefits normally associated with business forums, members of the PBF are invited to functions addressed by prominent ANC leaders (including ANC leaders in government) and are given an opportunity to engage in dialogue with ANC leaders in attendance. They also receive information bulletins on ANC programmes and activities.

There is nothing untoward about this. The information provided to PBF members is public information. Apart from ANC leaders who are elected members of the executive or legislature, no government officials are invited to address functions of the forum.

It is unfortunate that the Sunday Times has sought to portray as inappropriate a forum that provides a genuine opportunity for dialogue and engagement, that has operated openly and publicly for a year, and that hundreds of member companies have joined in good faith.

Issued by: PO Box 61884 Marshalltown 2107
 * African National Congress

18 February 2007

More information: Smuts Ngonyama 082 994 2112**

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