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Statement on Cabinet Meeting of 22 June 2005 President
Thabo Mbeki today informed Cabinet of his decision to appoint Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
as Deputy President of the Republic. The President has further appointed Ms Lindiwe
Hendricks as Minister of Minerals and Energy, as well as two Deputy Ministers
in Trade and Industry: Mr Rob Davies and Ms Elizabeth Thabethe. Cabinet
received reports on the implementation of government's Programme of Action. It
welcomed the progress being made in the work of all the Clusters, especially in
instances where the deadlines set have been met. Attention was paid to those areas
where there are constraints, and each Cluster will ensure that issues raised are
addressed. Further discussion on some of the strategic issues will take place
at the Cabinet lekgotla during the third week of July. The Clusters will
brief the media on these reports in the coming few days. The meeting was
briefed on various activities planned for the coming week-end to celebrate the
50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. Ministers and Deputy Ministers will take
part in these events, including the People's Assembly arranged by Parliament.
The Freedom Charter, adopted during the struggle against apartheid when the majority
of South Africans were denied the possibility of belonging to political parties
and excluded from parliament, is a common heritage of all South Africans. It not
only played a seminal role in mobilising South Africans towards a just and free
society; but also, its ideals served as a basis for the country's constitution. Cabinet
noted latest developments regarding the peace process in Burundi, and the role
that the SANDF is playing as part of the UN Mission (ONUB) in that country. It
was agreed that the SANDF deployment in Burundi would be extended until 31 March
2006. Having been informed of discussions around the hosting of the 2014
Commonwealth Games, Cabinet decided that South Africa should support Nigeria's
bid to host this event. Government will work with regional and continental bodies
to ensure that Nigeria's bid in this regard succeeds. The following appointments
were approved: * Extension of the term of Denver Hendricks as DG: Sports
and Recreation for a period of 3 years;
* GJ Kruser as Divisional Commissioner
(DDG) in SAPS responsible for training;
* Board of the National Research Foundation,
chaired by Prof BD Reddy;
* Extension of the term of the Board of the IDC by
a period not exceeding three months; and
* National Council for Correctional
Services, chaired by Justice S Desai. Having reviewed progress in meeting
the country's energy needs in the medium-term, Cabinet agreed that Eskom would
be required to meet new generatio!lding, among others, Closed Cycle Gas Turbines.
Further, an open tender will be issued to invite Independent Power Producers (IPPs)
to build, own and operate a base load Power Station for commissioning in the next
8 to 10 years. New future generating capacity projects will be commissioned on
a 70:30 split between Eskom and IPPs. The meeting approved the establishment
of an Inter-departmental Task Team to investigate issues pertaining to the Liquidations
Industry. The Team will report, among others, on business rescue and judicial
management, a Code of Conduct for the Masters' Offices and the Liquidations Industry,
and the overall regulation of the industry. It was also greed to set up an Inter-ministerial
Committee on Climate Change. The ICASA Amendment Bill was approved for submission
to Parliament. The Bill deals with the strengthening of the regulator in the light
of changes in the telecommunications environment.
Cabinet deliberated on, and
approved, Prosecutorial Policy and Directives relating to prosecution of criminal
matters arising from political conflicts of the past. The guidelines take
forward issues arising from the TRC Report, and the decision of government that
there would not be a general amnesty - but also that these issues would be handled
in a manner that promotes national unity, reconciliation and the interests of
those who suffered gross violation of their human rights. The Policy and
Directives will be submitted to Parliame!lcomed the progress that has been made
by eminent persons responsible for the implementation of the African Peer Review
Mechanism. Combined with the implementation of a number of socio-economic projects
in various parts of the continent, the resolution of conflicts, and popular democratic
processes, the release of the reports on Ghana and Rwanda marks a critical milestone
in the practical realisation of the objectives of the African Union. This development
also takes place in a year of opportunity for African development, reflected in
part by joint efforts to ensure that the coming G8 Summit takes practical decisions
which will result in increased support for Africa's efforts to improve the quality
of life of its citizens. Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
For
further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
082 900 0083 | 
