The South African Human Rights Commission has subpoenaed Northern Cape Premier Manne Dipico, to appear at its headquarters on the 24th July 2001 at 10h00, to assist the Commission in an investigative hearing on allegations of invasion of privacy.

The Commission received a complaint alleging a secret taping of a conversation between the complainant (Mr. Tebogo Mogorosi) and another, thus violating the complainant’s right to privacy. The complainant alleged that the Premier of the Northern Cape handed over the ‘illegally recorded audio-cassette’ to a commission of enquiry, which the complainant had to appear before. The SAHRC looked at the complaint and was satisfied that it contained a prima facie violation of the complainant’s right to dignity and their right not to have the privacy of their communication infringed as stated in the Bill of Rights.

The SAHRC communicated the allegations to the Premier and requested the premier to respond to the allegations and to furnish the Commission with all particulars relating to the existence or otherwise of the audiocassette. The premier failed to do so for the period 6th October 2000 to date. The SAHRC attempted to resolve the matter by way of negotiations and several meetings were proposed, however the premier did not take these up. In the light of the above (failed) attempts the Commission had no options but to resort to the use of its powers as provided for by Section 9 of SAHRC Act to issue a subpoena.

Issued by: South African Human Rights Commission, Johannesburg
Date: 20 July 2001
For more information contact: Phumla Mthala (Media Officer, SAHRC)
Tel: (011) 484-8300/ 0832883339

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