STATEMENT ON CABINET MEETING - 27 JUNE 2001

Issued by: Government Communications

27 June 2001

Cabinet today received a report on developments around South African Airways. A full statement on this matter is attached.

The meeting also considered a number of matters pertaining to the restructuring of other State-owned enterprises, including welcome progress towards Telkom's Initial Public Offering, immediate action with regard to aspects of SAFCOL, and a vision for the development and transformation of DENEL.

The following Bills were approved for submission to parliament:

• Education Laws Amendment Bill which introduces amendments to a number of education laws;
• Higher Education Amendment Bill which provides for amendments to the Act and repeals the Certification Council For Technikon Education Act;
• General and Further Education and Training Quality Assurance Bill which provides for the establishment of a Quality Assurance Council and repeals the SA Certification Council Act;
• Natural Scientific Professions Bill which introduces measures to ensure efficient management and procedures of appointment in this sector;
• Judicial Matters Amendment Bill which rectifies deficiencies in various laws administered by the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development;
• Interim Rationalisation of Jurisdiction of High Courts Bill, which allows the Minister to alter territorial jurisdictions of courts;
• Land and Agricultural Development Bank of SA Bill, which establishes the Land and Agricultural Bank.

Cabinet also approved the White Paper on Spatial Planning and Land use.

The following appointments were approved:

• Two members of the Board of the SA Botanical Institute;
• Peter Masemola to the position of Chief Operating Officer of SA Post Office Ltd;
• Ms Maria Ramos as DG of National Treasury whose contract has been renewed for 3 years;
• Mr Billy Masetlha, DG of Home Affairs whose contract has been renewed for 12 months.

Cabinet also received an update on the temporary fuel supply shortage, and noted that the situation was under control. It congratulated the various stakeholders for their efficient management of the situation.

The meeting supported the position of the Minister of Agriculture and Land Affairs regarding unlawful occupation of land.

Cabinet also noted a report on capacity building in the area of housing construction which, among others, has seen to the training of 2 697 provincial and local government officials and councillors by various academic institutions. The meeting also noted plans by the Department of Housing to regulate the use of earth brick-building technology.

Contact: Joel Netshitenzhe on 082-900-0083