STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING 17 FEBRUARY 1990

Issued by: Office of the President

Cabinet held its regular meeting 17 February 1999

The meeting was briefed on details of the Budget Speech to be presented in Parliament this afternoon by Minister Trevor Manuel.

The meeting agreed on principles and mechanisms regarding the allocation of the special funds budgeted for poverty alleviation, infrastructure development and job-creation. An announcement on allocatons for the year 1999/2000 will be made in due course. The meeting also approved the Division of Revenue Bill, 1999.

Cabinet reviewed recent developments with regard to the draft Trade Agreement with the European Union. Cabinet affirmed that government would not re-open discussion on issues that had been delicately agreed upon after much negotiation and compromise on both sides. It also reiterated the position of the government that the negotiations and ensuing draft agreement were entered into with the European Union and not any of the individual countries per se.

Cabinet confirmed the principle that it was inappropriate for parastatals to make contributions of whatever kind to political parties; and it was agreed that such boards, institutions and parastatals in all spheres of government should have a policy framework ensuring that this principle is observed.

The meeting confirmed the strategy for the implementation of the Counterfeit Goods Act of 1997, and resolved that Departments should work out ways of supporting the strategy.

Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Consultative Forum on Human Rights to oversee the implementation of the National Action Plan on Human Rights. This body will be made up of representatives of government at national and provincial levels, as well as the state institutions responsible for supporting and promoting human rights.

On reviewing matters pertaining to crime in parts of the country, the meeting tasked relevant structures to give urgent attention to rectifying any legislative short-comings constraining the work of security agencies. However, it was emphasised that there was no intention, on the part of this government, to re-introduce detention-without-trial.

Cabinet approved the submission of the following Bills to Parliament:

• Sentech Bill, which brings the control of this body in line with corporate governance structures;
• Amendment to Competition Act of 1998, which is aimed at ensuring an orderly transition in the operations of the current Competitions Board;
• Judicial Matters Amendment Bill which allows for delegation of some powers to the Deputy Ministers of Justice;
• Interception and Monitoring Prohibition Amendment Bill which provides for powers to security agencies which are consonant with latest communications technology;
• South African Sports Commission Amendment Bill which provides for full- time chairperson and deputy chairperson of the Commission and for processes towards the establishment of the Commission; and
• Military Discipline Supplementary Measures Bill which enables military courts to function within the parameters of the recent court judgement and the Constitution.

17 February 1999

For more Information contact:

Joel Netshitenzhe

082-900-0083