INVESTIGATIONS INTO FORCED STERILISATION SPECULATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICAN HOSPITALS (Minister's Response)

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH: House Chairperson, there was an issue raised about the report released by the Commission for Gender Equality. I just wish to indicate that we have now been informed about that as it happened yesterday, unfortunately the report had not been brought to the attention of the Minister or the department before it was released, so we are not able to deal with it immediately.

Today we have asked for an urgent meeting with the commissioner so that we can look into the matter. The truth of the matter is that there is no government policy that should force anyone into sterilisation. We don't believe that it is correct for anyone to be sterilised under duress. The matter will need attention and we will announce as soon as we have looked at the report and had a briefing. Thank you very much.