STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

At its regular meeting today, Cabinet was briefed by a delegation of the South African Football Association about the bid to host the 2006 Soccer World Cup. Cabinet noted the progress that has been made in this regard as well as broad indications of cost implications; and it decided to support the bid in principle, pending a final submission. It was also proposed that the preparatory process should be used as an opportunity to develop disadvantaged areas.

Cabinet also asked SAFA to convey its good wishes and those of the nation as a whole to Bafana Bafana in their World Cup campaign. The South African government will be represented at South Africa's opening match on 12 June by Deputy President Thabo Mbeki and Minister of Sport and Recreation, Steve Tshwete. Cabinet noted with appreciation the offers from the private sector to transport and host individual Ministers and Deputy Ministers at the World Cup, and decided that these offers should be declined, given the pressure of work.

Cabinet was briefed on developments surrounding the Rand, and noted the measures that the Reserve Bank has taken to contain the situation. It deemed these measures to be both effective and adequate.

The meeting noted the steps that have been taken by the relevant Ministries and agencies to investigate the thefts of armaments over the past few weeks, and to prevent such occurrences in the future. It expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be apprehended and brought to book.

Cabinet conferred additional decision-making powers on the Interdepartmental Team responsible for the winding down of the South African Housing Trust Limited, to help facilitate and streamline the processes that have been started in this regard.

The meeting also agreed that the government should accept a share-holding offer of up th 6% of the capital stock of the African Development Bank: the exact figure of which will be finalised in negotiations with our partners on the continent.

Cabinet approved the submission of the following legislation to Parliament:

• SA Civil Aviation Authority Bill and SA Civil Aviation Authority Levies Bill which propose the setting up of an independent regulatory authority and confers on it the power to impose levies on users;
• Companies Amendment Bill which brings clearing and settlement practices on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange in line with modern financial instruments and international practice;
• National Land Transport Interim Arrangements Bill which introduces immediate changes to the passenger transport system, pending its comprehensive restructuring;
• Employment of Educators Bill which regulates the employment of educators in line with broader education policies;
• Further Education and Training Bill which proposes the establishment of a single co-ordinated system for further education and training;
• South African Sports Commission Bill which aims at the setting up of such a Commission and outlines its powers and functions;
• Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Amendment Bill which provides for alternates in respect of certain members of the Judicial Service Commission, and changes the name of the Human Rights Commission to the SA Human Rights Commission;

A Bill providing for the determination of delegates and special delegates to the Council of Provinces as provided for in the Constitution; and

• Electoral Bill which deals with details of arrangements for the 1999 elections.

Cabinet also noted the reports on the Commissions of Inquiry into issues of boundaries in KwaZulu-Natal/Eastern Cape and Northern Cape/Northwest. It resolved that, where necessary, the principle that services can be provided across boundaries should be applied.

Cabinet approved the following appointments:

• Members of the Board of Directors of Denel;
• Members of the Council for Higher Education; and
• Members of the Board of Directors of the Municipal Infrastructure Investment Unit.

Cabinet concurred with the following appointments in the SANDF and Department of Defence:

• Major General LG Ramano as Chief of the South African Army with effect from 1 July 1998;
• Major General MJ Motau as Chief of Intelligence with effect from
• 1 July 1998;
• Major General PPJ Coetser as Chief of Logistics with effect from 1 April 1998;
• Major General D Ferreira as Chief of Joint Operations with effect from 1 April 1998; and
• A Ismail as Deputy Director-General responsible for Policy and Planning with effect from 1 April 1998.

Cabinet also approved the appointment of Jackie Selebi, who is currently a representative of the country at the United Nations in Geneva as the new Director-General of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

The relevant ministries and departments will assist with further clarification.

27 May 1998

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