Joint statement by Government and media organisations on Films and Publications Amendmend Bill
At the invitation of the Minister in the Presidency, the Minister and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs held a follow-up meeting with the South African National Editors Forum (SANEF) and Print Media South Africa (PMSA) as part of continuous engagements on the Film and Publications amendment bill.
Government position on powers of judiciary and provision of ARVs to prisoners at Durban-Westville Correctional Centre
Following the decision of the Durban High Court regarding access to antiretroviral treatment by prisoners at the Durban-Westville Prison, an impression has been created that the Government does not respect the decisions of the Courts. The Government wishes to clarify its position in this regard.
Government on incidents of political violence
Government has noted with disappointment the incident at Crossroads in Cape Town where a community meeting attended by Mayor Helen Zille was disrupted and violence used against the Mayor.
Government on outcome of Durban trial
The South African government has noted the judgement in the Durban trial of Mr Shabir Shaik, and welcomes the fact that the matter has reached a critical stage of finality. It testifies to the maturity of our democracy that the trial ran its course without any interference from any quarter – be it government in general or anyone in authority who may have featured in the evidence led.
Response to Business Day Report on HIV and Aids communication structures
In response to media enquiries GCIS wishes to clarify matters regarding its work in relation to other departments and in so doing to correct a misleading report that has appeared in Business Day (Spin doctors called upon to aid blunder-prone Manto, 12 May 2005) concerning communication on HIV and AIDS.
Updating of Government's Programme of Action
Coinciding with a series of media briefings by government clusters on implementation of the Programme of Action for 2005, the programme published on the government web site www.gov.za is being updated on the basis of reports by clusters to Cabinet. The Cabinet finalised the reports at its meeting on 28 April.
The updated report on implementation is being published cluster by cluster, in accordance with the schedule of cluster media briefings.
Ten Year anniversary celebrations closing ceremony
South Africans will be celebrating life at the official closing of the Ten Years of Freedom celebrations at the Athlone Stadium on Friday.
The eight-hour long event will follow President Thabo Mbeki's State of the Nation Address on the morning of the same day. It will be conveying the same message heard throughout the year-long celebrations, that we are a people united for a better South Africa and a better world.
Updating of Government's Programme of Action
Government's Programme of Action for 2004 has been updated with respect to progress in implementation. This will be the final update and a new Programme of Action for 2005 will be developed based on the decisions of the Cabinet lekgotla held in January and the President's State of the Nation Address in Parliament on 11 February 2005.