Statement on Cabinet meeting of 22 June 2005

22 June 2005

President Thabo Mbeki today informed Cabinet of his decision to appoint Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka as Deputy President of the Republic. The President has further appointed Ms Lindiwe Hendricks as Minister of Minerals and Energy, as well as two Deputy Ministers in Trade and Industry: Mr Rob Davies and Ms Elizabeth Thabethe.

Cabinet received reports on the implementation of government's Programme of Action. It welcomed the progress being made in the work of all the Clusters, especially in instances where the deadlines set have been met. Attention was paid to those areas where there are constraints, and each Cluster will ensure that issues raised are addressed. Further discussion on some of the strategic issues will take place at the Cabinet lekgotla during the third week of July.

The Clusters will brief the media on these reports in the coming few days.

The meeting was briefed on various activities planned for the coming week-end to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Freedom Charter. Ministers and Deputy Ministers will take part in these events, including the People's Assembly arranged by Parliament. The Freedom Charter, adopted during the struggle against apartheid when the majority of South Africans were denied the possibility of belonging to political parties and excluded from parliament, is a common heritage of all South Africans. It not only played a seminal role in mobilising South Africans towards a just and free society; but also, its ideals served as a basis for the country's constitution.

Cabinet noted latest developments regarding the peace process in Burundi, and the role that the SANDF is playing as part of the UN Mission (ONUB) in that country. It was agreed that the SANDF deployment in Burundi would be extended until 31 March 2006.

Having been informed of discussions around the hosting of the 2014 Commonwealth Games, Cabinet decided that South Africa should support Nigeria's bid to host this event. Government will work with regional and continental bodies to ensure that Nigeria's bid in this regard succeeds.

The following appointments were approved:
 

• Extension of the term of Denver Hendricks as DG: Sports and Recreation for a period of 3 years;
• GJ Kruser as Divisional Commissioner (DDG) in SAPS responsible for training;
• Board of the National Research Foundation, chaired by Prof BD Reddy;
• Extension of the term of the Board of the IDC by a period not exceeding three months; and
• National Council for Correctional Services, chaired by Justice S Desai.

Having reviewed progress in meeting the country's energy needs in the medium-term, Cabinet agreed that Eskom would be required to meet new generation base load capacity up 2012 by building, among others, Closed Cycle Gas Turbines. Further, an open tender will be issued to invite Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to build, own and operate a base load Power Station for commissioning in the next 8 to 10 years. New future generating capacity projects will be commissioned on a 70:30 split between Eskom and IPPs.

The meeting approved the establishment of an Inter-departmental Task Team to investigate issues pertaining to the Liquidations Industry. The Team will report, among others, on business rescue and judicial management, a Code of Conduct for the Masters' Offices and the Liquidations Industry, and the overall regulation of the industry. It was also greed to set up an Inter-ministerial Committee on Climate Change.

The ICASA Amendment Bill was approved for submission to Parliament. The Bill deals with the strengthening of the regulator in the light of changes in the telecommunications environment.

Cabinet deliberated on, and approved, Prosecutorial Policy and Directives relating to prosecution of criminal matters arising from political conflicts of the past. The guidelines take forward issues arising from the TRC Report, and the decision of government that there would not be a general amnesty - but also that these issues would be handled in a manner that promotes national unity, reconciliation and the interests of those who suffered gross violation of their human rights. The Policy and Directives will be submitted to Parliament for consideration.

Cabinet welcomed the progress that has been made by eminent persons responsible for the implementation of the African Peer Review Mechanism. Combined with the implementation of a number of socio-economic projects in various parts of the continent, the resolution of conflicts, and popular democratic processes, the release of the reports on Ghana and Rwanda marks a critical milestone in the practical realisation of the objectives of the African Union. This development also takes place in a year of opportunity for African development, reflected in part by joint efforts to ensure that the coming G8 Summit takes practical decisions which will result in increased support for Africa's efforts to improve the quality of life of its citizens.

Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

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