STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING - 29 MARCH 2000

Issued by GCIS

29 March 2000

At its meeting today, Cabinet was briefed on the allocation of Poverty Relief Funds to the Department of Welfare and the expenditure thereof. Details on this discussion are contained in the statements by the Deputy President and the Minister.

Cabinet was briefed on the progress with regard to the campaign against HIV/AIDS, including communication plans arising from research that has been conducted by Government Communications (GCIS). These matters will be made public after presentation at the next meeting of the National AIDS Council.

With regard to further scientific investigation on this issue, a Task Team was formed, made up of the Minister in the Office of the Presidency; and Ministers of Health; Arts, Culture, Science and Technology to take the matter forward. Details regarding the convening of the meeting of experts, who hold differing views on this issue, are being finalised.

As a follow-up to the decision by Cabinet to establish a special National Reconstruction Committee focusing on flood-ravaged areas, Cabinet agreed to set up a National Command Centre, which will be headed on a full-time basis by the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs. The Committee will be made up of officials from relevant departments, including the SANDF.

The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:

• National Youth Commission Amendment Bill which ensures a more streamlined organisation in terms of the number of full-time Commissioners;
• The National Council for Library and Information Services Bill which sets up a National Council to transform and regulate this sector.

The following appointments were made:

• Council of the South African Heritage Resources Agency;
  
• A Free State representative on the SA National Parks Board;
  
• Two Deputy DGs in the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

Cabinet congratulated the security agencies for the special operations aimed at reducing crime in designated areas of the country. It was also agreed that the Departments concerned would liaise with bodies such as the Human Rights Commission, to ensure that the actions of such bodies do not undermine the work of government in fulfilling its mandate.

Cabinet authorised the Minister of Justice to apply for leave to intervene in the action of South African citizens who worked in various asbestos mines owned by Cape Plc. The matter is to be heard before the House of Lords in the UK on 19 June 2000.

For further information contact: Joel Netshitenzhe, 082-900-0083