Issued by: GCIS
12 April 2000
Cabinet was today briefed on the work of the Command Centre dealing with reconstruction in the areas affected by the flood disaster. Progress has been made with regard to identifying and attending to priority areas; and issues of funding across departmental budgets are being resolved.
Long-term issues, such as relocation of communities, construction of dams, quality of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, are also receiving attention both within South Africa and in the consultations with SADC members. The Command Centre will give a detailed briefing on these issues in due course.
The meeting was briefed on the preparations for the State Visit by president Jlang Zemin of the PRC from 24 to 27 April, including the various bilateral issues pertaining to trade and investment. The meeting also reviewed preparations for the Second Session of the Bi-National Commission with Nigeria which takes place from 26 to 29 April.
The following appointments were either noted or approved:
Cabinet was briefed on the financial position of the Government Employees Pension Fund for the financial year ending 31 March 2000. It was noted that, in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) and Rules of the Fund, these were the first ever set of unqualified financial statements for the fund since its establishment in May 1996.
Cabinet approved South Africa's accession to membership of the Group of 24 on international monetary affairs (G-24 now G-27) at the invitation of the Chairperson. This body deals with the harmonisation of monetary policy among developing countries and their contribution to the work of the Bretton Woods institutions.
As part of the restructuring of the South African Post Office Limited (SAPOL), Cabinet approved new Articles and Memorandum of Association for the Post Office.
The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:
Cabinet was briefed on recent developments in the national cricket team. Government concurs with the United Cricket Board that a Commission of Inquiry, headed by a Judge, should be set up to examine allegations made against the cricketers. Such a Commission will be required to work expeditiously, and where necessary, consult with the Indian authorities.
While an element of this problem has been dealt with in the acknowledgement made yesterday, the South African government does not have any intention to protect or prejudice any suspects in alleged criminal conduct during the recent Indian tour. Government will co-operate fully with the Indian authorities and the International Cricket Council, because it is our conviction that these investigations should help more comprehensively to deal with an unfortunate trend in the sport, and restore public confidence in South African and International cricket.
Cabinet gave approval for Eskom to continue with a detailed feasibility study on the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PMBR). This will also allow Eskom to proceed with an environmental impact assessment for which public consultation is required. Cabinet approval will further be required before the Project proceeds to the next phase: i.e. construction of a demonstration plant and nuclear commissioning.
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
082-900-0083