Issued by Government Communications (GCIS)
3 November 1999
At its meeting today, Cabinet approved the following appointments:
In addition, the following new members to the Board of Directors of the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) were approved:
A proposal to reshape a new identity for the Union Buildings was also approved, so that the current imbalances regarding the projection of South African culture and history at this important symbolic public site are addressed in an inclusive manner. This follows an inventory and assessment of the artworks, visual symbols and memorials at this historical seat of the executive. It is proposed that the current visual symbols be recontextualised to ensure that they reflect the totality of South African history and culture, and that a visitor exhibition, information and tourist centre be located at the Union Buildings as part of promoting the new corporate identity of a democratic South Africa. The reshaping of a new identity for Tuynhuys will also be undertaken by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology in collaboration with other government departments.
Cabinet also noted with concern misrepresentations in public discourse through the use of inaccurate statistics on levels of rape, child abuse and crime in general in South Africa, and proposed an investigation in this regard. Such inaccuracies lend themselves to hyperbole, and thus negatively project an image across the world of a country in crisis. This being said, Cabinet expressed serious concern about the high incidence of rape in the country.
On economic matters, Cabinet approved that draft legislation be submitted to Parliament to enable the Department of Finance to effect the taking over of the R1,3-billion South African Airways (SAA) debt from Transnet. The taking over of the debt will be effected by a swap of Transnet's T11 stock for tradable Government bonds. The proceeds on the 20% sale of SAA to Swiss Air will be shared in the same proportion with Transnet as the debt being shared.
Cabinet also approved the introduction of the Tourism Second Amendment Bill, 1999, to Parliament during this year. Other than in instances where the Constitution requires a Council or Board of a Government institution to be appointed on the advice of Parliament or a committee thereof, all future controlling boards or councils of Government institutions should be appointed by the relevant Minister after concurrence with the President in Cabinet.
The South African Communications Regulatory Authority Bill has been approved for submission to Parliament with certain amendments. This decision would give effect to the merger between the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA).
For further information, contact Portia Maurice at 082 5754 132.
Have a nice day!