Press Releases Regarding The Lost Boys of Bird Island

NB Publishers and Media 24 have issued the following press releases regarding the publication of the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island:

Press Release – 3 March 2020

In the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island and its translated version, Die seuns van Bird
Island, statements are made which may suggest that Mr Barend du Plessis, though not
mentioned by name, might have been involved in the sexual abuse of underaged boys.
While attempts were made to conceal his identity, NB Publishers accepts that the books
contain sufficient information to identify Mr Du Plessis as an involved party.
The contested statements could not be verified independently.

NB Publishers unreservedly apologises for the publication of these allegations to the extent
that they implicate Mr Du Plessis, and for the attendant infringement of his dignity and
impairment of his reputation, as well as the emotional distress this caused him and his
family.

NB Publishers has withdrawn unsold copies of both the Afrikaans and English editions of the
book from bookshops and the e-book has been removed from online e-trade platforms.

Press Release – 17 April 2020

After weighing up a number of factors, NB Publishers decided to withdraw the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island and its translated version, Die seuns van Bird Island from circulation in both print and digital formats. Furthermore, the book will not be reprinted. NB regrets and sincerely apologises for the emotional harm that the publication of the book may have caused the Malan and Wiley families.

Press Release – 28 April 2020

Ishmet Davidson, as CEO and on behalf of Media24, extends an unreserved and sincere
apology to Barend du Plessis and his family as well as to the Malan and Wiley families for
the harm caused by the allegations contained in the book The Lost Boys of Bird Island.

Media24 acknowledges that these allegations are unfounded and the book itself has already
been withdrawn from trade – both in digital and print formats.

A settlement offer of R3 000 000 is extended to Barend du Plessis as compensation for the
pain and suffering caused by the allegations in question.