Issued by: GCIS
At its meeting today, Cabinet in principle adopted a new system of Cabinet Committees to replace the current system. This restructuring is aimed at facilitating greater integration in the operation of departments in line with the priorities of the new government. The new Cabinet Committees are: Social Sector, Economic Sector, Investment and Employment, International Relations, Crime Prevention and Integrated Justice Sector, and Governance and Administration. Details on the operation of the new system and time frames for its introduction are being finalised.
Cabinet approved a comprehensive plan for the employment of Directors-General in various areas of responsibility.
This plan, finalised by the President in consultation with the relevant Ministers, is aimed at the optimum utilisation of the skills available at the highest level of the public sector, in order to ensure even more effective implementation of the government's programme. The decisions are in line with the provisions of the Public Service Act and other relevant statutes.
In this regard, Cabinet approved the appointment of the following Directors-General, who are being transferred from other areas of responsibility:
The contract of the National Commissioner of Police, George Fivaz expires in January 2000; and the Cabinet has granted his wish to retire from active police service. While Jackie Selebi's appointment will come into effect then, he will work in the Office of the National Commissioner as Special Advisor from the beginning of November.
In respect of the Safety and Security Secretariat, it has been agreed that Azhar Cachalia will be granted the opportunity to pursue his professional career. The Minister is convinced that, given his experience and insight, Cachalia will remain in the broader service of the national effort to deepen our culture of human rights and the fight against crime.
Minister Mohammed Valli Moosa and Director-General Patrick Fitzgerald considered the possibility of the Director-General taking up a position in another area of responsibility within the public service. They came to the common understanding that Fitzgerald should be allowed to pursue other interests. In the meantime, he will continue in an advisory capacity to the Minister.
A common understanding has also been reached between Director-General Lucienne Abrahams and Minister Zola Skweyiya that Abrahams will pursue other interests. The same applies to Cassim Gassiep in the Department of State Expenditure. Cabinet has also accepted the request by Director-General of Land Affairs, Jeff Butlender to pursue a career outside the public service.
It should also be pointed out that the President has accepted the resignation of the former Director-General of Home Affairs. As far as Government is concerned, this matter is closed.
In instances where new Directors-General have not been appointed, such as Foreign Affairs, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, the Public Service Commission, Land Affairs, as well as Secretaries for Defence and Safety and Security, the posts will be advertised through the normal processes governing public service employment. In the meantime, where applicable, individuals will be appointed in an acting capacity.
Cabinet and the President in particular, wish to congratulate the new appointees and to wish them the best in their new responsibilities. Special thanks are due to all Directors-General who will be leaving their posts, for the dedicated manner in which they have served this government and the people of South Africa.
Following the Commonwealth's suspension of Pakistan, Cabinet, on the advice of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee decided that export permits of military material to Pakistan, now before the Committee would not be processed until further notice; and no new permits would be entertained by the Committee. The NCAC will review the situation from time to time. The following Bills, statutes and agreements were approved for submission to Parliament:
The following other appointments were made:
Cabinet approved the introduction of inflation targeting as part of the framework for monetary policy in South Africa. The Ministry of Finance and the SA Reserve Bank will finalise details in this regard.
Cabinet noted a briefing on Y2K readiness and contingency planning, and expressed its appreciation of the fact that such high-risk areas as electricity, water, communications, transport and health services had completed their remedial programmes. It agreed to establish operational centres in all three spheres of Government to manage the Y2K phenomenon.
The meeting also considered matters pertaining to the Budget; and part of the session was attended by Provincial Premiers and MEC's for Finance.
20 October 1999
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Joel Netshitenzhe 082-900-0083