STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING

Issued by: GCIS

In noting the apology of the Minister of Foreign Affairs from today's Cabinet meeting, Cabinet welcomed the progress that has been made in securing a cease-fire in the DRC. Cabinet also discussed the situation in the People's Republic of Angola, and its resolved that everything should be done to bring peace to that country. The meeting further tasked the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Welfare and others to urgently work out the modalities of humanitarian assistance in co-ordination with relevant NGO's and CBO's, as resolved by the recent summit of SADC.

The meeting was briefed on the preparations for the coming All Africa Games in which 50 countries and about 6 000 athletes will take part. Cabinet called on all South Africans to give these Games their support, as part of our contribution to the development of friendship and solidarity across the continent.

Cabinet also reviewed the situation in the Cape Flats affected by the recent disaster; and it agreed that President Thabo Mbeki would declare the affected localities a Disaster Area. The meeting welcomed the quick response of all spheres of government as well as various forms of assistance by non-governmental organisations and individuals, It tasked national departments to determine urgent possible assistance to the repair of infrastructure to private homes, schools, religious buildings and other establishments. A structure will be set up among all spheres of government to co-ordinate disbursement of disaster relief funds.

Cabinet approved the following appointments of Directors-General:

• Thami Sokutu Department of Public Works
  
• Robert Martin Adam Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
  
• Sivandra Gounden Department of Public Enterprises.
  

The meeting also noted that the Minister and Director-General of Sport and Recreation had come to an agreement that the DG would not renew his contract but would continue in the next few months to work in the establishment as advisor to the Minister. The post of DG will be advertised. The meeting also formally confirmed that Ms Ann Letsebe who was recently appointed as DDG: Cabinet Office would become the Deputy Cabinet Secretary.

On matters pertaining to the on-going task of dealing with crime and corruption, Cabinet approved the appointment by President Mbeki of Acting Justices TL Skweyiya and DB Ntsebenza from today until 31 December as additional members of the Special Tribunal in terms of the Special Investigation Units and Special Tribunals Act.

The meeting was briefed on the launch today of the Directorate of Special Operations, the Scorpions. Further, Cabinet noted the successes that have been made in Operation Monozite of the SAPS under the umbrella of the Joint Operational and Intelligence Structures. This was initiated on 24 June per instruction of the Minister of Safety and Security to improve visibility and launch special raids and roadblocks in areas affected by high levels of crime.

The meeting also approved the revamping of the VIP Protection Service with an independent budget, a representative management Board, a new Head and personnel selected from existing members and new recruits, as well as improved conditions of service.

The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:

• Education Laws Amendment Bill which improves management and process issues in the South African Schools Act, the National Education Policy Act, the South African Certification Council Act and the Employment of Educators Act;
  
• National Health Laboratory Services Bill, which creates a single entity as provider of pathology services to the public;
  
• Intelligence Services Control Amendment Bill, which deals with matters pertaining to the Inspector-General and procedures for the appointment of members of the Joint Standing Committee on Intelligence.
  
• Mutual Banks Amendment Bill which brings the Act in conformity with those of the Banks Act;
  
• Second Housing Amendment Bill which increases the responsibilities of Provincial MEC's for Housing.

The meeting expressed the hope that the meeting of the public service bargaining chamber on Thursday 2 September would resolve the current salary dispute.

01 September 1999

For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
0829000083