Cabinet met on Wednesday, 10 October 2018 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the environment

1. Economy and investment drive

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the practical interventions such as the commitment to buy local products, a more aggressive approach to increasing exports, interventions in agricultural value chains and support for small and medium enterprises. These announcements came out of the recent two-day Job Summit, which was convened under the National Economic Development and Labour Council.

1.2 The outcome of the Job Summit follows the announcement of the Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan, which seeks to restore economic growth and create much-needed jobs. The new Mining Charter – which was finalised in consultation with the mining industry, labour, affected communities and other stakeholders – clarifies the imperatives of growth, sustainability and transformation.

1.3. Cabinet calls on all stakeholders to engage with the Mining Charter so as to finalise and create stability in the mining sector. 

2. Kokstad Home Affairs office and handover of title deeds

2.1. Cabinet joins President Cyril Ramaphosa in commending the Department of Home Affairs for successfully opening its Kokstad office in KwaZulu-Natal. The President opened the Home Affairs office as part of government’s programme to expand the footprint of Home Affairs service-delivery points to meet citizens’ demands for Smart ID cards and other documents.

2.2. Furthermore, President Ramaphosa handed over 443 title deeds to beneficiaries of the Franklin Housing Project. This is part of the restoration programme to ensure beneficiaries experience the full benefits of owning a house and are able to access the formal property market.

2.3. Cabinet also takes this opportunity to strongly encourage citizens to collect their IDs as soon as they receive a notification of collection.

3. Settlement agreement on spectrum

3.1. Cabinet welcomes the settlement agreement reached in the matter involving the Invitation to Apply for the allocation of high-demand spectrum. This provides policy certainty in the information and communications technology (ICT) sector.

3.2. The settlement agreement is in line with President Ramaphosa’s call to initiate the process for the allocation of high-demand radio spectrum licensing.

3.3. In further contributing to the implementation of the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper, interested parties have until 8 November 2018 to provide written inputs on the proposed policy and policy direction to the authority.

4. South Africa’s first small-scale fisheries cooperatives

4.1. Cabinet welcomes South Africa’s first small-scale cooperatives in the fishing sector, namely the Port Nolloth and Hondeklipbaai cooperatives in the Northern Cape, which were launched by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Mr Senzeni Zokwana.

4.2. The launch marks the implementation of the small-scale fisheries policy. The fishing rights give dignity to local fishermen, who have been fishing illegally, in that they are now protected for the first time.

4.3 The two small-scale fishing communities who will be benefiting from this policy have received basic training on cooperatives and have been assisted to register cooperatives for the purpose of applying for 15-year fishing rights.

5. Tax season

5.1. Cabinet commends the close to three million taxpayers who have filed their tax returns, of which over half were submitted through eFiling. On 31 October, the 2018 tax season closes for non-provisional taxpayers and for those provisional taxpayers who opt to file at a South African Revenue Service branch. Provisional taxpayers who opt to file their returns through eFiling have until 31 January 2019 to do so.

5.2. Proper and efficient revenue collection ensures fiscal sovereignty, and timeous and accurate submissions ensure compliant taxpayers. Tax revenue helps government to fund the country’s service-delivery projects and other socio-economic development programmes.

6. Social-grant payments

6.1. Cabinet was brief by the Inter-Ministerial Committee: Social Grants, chaired by Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. As of the 1st October 2018, more than 10 million beneficiaries were paid using either of these platforms - the South African Post Office (SAPO)/Postbank, Grinrod Bank as well as merchants such as Boxer, Shoprite, and Pick ’n Pay.

6.2. Government has successfully migrated social-grant payments from Cash Paymaster Services (CPS) as instructed by the Constitutional Court Judgement. All cash beneficiaries effected by CPS have been migrated and CPS has been notified of the termination of the contract as of 30 September 2018.

6.3. Cabinet extends its appreciation to the diligent oversight work led by the Inter-Ministerial Committee supported by the Technical Task Team of Directors General.   It further extends its appreciation to the work of the officials from SAPO, South African Social Security Agency and, the departments of Social Development; Telecommunications and Postal Services; Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation; National Treasury; South African Police Service and GCIS.

6.4. Cabinet thanks all the social-grant beneficiaries for their cooperation during this transition.

7. Albertina Sisulu Centenary

7.1. Cabinet was briefed on the preparations for the centenary celebration of Mama Albertina Sisulu that will take place during her birth month, October. Mama Sisulu was born on 21 October 1918 and the Chairperson of the IMC on Centenary Celebrations, Minister Jeff Radebe, is here to outline upcoming activities related to the centenary celebration.

8. Sentencing of Springs father

8.1. Cabinet welcomes the sentencing of the abusive man, commonly referred to as the Springs Monster. He was sentenced to 35 years in jail for the attempted murder of his son, child abuse and neglect, as well as using and dealing in drugs. Gender-based violence remains a serious challenge in our society, as demonstrated by the recent rape of a minor at a Dros restaurant in Silverton.  

