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The Minister of Defence
Ms N N Mapisa-Nqakula= PER FAX: (012) 347 0118 =
PRETORIA
Dear Ms
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO INSTITUTE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS IN TERMS OF ACT 40 OF 2002 – DEFAMATORY MEDIA STATEMENT DATED 18 MARCH 2014
We act on behalf of Johannes George Greeff also referred to as Mr Pikkie Greeff, the National Secretary of the South African National Defence Union (“SANDU”).
We have been placed in possession of a Media Statement headed upSANDF ASKS MR PIKKIE GREEF TO TELL THE PEOPLE OF SOUTH AFRICA ABOUT HIS ROLE REGARDINGTHE ILLEGAL MARCH TO THE UNION BUILDINGS BY MEMBERS OF THE SANDFissued by Defence Corporate Communication, Brig Gen X G Mabanga, dated 18 March 2014. A copy of the media statement is attached hereto as Annexure “A”.
The media statementinter alia states the following:
1.“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is not surprised by misleading statements issued or made by Mr Pikkie Greef (sic)………..”;
2.“It is mischievous and highly irresponsibly (sic) of Mr Pikkie Greef to misinform the public about the SANDF not having money to proceed with the military court case …..”
3.“…..he in particular is the one who is behind all the delays experienced in the process.”
4.“The SANDF urges Mr Pikkie Greef to stop misleading the public about the SANDF affairs….”
5.“Maybe Mr Pikkie Greef needs to tell the people of South Africa why he left the SANDF if it was not to engage in matters aimed at discrediting and/or destabilising the SANDF or to undermine gains and achievements made by the SANDF post 1994.”
6.“Mr Pikkie Greef must demonstrate to the people of South Africa that he did not leave the SANDF because of his bitterness about or he is not in favour of the transformation in the SANDF.”
The abovementioned media statement was widely distributed and widely read by the general public as well as by the members in the Department of Defence.
The said words, in the context of the media statement, are wrongful and defamatory of Mr Greeff in that these words were intended and were understood by readers of the publication thatMr Greeff is not truthful, dishonest, irresponsible, not patriotic, that he does not protect the right and interest of the members within the SANDF, that he discredits and destabilises the SANDF, that he undermine the SANDF, that he is bitter and against transformation and Mr Greeff delayed the process of disciplining the members within the SANDF.
As a result of the defamatory statements made in the media statement mentioned above, Mr Greeff has been damaged in his reputation and has suffered damages in the amount of R500 000-00.
It is our instructions to demand from you to issue a media statement retracting the defamatory statements mentioned above.
We furthermore hold instructions to demand, as we hereby do, jointly and severally from the addressees payment in the amount of R500 000-00 being damages suffered by Mr Greeff, within 30(thirty) days of this letter failing which action will be instituted against you without any further notice.
Yours faithfully
GRIESEL & BREYTENBACH ATTORNEYS
Per:
- The Chief of the SANDF
Gen Gen S Shoke
PRETORIA= PER FAX: (012) 355 6023 =
The Secretary of Defence
Dr S M Gulube
PRETORIA= PER FAX: (012) 347 7445 =
Brig Gen X G Mabanga
Director Defence Corporate Communication
PRETORIA= PER FAX: (012) 355 6013 =