5 December 2001
At its meeting today, Cabinet noted the formation of a new administration in the Western Cape, and welcomed the fact that this would strengthen co-operative governance across the country.
The meeting considered and approved a recommendation for the disposal of Transnet’s 51% stake in Air Chefs (Pty) Ltd, with 10% allocated to the National Empowerment Fund, 20% reserved for Black Economic Empowerment and 21% to a Strategic Equity Partner.
Cabinet considered progress on the development of strategies to ensure an integrated approach to housing development. It welcomed the report on the Human Settlement Redevelopment Programme, which involves 43 projects costing about R100m, a number of which are in the urban renewal and rural development nodes. The programme includes such issues as integration of communities, economic opportunities, infrastructure and long-term development planning.
Cabinet also approved a new allocation formula for housing funds to Provinces, which would be broader than the consideration of income of less than R3 500 per month, to include weighting on the basis of the number of homeless people, and people living in shacks, backyards, rooms and flats. Among the consequences of this is that urban areas, where greater need has been identified, will receive more funds than rural areas.
Also considered and approved was the extension of the Rapid Land Release process, already being carried out in some provinces, for implementation at national level. This provides for access to land, tenure security and basic levels of service, particularly for those who have not as yet accessed the housing subsidy. Provision in this regard will be made for future upgrading of such settlements in accordance with national norms and standards.
The meeting was briefed on progress with regard to the development of Coega (Nqurha) port; and it approved the application to designate Coega as an Industrial Development Zone. The meeting also noted progress in the implementation of recommendations of the Mining Summit, and resolved to strengthen active partnership among the tri-partite partners as well as joint operations among various government departments.
Cabinet approved the signing of Memoranda of Understanding relating to the operations of SADC in the financial area, by the Minister of Finance. These relate to macroeconomic convergence and co-operation in taxation and related matters.
The following appointments were approved:
- Council of the Robben Island Museum;
- Mr KJ Moloi to the Board of Air Traffic and Navigation Services Company Limited;
- Non-executive Directors of the Board of Aventura Limited;
- Regulatory Committee as well as the Board of the SA Weather Service.
Cabinet noted the coming state visit by President Thabo Mbeki to the People’s Republic of China, which will coincide with the first session of the China/SA Bi-National Commission. Among issues that will feature in the discussions are: taking forward the provisions of the Pretoria Declaration signed when President Jiang Zemin visited SA last year, vision of future co-operation between the two countries and detailed agreements on such matters as minerals and mining.
Cabinet again reflected on the incidents of rape and violent attacks on women and children, and agreed that a special discussion would be held at the Cabinet lekgotla in January. The comprehensive discussion will include statistics and trends of these incidents, relevant legislation, application of existing laws and preparations for the Moral Regeneration Summit.
Noting that many incidents of law-breaking take place during the holiday period, Cabinet called on all South Africans to exercise maximum care in this period and to avoid the kind of indulgence such as alcohol abuse, which results in road accidents, assaults and other criminal acts.
The meeting was briefed on progress with regard to the finalisation of crime statistics on the basis of improved gathering and processing methodologies that have been introduced. Details on this matter will be presented to the public during the course of next week.
Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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