8.2. Cabinet reiterates calls on law-enforcement authorities to leave no stone unturned in prosecuting perpetrators of these heinous crimes. It further calls on all of us to work together in stopping the violation of the rights of children and the most vulnerable members of our society.

9. Westbury protest

9.1. Cabinet welcomes the intervention in Westbury by Police Minister Bheki Cele, which is part of the broader strategy to fight the scourge of drugs and gang-related violence in the area.

9.2. The intervention includes the deployment of the Tactical Response Team and a greater visible policing presence. Importantly, there will also be an investigation into allegations of corruption at the Westbury Police Station.

9.3. Cabinet calls on the Westbury community and all communities to work with the police in ensuring that we root out acts of criminality, drugs and gangsters in their respective areas. 

10. Crime

10.1. Cabinet commends the law-enforcement agencies in carrying out an intensive multi-disciplinary investigation relating to incidents at shopping malls, retail stores and mosques which has resulted in the arrest of nineteen suspects. It involved the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster. Three of the suspects were arrested in relation to incendiary devices in the Durban area, including the Verulam Mosque. All the suspects are expected to face charges including murder and attempted murder and contravening the Explosives Act.

10.2. Cabinet reassures South Africans that fighting crime is a top priority and that government will continue to take necessary steps to ensure a safe and secure environment for all inhabitants of South Africa.

11. Name changes: Makhanda

11.1. Cabinet welcomes the name change of Grahamstown, in the Eastern Cape, to Makhanda, in honour of Xhosa prophet, philosopher and military man who fought against colonialism.

11.2. The change is an important part of our democratic journey and will help to foster greater social cohesion and build a deeper appreciation of our shared history.

B. Cabinet decisions

Cabinet approved a revised delivery model on implementation of the Broadcast Digital Migration Project. The model adopts a market/retail-driven approach through collaboration and partnerships with the private sector and industry. With this approach, government will no longer be involved in the procurement of set-top-boxes, warehousing, transportation and installation of devices. 

This provides South Africa with headway towards the completion of the project in a manner that is inclusive, affordable and efficient, and that reduces risk to government. This will push digital viewership migration to the 85% threshold and beyond, towards switching off all analogue broadcasts.

Cabinet approved South Africa’s Common Core Document, which will be deposited with the United Nations (UN). The document provides progress which contains information of a general, factual and statistical nature on South Africa’s adherence to the obligations attached to the signed nine UN treaties.

C. Upcoming events

Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)

Finance Minister Tito Mboweni will deliver the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) on Wednesday, 24 October 2018, which will reveal adjustments to the national budget to ensure fiscal sustainability.

Transport Month

This year’s Transport Month programme will emphasise the importance of transport infrastructure, such as the maritime, aviation, rail and road sectors as enablers of economic growth.

Cabinet calls on the public to use public transport and actively implement road safety initiatives throughout the year. Let us use the month to celebrate and restore the culture of lift clubs when travelling to work to reduce congestion in our roads. Road safety on our roads remains a challenge, and drivers and pedestrians should use public roads responsibly.

D. Messages

Congratulations

South Africa’s radio telescope, MeerKAT, will be joining Breakthrough Listen, an international initiative that is seeking signs of intelligent life in the universe. It demonstrates our internationally recognised expertise and infrastructure. South Africa’s 64-dish MeerKAT radio telescope, inaugurated in July this year, is the most sensitive telescope of its kind in the world.

Cabinet congratulates the team of researchers from Wits University who performed a historic and successful liver transplant from a HIV-positive mother to her HIV-negative child. The team of doctors included Professor Jean Botha, Dr Francesca Conradie, Dr Harriet Etheredge, Dr June Fabian and Professor Caroline Tiemessen.

Cabinet congratulates the people of Equatorial Guinea on their 50th independence celebration. South Africa has enjoyed full diplomatic relations with the Republic of Equatorial Guinea since 5 May 1993.

Condolences

Cabinet extends its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the late Environmental Affairs Minister Bomo Edna Molewa. Minister Molewa distinguished herself in many capacities and causes, from her contribution to our liberation to fighting for the equality of women in our society. She was also a national and global champion for the environmental integrity of a sustainable planet which can be shared and enjoyed by all.

Cabinet sends its condolences to the government and people of Indonesia. Government has already pledged its support, where necessary, and Cabinet commends the South African aid workers who are involved in relief efforts in the Indonesian Island of Sulawesi, which was hit by an earthquake and tsunami.

Cabinet extends condolences to the family and colleagues of Ms Rowena Baird who passed away this week. Ms Baird was a renowned radio journalist and personality.

Appointments

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

International Trade Administration Commission:

• Dr F Ismail (Chairperson);
• Mr B Mokgatle;
• Ms T van Meelis;
• Mr ED Vlok;
• Ms P Mbiko;
• Mr JC de Beer;
• Ms VNN Ncwaiba;
• Mr W Sihlobo; and
• Ms AV Hlatshwayo.

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

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 24 October 2018 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the environment

1. Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS)

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the maiden MTBPS by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni, which is based on the strong conviction that South Africa can be renewed.

