MEDIA RELEASE
ACDP President: Rev Kenneth Meshoe, MP
21 January 2014
ACDP Calls on Sports Minister to publicly apologise for abusive comments
* says Mbalula comments display lack of composure, self-control and leadership skills
ACDP Member of Parliament, Rev Kenneth Meshoe, today took Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula to task for statements he made at a press briefing yesterday, 20 January 2014, following Bafana Bafana’s disappointing exit from the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) soccer tournament.
Meshoe said, “It was shocking and frankly unacceptable that the minister publically insulted the Bafana Bafana team by referring to them as a ‘bunch of losers’ and further referring to them as ‘unbearable, useless individuals’. These comments were broadcast throughout the country and internationally.
The minister failed to show composure, self-control and leadership in difficult circumstances and clearly thought nothing of infringing upon the personal rights to respect and dignity of members of the Bafana Bafana team.
In stark contrast, Mbalula stated on 12 January 2014 that he was encouraged by the national team’s performance in the opening game of group A and praised the character of the team especially after Bafana were forced to come from a goal down to see out the victory.
The ACDP calls on the minister to retract his comments and apologise publicly to every member of the team, its management and all South Africans for his abusive comments.”
Tuesday, 21 January 2014
ACDP applauds Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring access to more affordable medicines
MEDIA RELEASE
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
21 January 2014
ACDP applauds Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring access to more affordable medicines
• alleged campaign by multinational pharmaceutical companies against proposed South African patent laws not in best interests of people
Foreign companies are said to be spending R6 million to dissuade government from passing legislation that promotes access to more affordable medicines.
Cheryllyn Dudley, ACDP Member of Parliament and Member on the Health Portfolio Committee today said: “The ACDP applauds the Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s firm stand against any attempt by pharmaceutical companies to directly or indirectly exploit or deprive people in South Africa who are in need of medication. While we understand that profit margins will always be a priority for companies and pharmaceutical companies are no exception – it is not, and cannot be government’s priority. Responsible government must prioritise the needs of people living in South Africa and act in their best interests.
Government is expected to bring national law in line with international norms, so they can take action when inflated prices put crucial medicines out of reach.
South Africa’s patent system is considered by many stakeholders - to be biased toward benefiting international pharmaceutical companies through the granting of patents which are considered to be excessive in number - compared to both developed and developing countries.”
Cheryllyn Dudley, MP and Whip
21 January 2014
ACDP applauds Health Minister’s commitment to ensuring access to more affordable medicines
• alleged campaign by multinational pharmaceutical companies against proposed South African patent laws not in best interests of people
Foreign companies are said to be spending R6 million to dissuade government from passing legislation that promotes access to more affordable medicines.
Cheryllyn Dudley, ACDP Member of Parliament and Member on the Health Portfolio Committee today said: “The ACDP applauds the Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s firm stand against any attempt by pharmaceutical companies to directly or indirectly exploit or deprive people in South Africa who are in need of medication. While we understand that profit margins will always be a priority for companies and pharmaceutical companies are no exception – it is not, and cannot be government’s priority. Responsible government must prioritise the needs of people living in South Africa and act in their best interests.
Government is expected to bring national law in line with international norms, so they can take action when inflated prices put crucial medicines out of reach.
South Africa’s patent system is considered by many stakeholders - to be biased toward benefiting international pharmaceutical companies through the granting of patents which are considered to be excessive in number - compared to both developed and developing countries.”
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