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The Presidency and Cabinet are fully seized with the implementation of the findings of the Public Protector Report on the Declaration of Interests by the Executive.

The Presidency has noted media reports which may have created an impression of laxity which is incorrect. The Public Protector's report is being treated with the seriousness it deserves and everything will be done to ensure compliance.

The Public Protector, in Paragraph 7.1 of her report, recommended a review of the Executive Ethics Code. The Public Protector had found that there was merit in the Presidency's concern regarding anomalies in the Executive Ethics Act, which include lack of clarity regarding who the President should approach for permission to accept gifts of a value that exceeds R1000 as envisaged in section 4.2 of the Code.

In the meeting held on 5 May 2010, Cabinet decided that the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development and The Presidency will review the Executive Ethics Code to address the gaps that have been identified in the Public Protector's report.

The Cabinet also agreed that the gaps identified need to be addressed within a more comprehensive review of the Code itself in order to clarify and align all relevant aspects of the Code so as to ensure unambiguous understanding and a clearer adherence regime.

The Department of Justice and Constitutional Department is working on the review, while the Presidency is also seized with the implementation of the recommendations relating to strengthening systems within The Presidency to ensure more effective management of the implementation of the Code by all members of the Executive.

The Presidency has also informed the National Assembly and the Office of the Public Protector about the comprehensive review undertaken and further indicated that more time is required to carry out the review. After the review is completed it will be presented to Cabinet for approval.