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Date : 02/04/2003
Source: The Presidency
Title: J Zuma: Answers to Questions in NA


REPLY FROM THE DEPUTY PRESIDENT, MR J ZUMA TO QUESTIONS FOR ORAL REPLY IN THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, 2 April 2003

QUESTION NUMBER: 5

Mr F Beukman (New NP) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether the Government has taken steps with a view to discussions with North Korea on that country's withdrawal from the nuclear non-proliferation treaty; if not, why not; if so, what steps?

REPLY:

The answer to the Question is Yes.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs has held discussions with the Ambassador of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) to South Africa to express our concern about North Korea's withdrawal from the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and to call upon North Korea to reconsider its decision in the interests of international peace and security. We also advanced the view that our own experience has shown that South Africa's security and that of our neighbours was enhanced by the elimination of nuclear weapons as opposed to the inherent instability created by the retention of the nuclear weapons option. We expressed the belief - based on our experiences of the past - that there is more to be gained in terms of national, regional and international security from working within the non-proliferation regime, than from outside the system.

We have also made use of multilateral organisations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Non-Aligned Movement to express our concerns and to call on the parties directly concerned to resolve the matter through dialogue and negotiations.

QUESTION NUMBER: 7

Mr DM Dlali (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether, with reference to recent government statements which have drawn attention to a poverty trap which is associated with under-development, the Government intends taking any steps to overcome such poverty trap by means of a state-initiated programme to increase employment involving the public and private sectors, in addition to other poverty-reducing measures; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant detail?

REPLY

In his State of the Nation Address, the President made the observation that the government is well aware that there are many in our society who are unable to benefit directly from whatever our economy is able to offer. These include those on pensions and the very young. It however, also includes people who are unskilled and those with low levels of education in general. This is, as the President has argued, a reflection of the structural faults in our economy and society, which resulted in the fact that we have a dual economy and society. The one is modern and relatively well developed. The other is characterised by underdeveloped and an entrenched crisis of poverty.

To address this challenge government has and is currently introducing programmes to increase employment involving the public and private sectors. Amongst these are:

(a) A learnerships campaign which forms part of government's broader skills development strategy to provide workplace training and experience to the unemployed youth. Learnerships for unemployed youths will be created both within the public sector and private sector.

(b) An expanded public works program to facilitate and create employment opportunities for the poor, vulnerable and alienated groups through an integrated and co-ordinated labour based approach to government infrastructure delivery and service provision. This programme would be enhanced by the Consolidated Municipal Infrastructure Programme, which received R1 billion in the current budget for additional expenditure for labour-based infrastructure and investment services.

(c) Numerous job-creating poverty relief programmes, for example in tourism, conservation, arts and culture, which are aimed at providing poverty assistance as well as skills. Since the inception of special poverty relief allocations five years ago about R4, 5 billion has been spent on targeted employment, community development and relief projects.

QUESTION NUMBER: 6

Prof LM Mbadi (ANC) to ask the Deputy President:

(1) Whether the SA National AIDS Council (SANAC) has discussed the comprehensive HIV/AIDS strategy, which is under negotiation in Nedlac; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the position of SANAC in this regard and (b) when will a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy be fully implemented;

(2) Whether he endorses the view raised by the Minister of Health that people living with HIV/AIDS should follow a diet of garlic, onions, olive oil and African potatoes; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the scientific evidence in favour of such a diet and (b) how will people living with HIV/AIDS access such or any other product that is considered central to a beneficial diet;

(3) Whether SANAC has sought or received the advice of South African dieticians or nutrition experts in this regard; if not, why not; if so, what are the names and qualifications of the South African dieticians or nutrition experts whose views are most valued by SANAC?

REPLY

1. The answer to the Question is No; SANAC has not discussed the document being negotiated in Nedlac.

With regard to the 2nd part of the Question, South Africa has a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy namely the HIV/AIDS/STI Strategic Plan for South Africa 2000 - 2005.

This plan was launched in 2000 and is being implemented. A midterm review of the Strategic Plan will be conducted this year. This will inform the development of new policies and programmes to address any gaps.

2. Our strategy for dealing with HIV/AIDS is a comprehensive one. The treatment of the disease through medication is an important component. However in the light of the fact that there is as yet no cure for HIV/AIDS, we need to give attention to other elements as well.

It is an established fact that good nutrition can contribute to the general wellness of persons including those living with HIV/AIDS. In this regard I would like to quote from a recent statement from the Food and Agricultural Organisation and the World Health Organisation, which stated and I quote "By bolstering the immune system and boosting energy levels, balanced nutrition can help the body fight back against the ravages of the disease."

A wide range of micronutrients has been scientifically identified as very effective in boosting the immune system. I am informed that the foods mentioned by the Minister of Health are rich in a number of these.

Cabinet has directed a number of interventions this year in the area of food security and nutrition. The Department of Health has in particular, been tasked with exploring the use of nutritional supplements as part of the treatment plan for patients who are infected with TB and HIV, and those with AIDS. The proposed nutrition strategy will be implemented in the context of the Integration Nutrition Programme and the Poverty Eradication Strategy.

3. No.

QUESTION NUMBER: 8

Rev KRJ Meshoe (ACDP) to ask the Deputy President:

Whether the Government has taken any steps to help bring the war in Iraq to a speedy end, if not, why not, if so, what steps?

REPLY:

Yes.

South Africa is participating in the United Nations and other international multilateral organisations to call for an end to the war in Iraq.

The Troika of the Non-Aligned Movement stated on 19 March 2003 that military action outside of a Security Council mandate is in violation of the principles of international law and the UN Charter. The Statement also urged all concerned "to exert all efforts to urgently return to peaceful but firm methods in enforcing Iraqi compliance with relevant UNSC resolutions".

At the request of the Chair of the NAM and the Arab League, an emergency Open Debate in the Security Council was held on 26 March 2003 to discuss recommendations by the UN Secretary-General to address the current humanitarian crisis in Iraq. During the Debate, South Africa said that the war in Iraq must not be allowed to lead to the erosion of the principles and values that are contained in the Charter of the United Nations and called on the United Nations, as the primary institution that gives legality and legitimacy to our collective efforts to secure peace and security in the world, to play a central role in securing an immediate end to the war. South Africa also called on the parties involved in the war to meet their obligations under international humanitarian law, particularly those relating to civilians, and said that they carry the primary responsibility of ensuring that whatever assistance is required should be provided and should reach the innocent children, women and men suffering as a consequence of the military action. South Africa believes that the Security Council has a major role to play in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian relief to the Iraqi people.

Issued by The Presidency
2 April 2003

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