20 November 2003
Cabinet yesterday considered the Operational Plan for Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Treatment and Care, which it had (in August this year) asked the Department of Health to prepare. The meeting in principle approved the Plan and instructed the Department of Health to proceed with implementation. The Plan provides for, among other things, anti-retroviral treatment in the public health sector. [A detailed statement in this regard was issued by the Minister of Health yesterday, 19 November 2003].
The meeting was given a comprehensive briefing on the National Road Safety Campaign, which focuses on both short- and medium-term interventions in order to reduce the number of accidents on our roads. Among the observations in the report, is the fact that the primary causes of accidents include driver fitness and attitudes as well as vehicle fitness. With regard to the latter, the issue of appropriate mechanisms of censure against owners of heavy-duty vehicles, taxis and buses comes out in bold relief.
The Safety Campaign will be intensified during the holiday season, with additional resources dedicated to consistent and more effective preventative activity all-year round.
Cabinet noted progress in preparation for the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against and Children (starting on 25 November), and called on all South Africans to join in the effort to fight the scourge of women and child abuse.
The following appointments were approved:
- new Directors to the Board of the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC);
- members of the Board of the SA Post Office (SAPO);
- Board of Directors of the Onderstepoort Biological Products Ltd, chaired by Mr CS Makama; and
- one Deputy Director-General each in the Department of Public Works and StatsSA.
Cabinet discussed amendments to the Electoral Laws Amendment Act, aimed at regularising terminology in relation to persons with disabilities. The amendments also address the issue of allowing citizens ordinarily resident in South Africa, but who will be out of the country on election day next year, to cast their votes. These amendments will be submitted to Parliament after relevant consultations have been completed. The meeting also approved the White Paper on Renewable Energy.
Cabinet welcomed the opportunities presented by our hosting of the President's Cup, bringing together top golfers from across the world. Government also wishes to congratulate the South African team, which won the World Cup of Golf last week, for the fifth time.
Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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