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On my arrival in Addis Ababa it was brought to my attention that half a dozen or so South African journalists travelling with me on The African Connection Rally had been involved in an incident in the city.

It appears the journalists were travelling on a hired luxury bus from the OAU headquarters where they had participated in a media briefing, to the University of Addis Ababa to be briefed on the African Virtual University project. During the three kilometre journey, one of the television cameramen on board the bus saw a colourful procession in the street, and put the camera out of the window to film it.

It happens that the procession was taking place outside the Prime Minister's office and residence where all photography is prohibited. A large sign advising that all photography is prohibited was clearly and prominently posted outside the residence.

When a police officer saw the camera pointing at the residence, he called out to try to stop the bus so he could speak to the journalist; however no-one heard him. He apparently then fired a shot into the air to try to attract the attention of the bus driver so he could ask him to stop the bus.

Neither the driver on the bus nor the police officers present could speak English nor was there an Amharic/English translator on the bus.

Consequently, two to three hours passed while the journalists and police officers tried to understand each other

The police officers wanted the journalists to produce the written permission required by journalists to work/film/broadcast in Ethiopia.

This permission had been obtained by the organising team of the rally before the arrival of the group in Ethiopia and was therefore available.

The two parties eventually agreed to send two unarmed, plainclothes police officers with the journalists to the hotel where they were staying. On arrival, the relevant Ethiopian and South African government officials were contacted and within half an hour, the matter had been resolved.

I am satisfied that at no time were the journalists in any danger, nor is there any evidence of them having been harassed or threatened. Media reports that imply this are absolutely incorrect.

Our reception in Ethiopia has been very welcoming and warm, the Ethiopian government has rendered significant assistance to the Rally team, including the journalists, to ensure our successful passage through their country, and for that I am very appreciative.

The African Connection Rally

The purpose of the African Connection Rally is to highlight the need for connectivity in telecommunications can play in the promotion of sustainable development. The Rally is sponsored by Siemens, Vodacom and Telkom South Africa who have put their names and generous support behind this important vision.

For more information, please contact Sue de Villiers at 021 689 2373 or 082 492 8634. For background information and daily updates, please refer to our website at http://www.africanconnection.org

Issued by: Minister for Posts, Telecommunications and Broadcasting, 9 April 1999

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