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Statement on Cabinet Meeting, 8 February 2006 Cabinet
today received a briefing on preparations for the March 1 local government elections,
in particular on matters relating to securing the election process. Basing themselves
on previous experience in contributing to citizens' right freely to cast their
votes, the security agencies have formed relevant structures to co-ordinate their
work, to conduct law-enforcement operations, to ensure that parties are able to
canvass for votes in an atmosphere of free political activity and to provide the
Independent Electoral Commission with logistical support. The meeting was
briefed on legislative and other preparations for the Budget Speech of the Minister
of Finance which will be presented to Parliament next week. This includes the
Division of Revenue Bill on the allocation of national revenue equitably among
the three spheres of government. The following appointments were approved:
- Dr Philemon Mphathi Mjwara as Director-General (DG) of the Department
of Science and Technology, currently employed by the CSIR;
- CEO of the
Civil Aviation Authority;
- Mr Peter G Mhangwani as Land Claims Commissioner
for Mpumalanga Province;
- Adv. Ngoako Ramatlhodi as Chairperson of the
Council of the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority; and
- Two
Deputy Directors-General each in Statistics SA and the Department of Communications.
Cabinet noted the report of the Auditor-General on the 2004/05 financial
year with regard to submission of Annual Reports and the Audit Outcomes on National
and Provincial Government entities. While noting that there had been improvements
in compliance, the meeting expressed concern that a number of Departments had
not met the deadlines. It was agreed that Accounting Officers should submit
to their principals corrective steps to address concerns raised in their Audit
Reports, and that the implementation of such steps needed to be monitored. Performance
Agreements of relevant Accounting Officers will be updated to take these issues
into account. Further, comprehensive guidelines will be developed on aligning
Departmental service delivery indicators with estimates of National Expenditure
and strategic plans, and on risk management. Cabinet noted preparations
for the Progressive Governance Network Summit, which will bring together leaders
of governments who share common progressive views on domestic and global matters.
South Africa is proud to host this interaction, which will not only strengthen
joint action in pursuit of democracy, peace and development; but also position
our country as a leading partner in these global efforts. The meeting agreed
on a proposal to finalise matters pertaining to the transfer of title deeds and
trade names of resorts disposed by Aventura Limited to Forever Resorts. The settlement,
which is in the interest of both parties, takes into account issues such as land
claims, flood-line restrictions and right of way servitude; and will entail some
discount agreed with Forever Resorts. The SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport
Amendment Bill was approved for submission to Parliament. The meeting noted
developments - within South Africa and abroad - with regard to the controversy
surrounding the cartoon portrayal of Prophet Mohammed. Government acknowledges
the hurt that this act has caused among Muslims in our country and across the
globe; and we appreciate the fact that, on the whole, South Africans affected
by this development have sought to find one another in a spirit of mutual respect.
South Africa upholds the principle of freedom of speech. However, we do
appreciate that our Constitution enjoins us, in exercising this right, to respect
the sensitivities of individuals and communities, and to eschew actions that may
be interpreted as hate speech. With regard to the Court judgement on this matter,
Cabinet is of the view that all of us should respect decisions of our courts and,
where necessary, use the mechanisms of recourse available in our judicial system.
The meeting noted that consultations were continuing between Transnet management
and the leadership of the unions to resolve matters pertaining to the necessary
restructuring of this entity, in the interest of higher rates of growth and employment-creation.
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900
0083 Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
8 February 2006
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