Presidency to publicly release the Donen Commission Report

18 Oct 2011

The Presidency has decided to publicly release the Donen Commission of Inquiry Report into the Iraq Oil for Food Programme.

The President has decided to release the report, after careful consideration, in recognition of the public interest in the subject matter. It will be available to the public no later than the 7 December.

The three member commission was established in 2006 by former President Thabo Mbeki, headed by Adv Donen SC as Chairperson assisted by Adv Andrew Chauke and Snr Supt Lucy Moleka.

The Commission submitted the report to the Presidency in June 2006. Former President Mbeki referred the report to the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development for assessment and advice.

The Presidency is aware of the potential misuse of the contents of the Report. We wish to caution that the comments made in the report about individuals must not be elevated to findings of fact as these were interim and untried comments.

Those who were caught up in the subject matter of the inquiry did not have an opportunity to deal with their alleged involvement fully.

In addition, it must be emphasised that the Donen Report clearly established that the conduct of the individuals from South Africa affected by the report does not constitute any offence under South African law.

Statement issued by Zanele Mngadi, The Presidency, October 18 2011

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