STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING - 31 JANUARY 2001

Issued by: Government Communications

31 January 2001

At its meeting today, Cabinet continued the process of preparations for the State of the Nation Address by President Thabo Mbeki to be presented in Parliament on 9 February. Debate on the Address will take place on 13 and 14 February, with the President's closing remarks on Thursday, 15 February. During the week of 12-16 February, clusters of Ministers will brief the media on details of the government's programme for the year.

Cabinet was briefed on the work of the delegation, led by the President, at the recent World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos. Cabinet expressed its appreciation of the fact that the world corporate leadership, economists and other participants have indicated their support for the programme, presented by President Mbeki and other African leaders, to partner Africa in her renewal. They also noted massive interest in South Africa, and the concurrence of views on such issues as increased investment and the challenge to deal with the twin problems of poverty and disease.

The meeting discussed logistical matters pertaining to preparations for the World Conference Against Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance.

The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:

• Special Investigating Units and Special Tribunals Amendment Bill, which brings the relevant Act in line with the ruling of the Constitutional Court;
• Export Credit and Foreign Investment Re-insurance Amendment Bill, which deals with matters of credit, investment risk and the formation of a specialised Export Credit Agency;
• Copyright Amendment Bill, which seeks equitable regulation of relations among artists, broadcasters and recording companies;
• Performers Protection Amendment Bill, which complements amendments to the Copyright Act;
• Counterfeit Goods Amendment Bill, which brings our intellectual property rights regime further in line with TRIPS (Trade Related Aspects on Intellectual Property Rights);
• Trade Practices Amendment Bill, which strengthens penalties on harmful trade practices, and takes into account new marketing practices;
• Patents Amendment Bill, which grants non-patent attorneys a right of appearance before the Commissioner of Patents;
• Merchandise Marks Amendment Bill, which brings provisions of the relevant Act in line with current legislation and SA's international obligations;
• Consumer Affairs (Unfair Business Practices) Amendment Bill, which takes on board rulings of the Constitutional Court;
• Companies Amendment and Close Corporations Amendment Bills, which allow and recognise electronic processing of documents and disclosure of information.

Cabinet approved the appointment of the Chairperson (Mr MB Damane) and Directors of the Board of the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) Association.

Contact: Joel Netshitenzhe on 082 900 0083