Cabinet met on Wednesday, 6 June 2018, at the Union Buildings, Pretoria.

A. Issues in the environment

1.Economy

Cabinet has noted the decline of 2,2% in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2018. Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) released the figures this week. The agriculture, mining and manufacturing industries contributed to the decline in this first quarter. Cabinet has mandated the Economic Cluster Ministers to urgently meet to discuss the way forward with regard to these figures. 

The GDP results bring into sharp focus the need for all sectors of the country to work together to support South Africa’s local economy. Business and labour need to continue to work with government in support of initiatives such as the Nine-Point Plan to stimulate economic growth and create much-needed jobs. One of its key pillars is the Industrial Policy Action Plan (IPAP), which focuses on increasing manufacturing, employment creation and exports. Cabinet is confident that the IPAP will help grow our industrial sector and economy.

Later this year, government will host an International Investment Summit to profile South Africa as an investment destination. The aim of the event is to work towards generating R1,2 trillion in new investments over the next five years, which will have a significant impact on economic growth and employment creation.

2. Investments

Cabinet welcomes the launch of a new world-class factory that manufactures information and communications technology products in East London in the Eastern Cape on 5 June 2018 by Yekani Manufacturing, a wholly black-owned company. This R1-billion investment will create 1 000 new quality jobs in addition to the existing workforce of 450, mostly youth and women.

This investment has benefited from both the Special Economic Zone Infrastructure Incentive and the Black Industrialist Scheme (BIS).  The BIS saw the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti) approving incentive support to 103 black industrialists over the previous two financial years. Forty-eight companies were also provided with market access support, eight of which are in the Eastern Cape.

3. National Minimum Wage (NMW)

Cabinet welcomes the passing of the NMW Bill by the National Assembly. It expresses its appreciation to all stakeholders at the National Economic Development and Labour Council for their role in reaching this agreement. This begins a process towards narrowing the wage gap, especially for the low income earners. Approximately 6,4 million workers in South Africa will benefit once the Bill has been signed into law. Cabinet, however, acknowledges that more work still needs to be done to close the wage disparities that still exist in the country.

The Bill will now be sent to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence before the President signs it into law.

4. Basic services

Cabinet is pleased with the results of the Non-financial Census of Municipalities 2017 released by StatsSA. The results showed more consumers have received free basic services such as electricity, water and sanitation in 2017 as compared with 2016. Government remains committed to providing daily basic services to all its citizens, especially poor people. The most recent water-related project is the R96-million Mhlathuze Water Project in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, which will deliver running tap water to more than 6 000 households.

5. Public Service wage negotiations

Cabinet received a briefing from the Minister of Public Service and Administration on the Public Service wage negotiations. Cabinet appreciates the commitment by all stakeholders in finding an amicable solution that would benefit all role players. Cabinet reaffirms government’s commitment to fully engage with labour so as to arrive at a workable deal for all involved.

6. Social grants

Cabinet reassures beneficiaries of social grants that government will continue providing this important service, as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. Social grants will continue to be paid and the process to replace the old South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) card with the new one will continue until the end of September 2018.

The partnership between SASSA and the South African Post Office is yielding positive results as more beneficiaries have since May 2018 been coming forward to swap their cards.

Cabinet urges communities to ignore recent short messages directing social-grant beneficiaries to re-register for their social grants to avoid not being paid. Such misleading messages seek to create confusion amongst the poor and derail government from ensuring that social grants are seamlessly paid to beneficiaries without failure.

7. North West

Cabinet received a third progress report from the Inter-Ministerial Task Team (IMTT) on North West. Cabinet is satisfied with the progress made to operationalise the invoked Section 100(1) (a) and (b) in the North West provincial departments. It was further approved that the IMTT will onwards report to Cabinet once a month to enable the teams deployed in the province to continue with the work.

Cabinet endorsed a visit to the North West on 7 June 2018 to brief the North West Executive, Provincial Legislature and the external auditors responsible for the province.

8. Protest action

Cabinet condemns the recent violent protests around the country, and is especially saddened by the acts of violence and intimidation of patients and medical staff at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Protestors who exercise their rights to protest should do so without violating the rights of others, particularly the vulnerable. No amount of grievance justifies violence and the threatening behaviour seen in the past week.

9. Safety and security

Cabinet welcomes and supports the ‘stabilisation intervention plan’ by the South African Police Service (SAPS), which will partner with South Africans towards efforts to make our communities safer. The high-density visibility of uniformed police officers on foot and vehicles – supported by the SAPS air wing, continuous cordon and search operations, roadblocks and relentless search for wanted suspects – will go a long way in ensuring that people in our country are and feel safe.

