Question NW749 to the Minister of Arts and Culture
18 May 2020 - NW749
Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Arts and Culture
(1) Whether a certain person (name furnished) is suing the National Library of South Africa (NLSA); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a)(i) what is the lawsuit for and (ii) what is the total amount the lawsuit claims and (b) what has been the progress in the matter; (2) whether the lawyer of the NLSA admitted to the accusations; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, why is the NLSA wasting time and state money in defending this matter; (3) whether the lawyer of the NLSA withdrew from the matter after the evidence has been submitted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. Yes, the person is suing the National Library of South Africa
(a)(i) The lawsuit is for alleged defamation of character
(ii) R 10 million
(b) The matter is at the High Court awaiting a trial date.
2. The NLSA accepted the summons and are defending the matter.
3. In light of the above, the lawyer has not withdrawn and is still the NLSA’s attorney of record.