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Statement on Cabinet Meeting, 11 October 2006 Cabinet
noted that at least 748 000 grade 12 learners began sitting for their matriculation
examinations on the 10th of October around the country. Cabinet was pleased to
note that the exams were proceeding well with no incidents of any kind reported.
We would like to take the opportunity to wish all our learners the best of luck
and hope that their hard work will be rewarded with good results. The meeting
noted that the 19th of October will be the twentieth anniversary of the tragic
death of Samora Machel and that our government and the government of Mozambique
will be paying tribute to this visionary African leader, and to the people of
Mozambique, at a commemoration service to be held in Mpumalanga on that day. The
anniversary will also be a time to recommit ourselves, as a nation, to working
with our neighbours for the development of our region and to join hands in a national
effort to eradicate the legacy of racism and xenophobia. Cabinet noted
the steps taken by the Western Cape Provincial Government to introduce a change
in the form of government in the City of Cape Town. Cabinet took the view that
the matter was a matter of provincial competence and should be dealt with in the
context of existing legislative framework. The meeting noted that the preparations
for the 16 days Campaign of No Violence Against Women and Children were proceeding
well and will kick off with an event in Limpopo on the 25th of November 2006 and
end with an event in the Northern Cape. Members of the public are invited to support
all the activities that will ensure that we all stand together in defence of our
women and children. Following extensive consultations between government
and various industry stakeholders, including representatives of electronic and
print media, Cabinet decided to extend the period for the finalisation of the
Films and Publications Bill to the next session of Parliament in 2007. This extension
will give stakeholders the opportunity to discuss all the policy issues that have
arisen which have created the perception that government intended to muzzle the
media. This decision demonstrates our commitment to the principle of media freedom
as enshrined in our constitution. Cabinet approved the National Road Safety
Strategy which seeks to reduce road accidents and fatalities on our roads. The
strategy addresses a number of challenges which include poor road behaviour by
motorists e.g. speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol, non-wearing of
safety belts, unlicensed and insufficiently trained drivers, lower levels of enforcement
as well as inadequate follow-up of fines and punishment. The strategy includes
a number of measures aimed at changing behaviour patterns on our roads. These
measures include intensifying enforcement through roadblocks, regular vehicle
checking, introduction of the demerit points system by 2008, and periodic vehicle
testing. A three-year probationary period for newly qualified drivers will be
introduced. During this three-year period, the newly qualified drivers may lose
their licenses if they commit certain offences e.g. driving under the influence
of alcohol. The Department of Transport will announce details at a later date.
Cabinet noted the Draft Public Transport Strategy and approved its release
for public consultation before finalisation. This strategy proposes a shift away
from the current operator-controlled, route-based system to public-controlled,
user-friendly and integrated rapid transit networks which will include high quality
feed, distribution and truck line networks. The draft strategy will be published
shortly by the Department of Transport for public consultation. A Public Transport
Indaba will be convened during October 2006 to consult with stakeholders. The
meeting noted and approved the 2010 Transport Action Plan for public information.
The release of the plan will ensure that the public is informed about preparations
for 2010 regarding public transport. The Department of Transport will release
the details of the plan at a later date. Cabinet discussed and approved
the second draft of the Mineral and Petroleum Resource Royalty Bill for a second
round of consultation prior to its tabling in Parliament in 2007. The National
Treasury first released the draft Bill in March 2003 for public comment. After
extensive consultations, revisions were made to the Bill. One of the key revisions
made to this revised Bill is the significant reduction of royalty rates compared
to the proposals in the first draft. A number of traditional communities
currently receive royalty payments from mining operators who mine on their land.
Item 11 of Schedule II of the Mineral Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of
2002) (the "MPRDA") provides that communities will continue to receive
such royalties regardless of whether these royalties are paid with respect to
"old order" or "new order" mining rights. The period
for comment on the revised Royalty Bill will close on 31 January 2007. A final
version of the Royalty Bill will then be submitted to Parliament for its consideration
in 2007. The Bill can be accessed on the Treasury website: http://www.treasury.gov.za
The meeting approved the Diamond Export Levy Bill for public comment and
subsequent tabling in Parliament. In this regard, the Department of Minerals and
Energy and National Treasury were mandated to develop and publish guidelines on
all exemptions, relief and the exercise of other discretionary powers before the
enactment of the Bill. These guidelines will provide certainty for the industry
and potential investors. Cabinet approved the National Drug Master Plan
(2006/11) for implementation. The Plan outlines Government's strategy and programme
to fight the scourge of drug abuse in the country. The plan is in line with the
Treatment of Drug Dependency Act 20 of 1992, which requires Government to review
and implement such a plan every five years. The following Board and Council
appointments were made: - appointment of Directors of the Board of the
Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) with Mr P Baloyi as the Executive and
Managing Director
- a non-executive director to the Board of Eskom
- additional
five members to the Board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC)
- members
of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
The meeting welcomed
the opportunity afforded to South Africa to host the 4th World Congress on Rural
Women. This Congress will go a long way towards advancing the cause of rural women,
particularly in the developing world. This is yet another indication that the
world has confidence in the country's ability to be the host of choice for major
international events. We are confident that South Africans will welcome rural
women from around the world with warm and open arms. Enquiries: Themba
Maseko
Cell: 083 645 0810 Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
11
October 2006
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