Communications minister Dina Pule has not apologised to the Sunday Times, and has no intention to do so, according to Department of Communications (DOC) spokesperson Siyabulela Qosa.<\/p>\n
This latest riposte from the minister comes after the Sunday Times reported (5 May 2013) that the lawyer of embattled communications minister\u00a0was sent to apologise for her claims made against the news publication.<\/p>\n
On 22 April, Dina Pule called a press conference to allege that The Sunday Times was playing a role in a plot to blackmail her around decisions on the multi-billion-Rand tender for production of set-top-boxes needed for South Africa\u2019s migration to digital TV.<\/p>\n
The Sunday Times reported that Pule\u2019s lawyer, Ronnie Bokwa, was sent to apologise for the claims, at the behest of communications department deputy general director\u00a0Themba Phiri<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cHe told me things were placed in the public space by the minister that should not have been placed in the public domain. We have wronged the Sunday Times,\u201d Bokwa reportedly said.<\/p>\n However, Qosa told BusinesTech on Monday that minister Pule had indicated that she does not wish to apologise, \u201cshe will not be apologising\u201d.<\/p>\n The Sunday Times has sent a lawyer\u2019s letter to Pule reiterating its demand for proof of her allegations, or a public withdrawal and apology. She has been given until Friday, 10 May to respond.<\/p>\n Pule apologises to Sunday Times: lawyer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Pule caught lying: report<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Phosane Mngqibisa is not my boyfriend: Dina Pule<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Pule reveals blackmail plot<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Dina Pule versus Sunday Times<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\nMore on Dina Pule<\/h3>\n