Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will present the Medium Term Budget to Policy Statement (MTBPS) to Parliament on 27 October 2010.
Lock-ups have been arranged for journalists in both Cape Town and Pretoria, allowing access to the MTBPS documents prior to the Minister's address in Parliament. The information contained in the documents will be under embargo until Minister Gordhan begins speaking in Parliament. To maintain the integrity of the lock-up arrangements, it is important that no information is leaked prior to the lifting of the embargo, as this would seriously jeopardise future arrangements for all concerned.
Journalists attending the Cape Town lock up must confirm their details with Kershia Singh (012 315 5819 or kershia.singh@treasury.gov.za), and those attending the Pretoria lock-up with Xolisa Dodo (012 395 6697 or xolisa.dodo@treasury.gov.za) by no later than 18 October 2010. Journalists will also be expected to sign for the MTBPS documents on the day as proof that they accept and will comply with the conditions of the lock-up.
No communication by journalists is allowed during the lock-up, including by telephone, e-mail or any other means. We therefore recommend that journalists who will not be working on the MTBPS story work from elsewhere.
Journalists should also note the following: ï· All office doors are to remain open at all times. ï· Stories can be transmitted to editors ONLY from 13:00 (with full observation of the embargo). ï· Cellphones must be switched off, placed in an envelope and handed over to National Treasury officials.
ï· E-mails cannot be sent during the lock-up and landline phones must be off the hook and should not be used under any circumstances.
ï· You cannot use any device that can send out any form of communication.
Street, Cape Town. Journalists will be escorted to the venue.
ï· National Treasury officials will be available in case of any emergencies.
Refreshments will be served at 08:30 and 12:30. The lock-up will end when Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan starts his address in Parliament.
All documentation will be available on www. treasury.gov.