STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING OF 23 AUGUST 2000

23 August 2000

At its meeting today, Cabinet noted developments in Zimbabwe with regard to the land reform programme; and it reiterated the commitment of the South African government to continue dialogue with the Zimbabwean government in pursuit of economic recovery and social stability.

Cabinet was briefed on the participation of government at the National Conference on Racism. The Conference will be opened by the President, and government Ministers will take part in various sessions to share their views on the need for speedier transformation of South African society.

Cabinet noted with concern the illness of Minister Joe Nhlanhla; and it expressed appreciation at the progress he was making towards full recovery.

The meeting adopted a draft Policy on the Future of the Private Security Industry. It also approved the Security Industry Regulation Bill, which introduces new regulations, sets standards and structures to ensure the industry as a whole operates in the public interest.

Cabinet received a briefing on progress with the initiation of a pilot savings scheme attached to lending for housing. It also approved the establishment of a National Housing Rental Development Entity to promote the delivery of rental housing.

The meeting approved the extension of fishing rights awarded for commercial fishing for the 2000 fishing season to 2001. It also noted the process that has been initiated to ensure more focussed attention to this industry, including the development of a policy framework for allocating fishing rights.

The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:

• SA Sports Commission Third Amendment Bill, which sets out responsibilities for the Commission and its relationship with the Ministry;
• Council for Medical Schemes Levies Bill, which deals with funding from the industry for the Council;
• Bill on the Africa Institute of SA, which defines the mandate of the institute;
• Mental Health Care Bill, to bring current legislation in line with the Constitution;
• Amendment to Chiropractors, Homeopaths and Allied Health Services Professions Act, which sets up a new integrated professions council and defines its mode of operation;
• Eskom Conversion Bill, which establishes Eskom as a limited liability company;
• Bill on the Academy of Sciences of SA, which establishes the Academy bringing together a wide variety of scientists from all disciplines;
• Financial Intelligence Centre Bill, which provides for the setting up of centre to deal with money-laundering, as envisaged in the Constitution;
• SA Reserve Bank Amendment Bill empowering the Governor to determine percentages for minimum reserve balances.

The meeting approved the structures and further interventions to speed up the Wild Coast Spatial Development Initiative. It also approved for submission to Parliament, the Protocol on the Development of Tourism in SADC, so that SA could formally accede to the Protocol.

The following appointments were made:

• Board of Tariffs and Trade, including Ms N Diseko as full-time chairperson and Mr A Kraamwinkel as full-time deputy chairperson;
• Ms KD McKenzie to the post of DDG for the Independent Complaints Directorate;
• Mr WR McKaiser to the post of SAPS Provincial Commissioner in the Northern Cape.

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

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