Communities are encouraged to provide information relating to their safety to a local police station or call the toll-free Crime Stop number: 086 00 10111. Cabinet appeals to members of the public to use the Crime Stop line responsibly. An abuse of this facility may affect a legitimate emergency call that may have saved a life.

10. Youth Month

Cabinet urges all South Africans to play their part in youth-empowerment programmes and projects during Youth Month in June. This year is the centenary of Tata Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela and Mama Albertina Nontsikelelo Sisulu and Youth Month 2018 is embraced under the theme: “Live the legacy: Towards a socio-economically empowered youth”.

Inspired by their iconic legacies, young people need to be empowered to take up a more active role in developing their communities with a view to working together to develop South Africa. Government is working hard to ensure that youth are able to access the many support and educational government programmes that would enhance their participation in the economy.

11. Preliminary and mid-term exams

Cabinet calls on parents and guardians to support, within necessary means, children who are writing preliminary and mid-term examinations taking place across the country.

Cabinet warmly appreciates the vital role child caregivers play in shaping our future leaders whilst creating conducive and safe environments for our children to learn. We also encourage all learners to continue studying and striving to do their best.

Cabinet also welcomes the reopening of schools in various parts of North West, including Koster and Rustenburg. This comes after weeks of protests and disruptions in teaching and learning in the areas. Cabinet urges parents, learners and teachers to collaborate in trying to recover the lost time and fully commit to catch-up programmes.

12. Drought and fire

Cabinet reminds South Africans that the country is still experiencing drought. South Africa is one of the 30-driest countries in the world and the lower-than-normal rainfalls have worsened the situation. All people must continue partnering with government to conserve water so as to ensure there is sufficient supply for all.

As we enter the winter season, Cabinet calls on communities to take extra care to prevent shack and veld fires. Government continues to work with communities to promote safety measures at this time when many use various forms of fuel and heating to keep warm. 

13. Science and Technology

Cabinet notes astrological developments over the past weekend when astronomers working with the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona, USA, discovered a small asteroid (2018 LA) near the orbit of the Moon, which hours later made contact with Earth.

The resultant explosion which sent waves of low-frequency sound (infrasound) rippling through the atmosphere were detected by an infrasound monitor in South Africa, which was deployed as part of the International Monitoring System of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.

This highlights the growing capability of modern sky surveys to discover asteroids targeting Earth and South Africa’s internationally recognised capability. 

B. Cabinet decisions

14. Cabinet approved for the submission of the 2016/17 report on the performance of the Research and Development (R&D) Tax-Incentive Programme to Parliament. The incentive programme has enabled companies to diversify their R&D portfolio, generate intellectual property and create new products. The incentive programme, which was introduced in November 2006, is being implemented by the Department of Science and Technology together with the South African Revenue Service and National Treasury.

From March 2016 to February 2017, a total of 153 R&D tax-incentive applications were received from 117 companies, 58 of which were first-time applicants. The applications were for 571 R&D projects worth an estimated

R3,6 billion. Cabinet is pleased with the growth in the number of companies that invest in R&D and continues to call on business to invest more in R&D, which remains an important pillar of our efforts to grow the economy.

15. Cabinet approved the publishing of the 2016/17 survey on government funding for Scientific and Technological Activities. The survey annually monitors the performance of the science and technology sector, and its contribution to South Africa’s growth and development. Cabinet has noted the budget constraints that have resulted in slow growth in R&D expenditure across departments. 

16. Cabinet approved the reviewed Policy Framework for Accreditation of Diversion Services in South Africa. The policy framework was put in place in 2010 in line with the Child Justice Act, 2008 (Act 75 of 2008). The reviewing process seeks to ensure that diversion service providers and diversion programmes are at all times compliant with the minimum standards. Six of the chapters have been amended to improve the quality and standards of services provided to children found in conflict with the law.

17. Cabinet approved the Regional Engagement Strategy for Biosafety and its implementation. Biotechnology is recognised as an important potential driver of economic growth and a major tool in the fight against hunger and poverty, especially in developing countries.

This strategy will facilitate intra-African trade and improve the region’s competitiveness in global markets. It will improve South Africa’s collaboration and cooperation within the African region.

C. Bills

18. Cabinet approved the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill of 2018 to be published in the Government Gazette for public comment. The Bill seeks to establish the NHI Fund of South Africa, as a public entity, so as to provide for a sustained universal health access that is affordable and of high quality. It also sets out its functions, powers and duties.

The Bill provides a framework for the active purchasing of healthcare services by the fund on behalf of users and creates mechanisms for the equitable, effective and efficient use of the resources of the fund to meet the health needs of users. The Minister of Health will next week hold a full media briefing to unpack this Bill.

