STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

At its regular meeting today, 29 July 1998, Cabinet was briefed on developments in the Richmond area of KwaZulu-Natal. The meeting noted the decision of the Ministry of Defence to deploy an additional Company of the SANDF to help stabilise the area.

Noting the latest attacks on the community, Cabinet was at one that sinister forces are responsible for the murders. The attacks on communities, including the latest developments in Gugulethu in the Western Cape are not a reflection of a community upsurge, but activities of professional killers. The task of government is to implement an intelligence-driven campaign which will see to the apprehension and prosecution of these killers.

Cabinet expressed its condolences to the next-of-kin of the victims; and it wishes to assure the nation that government will do everything in its power to ensure that this campaign of senseless violence is nipped in the bud. In this regard, the Cabinet Committee on Security an Intelligence will remain seized of this matter; including holding a special meeting in the next few days to examine the efficacy6 of current operational programmes.

Cabinet was also briefed about the situation in Angola, in particular discussions that the Deputy President held with leaders of Southern Africa recently in Namibia. Cabinet noted the initiatives that these leaders are undertaking to try and resolve the crisis.

The meeting discussed the policy and programme of government with regard to the issue of the African Renaissance, the details of which will be announced by the Deputy-President in the coming days.

Cabinet also noted the progress in the preparations for the Jobs Summit; and it approved the approach of government in its discussions with various role players, to ensure that the Summit comes up with practical proposals to speed up the process of job-creation.

Cabinet approved the establishment of a Forum of Directors-General as part of the institutions which will enhance good governance and inter-government relations across the two spheres of government.

The meeting adopted the proposal to set up a Commission of Inquiry on the issue of compensation and benefits to road accident victims. It also decided to REVIEW the ban on the import of beef from the United Kingdom, which was introduced some two years ago in the wake of the so-called "mad cow disease". This WILL BE DONE in line with decisions taken by the European Union and other countries - with regard particularly to imports from Northern Ireland - given that this danger is effectively being eliminated.

Cabinet also supported the initiative to launch, in the near future, a massive Environmental Management Campaign. It also approved the following matters on international relations:

• submit to parliament Conventions of the International Labour Organisation of Employment Agencies;
• the trade offer of South Africa to the member states of the SADC;
• the programme towards finalising outstanding matters regarding the South African Customs Union; and

That South Africa should join the United Nations Development Organisation (UNIDO).

Cabinet approved the submission of the following Bills to Parliament:

• Meat Safety Bill, which revises the concept of meat safety to improve controls;
• National Payments System Bill, which improves the framework for the conduct of the payment system;
• Insurance Second Amendment Bill which updates regulations in this area, taking into account the issue of demutualisation;
• South African Medicines and Medical Devices Bill which addresses issues of traditional medicines and the constitution of a body to replace the Medicines Control Council;
• Deeds Registries Amendment Bill which introduces relevant technical amendments to the existing Act;
• Amended Tobacco Products Control Bill which introduces new regulations to discourage the habit and protect non-smokers;
• Medical Schemes Draft Bill which introduces new regulations to govern these schemes;
• Social Work Amendment Bill which proposes the establishment of a new Council for Social Service Professionals;
• Recognition of Customary Marriages Bill;
• Local Government Affairs Council Bill which dissolves the Council;
• Labour Appeal Court Sitting as a Special Tribunal Bill, which allows this body to assist in the process of rationalisation in the SANDF;
• Executive Ethics Bill which enables the President to proclaim a code of ethics for members of the Executive; and
• National Conventional Arms Control Bill which sets out regulatory mechanisms with regard to trade in armaments.

Cabinet approved the White Paper on Integrated Pollution and Waste Management. It also confirmed the programme towards the establishment of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities.

Cabinet was also briefed on the services taking place today in London, to honour and send of the remains of Father Trevor Huddleston. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alfred Nzo will tomorrow morning arrive with the ashes of this great anti-apartheid campaigner. They will be received at Johannesburg International Airport by Deputy-President Thabo Mbeki and transported to the Sophiatown Church where he will be laid to rest. In honour of this occasion, flags at the seat of government in both capitals will fly at half mast.

The Cabinet meeting approved the appointment of Bulelani Ngcuka as National Director of Public Prosecutions, and it wished him well in his new responsibilities.

29 July 1998

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