Press Release: The Helen Suzman Foundation, Section27 and Save South Africa comment on their joint action relating to the announced probe into Bell Pottinger’s conduct in South Africa

The Helen Suzman Foundation, Section27 and Save South Africahave noted Bell Pottinger’s “unequivocal and absolute apology” of last week, in relation to the work it had undertaken over the past year for Oakbay and the fact that it has commissioned an international law firm to review the work done in that regard.

The above three organisations, acting jointly, have now approached Bell Pottinger with a request for access to the terms of reference and all information which will form the basis of the investigation which is to be undertaken by the law firm Herbert Smith Freehills LLP.

This request flows from the intention of the Helen Suzman Foundation, Section27 and Save South Africa, to make recommendations to the relevant UK regulatory bodies, in order to assist these bodies in coming to a proper understanding of the social, economic and potential legal implications of Bell Pottinger’s conduct.

These three South African public interest organisations are concerned that the impact of Bell Pottinger’s conduct should be viewed in the correct context by Bell Pottinger’s own senior management, by the UK regulatory bodies and by the public at large.  In arriving at any conclusions about Bell Pottinger’s conduct, it is plainly necessary to have an appropriately informed understanding of South Africa’s constitutional project, the legal framework, its history regarding race and sectarian politics, andthe challenges which the country faces.

These organisations are hopeful that, in light of the expressed commitment in its apology to accountability and transparency, Bell Pottinger will respond positively to their approach.

A copy of the letter to Bell Pottinger may be found here.

Helen Suzman Foundation, Section27 and Save South Africa

Media enquiries:

HELEN SUZMAN FOUNDATION:

Francis Antonie

francis@hsf.org.za

083 408 7943

Anton van Dalsen

anton@hsf.org.za

082 888 0500

SECTION27:

Anso Thom

thom@section27.org.za

082 466 7822

SAVE SA:

Chris Vick

011 268 5790

083 556 7644