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The Commission of Inquiry into the Finalisation of the Boundaries between the Provinces of KwaZulu/Natal and Eastern Cape presented its report to Deputy President Mbeki on 4 April 1996.

The Steering Committee with representatives of the two provinces dealing with the border issue met in Cape Town on 30 April 1996. The report was handed to them. They will now study the report and as soon as they are ready to do so, proceed with the negotiations on this very difficult issue.

The appointment of the Commission was originally requested by the Steering Committee. It was therefore the intention not to release the report before it had been seen and studied by its Steering Committee. Regretfully the gist of the report in some way or another became known and was published in the press. It has therefore been decided to formally release the executive summary that was included in its report. A copy thereof is attached together with copies of two maps illustrating the proposals of the Commission and of the minority report.

It is emphasised that constitutionally the existing borders between the two provinces cannot be changed without the consent of the legislatures of both provinces. The Commission's report therefore does not constitute a decision. It is no more than a document that will assist the two provinces in their search for solutions and agreements.

Cape Town 1 May 1996

Enquiries; Leon Bezuidenhout Tel: (012) 449862 / 341 2400

Issued by: Ministry of Provincial Affairs and Constitutional Development

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