Statement on Cabinet Meeting of 6 February 2008

Cabinet held its ordinary meeting in Cape Town this morning, 6 February 2008.

The meeting discussed the latest developments regarding the electricity emergency and noted that although the country still had the capacity to generate electricity, the reserve margin of between 8 and 10% continues to pose challenges which necessitate load-shedding in parts of the country. Government is satisfied that Eskom and the departments of Minerals and Energy, and of Public Enterprises are implementing plans to address the emergency situation in a co-ordinated manner and in consultation with the major energy users.

Government appeals to all businesses and individual households to participate in the campaign to save electricity by reducing consumption by 10%. This move will improve the electricity reserve margin and assist Eskom to reduce load shedding in the short term while implementing the medium to long-term measures to expand the country’s generation capacity.

Government will intensify interaction with major stakeholders to ensure their participation in the national effort to reduce demand. A special word of appreciation goes to all South Africans who are already saving energy in their homes, and to industry players, particularly the mining industry, for working with Eskom and government to help the country to manage this national emergency. Business Unity South Africa’s role and commitment to encourage all its affiliates to save 10% of energy is also acknowledged and welcomed.

The meeting received a report on the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Convention on Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions. The meeting noted that South Africa’s report in this regard was being finalised and will be submitted to the OECD Working Group during the course of February 2008.

Cabinet approved the programme for the Ministerial media briefings that are scheduled for the week of 11 to 15 February 2008 in Cape Town.

The following were appointments were approved:

• Ms PN Zikalala was appointed as Deputy Director-General in the Department of Minerals and Energy
• The following were appointed to the Board of the South African Weather Services: Ms K Njobe; Rev L Mbethe; Professor L Magi; Professor H Winkler; Mr W Msomi; Dr T Mali; Ms M Mokuena; Mr L Williams; Mr S Makhaye; Ms H Grobler (CFO), Dr L Makuleni (CEO) and Ms J Yawitch (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism Representative).
• The following were appointed as part-time members of the Competition Tribunal for a period of five years: Ms ND Orleyn; Mr L Reyburn; Mr M Madlanga and Dr N Theron.
• The following were approved as members of the Consumer Affairs Committee: Professor T Woker; Professor BC Dumisa; Ms OSM Davids; Mr LI Karp; Ms L Best; Ms M Mphahlele; Ms RS Nkosi; Ms PA Beck and Mr N Rau

Enquiries:

Themba Maseko (Government Spokesperson)
Cell: 083 645 0810

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
6 February 2008