19. Cabinet approved for the introduction of the Science and Technology Laws Amendment Bill of 2017 to Parliament. The Bill harmonizes the provisions which regulate the operations and governance of the public entities that report to the Minister of Science and Technology. This will ensure consistency in all requirements to be met and processes to be followed.

D. Upcoming events

20. Group of Seven (G7) Summit

Cabinet welcomes South Africa’s invitation to attend the upcoming G7 Summit in Canada. South Africa participated in the summit seven years ago and this invitation is an indication of renewed confidence in the South African economy.

Our government will seek to use the opportunity to invite investors to inject capital into our economy. Investment is necessary for economic growth and job creation on a scale that will significantly reduce current levels of unemployment.

21. South Africa-India 125 Years Anniversary Event

As part of the Nelson Mandela and Albertina Sisulu centenary celebrations, Cabinet welcomes the commemoration on 7 June 2018 of Mahatma Gandhi’s removal from a train at Pietermaritzburg Station 125 years ago. This event spurred Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha (truth-force), which had a significant influence on our political leadership and contributed to our liberation struggle.

22. Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic State Visit

President Cyril Ramaphosa hosted his Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic counterpart, Brahim Ghali, on 4 June 2018 during a State Visit to the country.

Cabinet expresses its solidarity with the people of Saharawi in their fight for independence and calls on the international community to provide the necessary support to the people of Saharawi.

E. Messages

23. Condolences

23.1. Cabinet joins President Ramaphosa in sending heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the five boys who died in a blaze at the Masiya informal settlement in Philippi, Cape Town.

The fire also displaced 30 residents of the informal settlement. Government is working hard to ensure that there is housing, security and comfort for all South Africans.

24. Congratulations

24.1. Cabinet wishes African National Congress veteran Baba Andrew Mokete Mlangeni a happy belated birthday. Baba Mlangeni celebrated his 93rd birthday on Wednesday, 6 June 2018. He was among the first to be sent for military training outside South Africa and after being arrested on his return, he was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment on Robben Island.

24.2. Cabinet congratulates Proteas fast bowler Kagiso “KG” Rabada, who stole the show at the Cricket South Africa Awards held recently in Sandton, Gauteng.  He was recognised with six awards, including the Cricketer and Players’ Player of the Year awards. It has been a remarkable year for young Rabada who among other achievements, rose to the No 1 bowling ranking in the world in Test match cricket. He is currently the leading wicket-taker for 2018 and also ranked No 7 in One Day International cricket.

24.3. Cabinet welcomes the appointment of Siya Kolisi as the first black captain of the Springbok team for the three match test series against England. We are confident that he will do South Africa proud as our captain, and will inspire others by his actions and leadership on and off the field of play.

24.4. Cabinet welcomes the appointment of Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene as Chairperson of the New Development Bank (NDB) Board of Governors. The NDB is a multilateral development bank established by Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) in 2014. It is mandated to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, complementing the efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

F. Appointments

All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the relevant clearance.

25. Reappointment of Mr Ebrahim Mohamed as the Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission.

26.  Board of the South African National Accreditation System:

a.  Ms Fezile Flip Wetes;

b.  Mr Lulama Lloyd Mayedwa;

c. Mr Tom Tshitangano;

d. Mr Samuel Mlangeni;

e.  Ms Lerato Herriette Mothae;

f.  Dr Matshwenyego Sarah Mohlala;

g. Ms Patricia Lindi Tlou; and

h. Ms Anna-Marie Lotter (reappointment as the dti representative).

27.  National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA):

a. Mr Ndwakhulu Samuel Mukhufhi (reappointment as Chief Executive Officer).

28.  Non-executive members of the NMISA Board:

b.  Mr Molelekoa Petrus Mohlomi;

c. Mr Odirile Welcome Dingoko;

d. Ms Bavelile Gloria Hlongwa;

e. Ms Nobom Gcinashe Mfabana;

f. Ms Lindie Lankalebalelo;

g. Ms Jabu Vuyiswa Mogadime (reappointment); and

h. Dr Tshengedzeni Demana (the dti representative).

29. Reappointment of Mr Rakesh Garach as Non-Executive Chairperson of the National Empowerment Fund Board of Trustees.

30. South African Special Risk Insurance Association Board:

a. Mr Norman Tinyiko Baloyi (Non-Executive Director and Chairperson);

b. Ms Priscilla Onkgodisitse Mokonyane (Non-Executive Director and Deputy Chairperson);

c. Ms Bajabulile Luthuli (Executive Director); and

d. Mr Christiaan Johannes van Dyk (Non-Executive Director).

Enquiries: 
Ms Phumla Williams – Acting Cabinet Spokesperson
Cell: 083 501 0139