9 November 2006
Cabinet would like to thank the many thousands of our citizens who participated in Izimbizo around the country during the recent Imbizo Week to discuss service delivery challenges. A total of 400 Izimbizo were held and 18 Cabinet Ministers, 15 Deputy Ministers, Mayors, Premiers and Councilors interacted with communities in every corner of our country. This is a clear indication that our democracy is reaching a higher level as the executive regularly gets the opportunity to listen to and to be held accountable by our citizens. All matters raised during the Izimbizo will receive urgent attention from government.
The Cabinet meeting considered progress reports from the Cabinet clusters on the implementation of the Programme of Action as part of the preparations for the January Cabinet Lekgotla. Media briefings will be held on the Programme of Action in the next two weeks.
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children will take place from 25 November to 10 December. It will take its message to grassroots level and beyond the borders of South Africa. The 16 Days Campaign will also strengthen our partnership against AIDS, since the vulnerability of women is a key factor in the spread of the HIV infection.
Cabinet calls on everyone to support the 16 Days of Activism campaign by, among other things, wearing the white ribbon to raise awareness and demonstrate support for our women and children. Wearing the ribbon tells victims and survivors of abuse that we are all united in the fight against all forms of abuse against women and children.
The meeting noted that the recently held Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a success and had cemented the economic ties between China and the rest of the continent. The outcome of the Summit will, among other things, add impetus to the NEPAD initiative and its sustainability.
Cabinet noted the judgment of the Supreme Court of Appeal in the matter of Schabir Shaik. Cabinet reaffirmed its respect for all decisions of the judiciary and expressed its unqualified respect for the rule of law. We are confident that all South Africans will continue to embrace our Constitution and the independence of the judiciary. Our judges must perform their duties with the full knowledge that our Constitution, the supreme law of the land, guarantees their independence and their right to apply the law to the best of their abilities. In this regard, our judiciary must know that it enjoy the full confidence of Cabinet. Equally, our citizens must know that the judiciary's principal task is to uphold the laws of the land and to ensure that all of us are treated equally before these laws. Any unjustified, racial and ill-informed attacks on the judiciary is both regrettable and unwelcome.
Cabinet noted media allegations against the National Commissioner of the South African Police Services. Government wishes to express its confidence in the Commissioner, noting that the allegations were investigated by the Independent Complaints Directorate (ICD) and found to be baseless. The Minister of Safety and Security is dealing with this matter and has stated his willingness to consider any new information that could be brought forward in this regard. We call on all parties to resist the temptation of seeking cheap publicity at the expense of an innocent person.
Cabinet, on behalf of all South Africans, wishes to convey best wishes to the national rugby team in their match against Ireland over the weekend. We trust that the boys will do South Africa proud and defeat the Irish as they did 100 years ago.
Cabinet received a progress report on the finalisation of Codes of Good Practice for Broad-Based BEE and noted that the codes will be finalised in December. An inter-departmental task team will be set up to finalise the codes and report back to Cabinet.
The following appointments were approved:
- One year extension of employment contract of the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the SA Post Office (Mr.N.J.D. Buick)
- Mr. H.N. Gumede, DDG in the Department of Minerals and Energy
- Mr. M.K. Maphisa, DDG in the Department of Housing
- Mr. S. Zulu, DDG in the Ministry of Housing
- Mr. K.L.G. Terry, Strategy and Operations in the Presidency
- Dr. M.S. Rampedi, DDG in the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry
- Mr. A.S. Theron, Regional Commissioner, Western Cape Correctional Services
- Mr. T Marais, DDG in the Department of Agriculture
Further, Cabinet approved the following appointments to the IMF and World Bank with effect from 1st March 2007.
- Mr. G Aboobaker was approved as a candidate for appointment as a Senior Advisor in the office of the Africa Group 1 Constituency's Executive Director in the IMF; and
- Mr. D. Mogajane as a candidate for appointment as Senior Advisor in the office of the Africa Group 1 Constituency's Executive Director in World Bank.
Board appointments:
- The term of office of the members of the South African Diamond Board was extended until 30th June 2007 or until the Diamonds Amendment Act is proclaimed.
The meeting noted that Mr. Linda Mti, the National Commissioner of the Department of Correctional Services resigned at the beginning of the month. His resignation has been accepted and he will be leaving the public service at the end of November 2006.
The meeting passed a motion of condolence on the passing away of the Former Prime Minister and State President PW Botha and noted that President Thabo Mbeki attended the funeral on behalf of the government and the people of South Africa.
Enquiries
Themba J Maseko - Government Spokesperson
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
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