Issued by: Government Communications
The Commission on Gender Equality has welcomed the announcement by President Thabo Mbeki that his new Cabinet will have "100% more women". The new Cabinet, which was announced last week, has women in charge of foreign affairs, Health, the Public Service, Minerals and Energy Affairs, Communications, Housing and Land Affairs. The number of women deputy ministers has also been increased. According to Womensnet, women now make up 38.09% of ministers and deputy ministers.
Joyce Piliso-Seroke, Chairperson of the Commission on Gender Equality, commented that the increase in the number of women ministers could only have a positive effect on governance and democracy. "The women in President Mbeki's Cabinet bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise," she said. Seroke also stated: "The Commission has often expressed its concern about the under-representation of women in South African public life and decision-making structures. This is a step in the right direction and we commend the President for his commitment to gender equality."
A full list of women elected to parliament is available on the Womensnet Website: http://womensnet.org.za/election
For more information contact Kubeshni Govender on 083 273 8428 or (011) 4037182
22 Jun 1999 8:33