14 May 2003
Cabinet was today briefed on the programme for the celebration of May 25, Africa Day, which this year marks the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity. In addition to special events prior to Africa Day, for the youth, the multi-disciplinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) cultural programme and a Presidential banquet on the eve of Africa Day, there will be a mass celebration on Sunday, 25 May, at the Johannesburg Stadium in Gauteng.
Government calls on all South Africans to join in these celebrations, both to express our gratitude for the role that the people of Africa played in our own liberation, and to renew our pledge to ensure that our continent becomes a better place for all her people. Dignitaries from various African countries will join South Africans in these activities.
The meeting reiterated government’s decision about new measures to enhance rural security, including a six-year transition from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) commando system to the South African Police Service (SAPS) sector policing system which includes SAPS reservists. It emphasised, as the President recently explained, that this would be handled in such a way that there would be no vacuum at any point in the transition: there is no “phasing out” of security for rural communities.
The SAPS and SANDF are planning jointly to deal with such matters as deployments, infrastructure and finances regarding the transition and the new system. An audit of existing Commando Units would be completed by the end of the year; and the public will be kept informed and requested to make a contribution to this process.
Cabinet approved for submission to Parliament, the Protocol of Amendment to the International Convention of the Simplification and Harmonisation of Customs Procedures and the Convention on Temporary Admissions.
Cabinet approved the signing of a treaty between SA and Namibia on the establishment, development and management of the !Ai-!Ai/Richtersveld Transfrontier Park.
The following appointments were approved:
- Barry Gilder as Director-General: Department of Home Affairs for a period of three years with immediate effect;
- Vusimuzi Madonsela as Director-General: Department of Social Development for a period of three years;
- Extension of term of office of members of the Executive Committee of the Films and Publication Board;
- Members of the Immigration Advisory Board as required by Immigration Act of 2002;
- Members of the Board of the National Library of SA;
- Members of the SA Bureau of Standards (SABS) Council; and
- Members of the Estate Agency Affairs Board;
- Board of the National Arts Council; and
- Extension of the Board on Tariffs and Trade, with Ms NP Maimela as Chairperson.
Cabinet considered a report on the Bid for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, and expressed its appreciation of the multifaceted partnerships developing around this campaign. Having considered some of the requirements devolving on government, Cabinet agreed in principle to set up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to oversee government’s input into the process. It also undertook, to pass or amend legislation, where necessary, to comply with all the guarantees required by FIFA. The Bid Committee will be invited to make a formal presentation to Cabinet in the near future.
Cabinet approved the following with regard the restructuring of state assets:
- Two preferred bidders for eight remaining Aventura Resorts and Aventura HQ: Forever Siyonwaba Resorts Consortium and IL Leisure Consortium. Negotiations will start immediately with the aim of concluding the sale agreement.
- Short-list of 6 bidders for the Komatiland Forests package: Bonhuer Consortium; Pamodzi Consortium; Paharpur Cooling Towers; Sappi Consortium; SFM/Londimvelo Consortium; and Miri Consortium. The next phase in this regard will be an Information memorandum and Invitation to Offer.
Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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