‘Prove it or retract,’ Presidency tells Jansen

THE Presidency yesterday demanded that Free State University vicechancellor Professor Jonathan Jansen retract comments in which he questioned the veracity of government statements on former president Nelson Mandela’s health.

Prof Jansen was quoted by Die Volksblad newspaper as saying presidential spokesman Mac Maharaj lied whenever he said Mr Mandela was in hospital for routine visits.

Spokesman in the Presidency, Harold Maloka, said it took “strong exception to the comments — attributed to Prof Jansen — that the Presidency lied when providing the media and the public with updates on Mr Mandela’s condition”.

The government was criticised for poor communication when Mr Mandela was admitted to the Milpark Hospital in 2011, leading to perceptions it was unreliable and unprofessional. The government seems to have clawed back public trust in Mr Mandela’s subsequent hospital stays. It is feared the remarks could dent state credibility in communicating Mr Mandela’s situation.

“Prof Jansen should prove his allegation or retract.”

According to the newspaper report, Prof Jansen said Mr Maharaj lied when he said Mr Mandela went to hospital for check-ups. “When you are 94, you go to hospital to die; not for routine tests.” He reportedly also said he wished Mr Mandela would die. On Monday afternoon Prof Jansen dismissed the report and said it was a misrepresentation.

“My argument was that Madiba had done so much for SA, that he had served SA well, and that sometimes you just wish that people would leave him alone so that he can pass his final days quietly.” Prof Jansen said he wanted Mr Mandela to live as long as possible, but without the constant glare and speculation.

“He needs to be left alone to rest and die in peace. That was the content and context of what I said.” With Sapa