15 April 2013

The weekend?s press expose of the names of the outlets from whom samples were tested by the University of Stellenbosch showed that no SANHA certified outlets were implicated. Whilst SANHA cannot speak for the other Halaal bodies, this serves to vindicate its position as outlined in the attached newsletter wherein we illustrated that through our monitoring and auditing of the Halaal chain no contamination had taken place.  However, we are on record as accepting that there were shortcomings on the labelling in terms of non disclosure on soya and wheat gluten substitution.

We believe that South Africa has the necessary laws but lack the capacity to enforce the laws. We are willing to make this aspect part of our inspectorate audit procedures to ensure compliance in our certified outlets.

SANHA has always been averse to the certification of establishments which store, handle and/or process Halaal and non-Halaal meat products on common premises.  The risk of contamination in such circumstances is unavoidable.  SANHA has therefore not considered applications from such establishments.

Justice demands that any charge be open to due judicial processes such as the right to call and cross examine witnesses, not to incriminate oneself, the right not to be tried on secret evidence, the right to exclude evidence that is improperly obtained, irrelevant or inherently inadmissible e.g. hearsay, punishment for perjury, the right to exclude judges on the grounds of partiality or conflict of interest, the right of appeal etc.

The studies by the Universities of Stellenbosch and the Western Cape did not subscribe to the above which is not only unjust but caused an incredible amount of uncertainty and confusion in the market place. We are disappointed by the cavalier and unjust methods employed which succeeded in creating confusion by making pronouncements but withholding the information on which action could be taken.  Even as late as last week the University of Stellenbosch refused to divulge the information to us and their legal department referred us to the Promotion of Access to Information Act.  The University of the Western Cape on the other hand confirmed in writing last week that no Halaal outlets were involved.

We suggest that the methodology and validity of the testing be examined and if it passes the test then the companies involved should have been be approached and counselled for compliance with names released after that process. Prosecution ought to be pursued in the case of non co-operation.

Yours sincerely

For South African National Halaal Authority

EBI Lockhat

Public Relations Officer

Tel: +27 (31) 207 5768

Fax: +27 (31) 207 5793

Cell: +27 (0) 83 777 0121