Issued by: GCIS
1 December 1999
At its meeting today, Cabinet was informed that the President was applying his mind to the list of proposed members of the SABC Board. As such, Cabinet agreed with the President's decision that the term of office of the current Board should be extended by a period of up to three months.
Cabinet noted the various activities arranged throughout the country to commemorate World AIDS Day, and it called on all our people to join hands in stemming the spread of HIV/AIDS. Appreciating the role that various sectors of civil society are playing in this campaign, Cabinet in principle accepted the proposal for the setting up of a National AIDS Council which will bring together government and various non-governmental organisations. The names are being finalised by the Presidency in consultation with relevant bodies, and they will be made known in due course.
The meeting received and noted the 3rd Quarterly Report of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee. Further, Cabinet approved the White Paper on South African Defence-Related Industries for consideration by Parliament.
Cabinet also noted the report on Y2K Readiness and Contingency Planning, and it expressed satisfaction at the progress that has been made in this regard. Cabinet wishes to reassure all South Africans that all measures are being taken - both in the public and private sectors - to ensure that there is no disruption in the transition to the Year 2000.
The meeting reviewed progress with regard to the finalisation of the National Coat of Arms. It was decided that the date of the launch should be delayed by a few months (from the 1st of January as earlier decided) in order to ensure that the final product meets all the criteria set by government.
Cabinet was briefed on the development of the Remuneration Policy for the Public Service as well as the Personnel Expenditure Review for 1999. The draft Policy will serve as a basis for negotiations with public service unions.
The meeting considered a number of proposed amendments to the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Bill, including a clear definition of targeted beneficiaries, and ceiling levels of contracts where direct preferences are utilised. These and other matters will be handled through the Parliamentary process. Other statutes approved for submission to Parliament are:
Cabinet approved the establishment of the Umsobomvu Fund as a Section 21 Company, with the responsibility of managing and disbursing funds for employment creation and skills development among the youth. The following members of the Board of Directors of the Fund were appointed:
Ms M Phetla, Mr J du Preez, Mr S Molautsi, Ms N Majija, Mr M Kekana, Adv R Moloko, and Mr NA Matlala. Other appointments which have been approved by Cabinet are:
The meeting also decided to extend the term of office of current part-time Members of the Board of Tariffs and Trade. It approved the names of members of the Consumer Affairs Committee which will be chaired by Adv RM Nzimande. It also appointed Trustees of the National Empowerment Fund.
Cabinet approved the establishment of an ad hoc Governmental Co-ordinating Committee chaired by the Minister of Welfare, which will oversee the activities of a Fund which is being set up to provide Humanitarian Aid to the People of Angola.
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
082-900-0083