Media statement by the Presidency

The Presidency wishes to clarify that President Jacob Zuma has not at this stage looked at, or considered any of the 300 current applications for pardons that have been brought to the Presidency by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Development.

The ongoing media speculation and reports that he has considered or is about to grant pardon to anyone are incorrect and misleading. As explained in a statement on the 6th of January 2010, the Presidency has more than 300 applications that are awaiting the President’s attention, and there is no deadline for the conclusion thereof.

He receives the pardon applications from time to time. The Presidency will not enter into discussions of individual applications as their confidentiality must be respected. The applicants will be notified once their cases have been concluded.