5 November 2003
At its meeting today, Cabinet noted preparations for the Voter Registration weekend of 8 - 9 November, and its importance in preparing for successful elections next year. Government wishes to join the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in calling on all South Africans to use this chance to register or to check if their names are on the voters' roll.
Even if an individual has not yet decided which party s/he would vote for, or whether s/he would come out to vote, it is advisable to register; and then take one's own time to decide on these matters. For any queries or advice on voter registration, citizens can use the toll-free number 0800 11 8000 or http://www.elections.org.za.
Government also wishes to call on the media to assist the IEC in its campaign for South Africans to exercise their right to vote and strengthen our democracy.
The meeting received a briefing on the Strategic Industrial Projects (SIP) Programme, an incentive scheme to encourage investment by both local and foreign investors. It noted improvements in the functioning of the system, and the fact that R4, 7 billion has been committed to date, out of a total allowance of R10 billion set aside for the SIP over a period of five years ending July 2005.
Cabinet congratulated SAFA, the SA World Cup Bid Committee and South Africans across all facets of society for the manner in which the country presented its readiness to host Soccer World Cup 2010, during the visit of the FIFA Bid Evaluation Committee. Government is convinced, as are all South Africans, that the FIFA inspection team leaves our shores having appreciated not only our country's technical preparedness, but also the commitment of government and the people of our country to host the 2010 World Cup.
The meeting concurred with the (re-) appointment of members of the Board of Directors of the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).
Cabinet noted progress in developing an implementation strategy for the National Youth Service (NYS), the architecture and approach of which were adopted by Cabinet last March. The programme is targeted at students in higher and further education and training, unemployed young people and young people in conflict with the law. It will be implemented through various partner organisations such as the National and Provincial Youth Commissions, Umsobomvu Fund and various government departments, and will include such activities as community development work, eco-friendly affordable housing, public works projects, community health workers and home-based care.
The meeting noted and welcomed the arrival of SAS Amatola, the first of the Corvettes that our country is acquiring as part of the process to re-equip the SA National Defence Force.
The Corvettes will enhance South Africa's ability to protect its coastline and marine resources, to enhance its contribution to peace-keeping operations on the continent and to partner other countries such as India and Brazil whose navies operate in southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Fitted with cutting-edge technology, the Corvettes will afford young South Africans of all races interested in a career in the Navy an opportunity to acquire skills while serving the nation.
Cabinet noted with concern the recent spate of accidents on the country's roads and it agreed with the Minister and MECs (Minmec) of Transport that urgent intervention was required to stem this malaise. This matter has been placed on the agenda of the next Cabinet meeting, for a comprehensive briefing on measures that the Minmec has decided upon, including an intensified campaign during the coming holiday season.
Enquiries
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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