1.2. The 2018 MTBPS highlights the difficult economic and fiscal choices confronting government over the next three years. Economic growth for 2018 has been revised down from 1.5% to 0.7%, and the global environment remains challenging for emerging market economies. The 2018 MTBPS gives effect to the President’s growth economic stimulus and recovery plan, which will be underpinned by fiscal and monetary stability.

1.3. Government remains committed to fiscal sustainability, but there has been slippage since the tabling of the 2018 Budget in February this year. Government remains committed to stabilizing and bringing down debt. Against the backdrop of a difficult economic and fiscal environment, the proposed division of revenue continues to prioritise large social spending programmes that support basic education, health, social welfare, water, sanitation and electricity services.

2. Presidential Health Summit

2.1. Cabinet welcomes the outcomes of the Presidential Health Summit which aim to address the various challenges facing the public health system. The outcomes will strengthen the preparations for the implementation of the National Health Insurance.

3.  Land reform

3.1. Cabinet welcomes the consistent implementation of land reform and restitution programmes that redresses the past injustices and help to grow the economy.

3.2.  President Cyril Ramaphosa led a land restitution ceremony, where over 4 586 hectares of land were handed to the community of KwaMkhwanazi in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

3.3.  The KwaMkhwanazi community will also receive post-settlement packages and support that will assist them to maximise the potential wealth of the land. This shifts communities from subsistence to commercial participants and owners of businesses across the value chains of the assets on their land.

3.4. Government is committed to supporting the sustainability of emerging agricultural enterprises, which includes 262 land reform-related projects to benefit youth and women across all provinces.

4. Destruction of public infrastructure

4.1.  Cabinet expressed concern on the destruction of transport infrastructure.  This undermines government's commitment to take services to historically disadvantaged communities. No amount of unhappiness should result in the destruction of public property. Such destruction serves to rob the poor of much-needed services.

4.2. Cabinet calls on members of the public to be vigilant and work with law enforcement agencies to bring those responsible to account. Cabinet further noted that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster will deal with this matter accordingly. 

5. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP) appointment process

5.1. Cabinet welcomed the new approach of appointing the NDPP. President Ramaphosa appointed the Advisory Panel to identify and conduct interviews with individuals worthy of consideration to occupy the position of the Head of the National Prosecuting Authority. The panel convened for the first time this week and is expected to submit shortlisted names to the President by 7 December 2018. 

6. Constitutional Court Judgement

6.1 Cabinet deliberated on the Constitutional Court Judgement on the use, cultivation and possession of cannabis by an adult person in private for his/her personal consumption and its impact. Members of the public are requested to familiarise themselves with the judgement as the use of cannabis in a public place is prohibited. Furthermore, the judgement did not decriminalise the dealing in cannabis.

6.2 Cabinet acknowledges that the judgement exists in the context of other laws which may be applicable to the use, possession and cultivation of cannabis.  Cabinet is taking advice on the matter.

7. School Safety Summit

7.1. Cabinet welcomes the recently held School Safety Summit hosted under the leadership of Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga. The summit brought together education and external stakeholders to find solutions to safety issues facing the country’s schools as well as to pave the way forward for safer environments in schools.

7.2. This follows incidents of violence at some schools, including the tragic death of the 24-year-old teacher, Mr Gadimang Daniel Mokolobate, who was fatally stabbed by a learner at the Ramotshere Secondary School in Zeerust, North West.

7.3. All stakeholders agreed that violence in general, and in schools in particular, is not acceptable and that further cooperation is required to ensure that schools become safer for both learners and teachers.

8. Matric exams

8.1. Cabinet wishes all learners, especially Grade 12 learners, well over this period. For the first time, the department will this year also administer an examination in South African Sign Language at Home Language level to 58 deaf candidates across 10 schools. The examination extends over five-and-a-half weeks and will conclude on 28 November.

8.2. Learners across the country will also sign a voluntary pledge to commit to upholding the integrity of the examinations by not participating in any malpractice. Parents and guardians are encouraged to support learners during this critical period in their academic journey. It is also vital to motivate learners to finish their schooling.

B. Cabinet decisions

9. Cabinet has approved the declaration of 20 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) as part of the Operation Phakisa: Ocean Economy MPAs Representative Network.  

The benefit of the additional designation will, amongst others, allow for further development of the ecotourism and promotion of access to sustainably managed resources for small-scale fisheries. The proposed designations followed negotiations with all the relevant stakeholders. The MPAs will be published in the Government Gazette.

10.  Cabinet approved South Africa’s Revised and Aligned Second National Action Programme (NAP) to Combat Desertification, Land Degradation and Mitigate the Effects of Drought (2018-2030). The NAP seeks to contribute towards the conservation and sustainable use of our land and other natural resources.

South Africa ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1997. In accordance with Article 9 of the convention, parties are required to develop, prepare and implement a NAP as the central element of the strategy to combat desertification and mitigate the effects of drought. South Africa developed its first NAP in 2004.

C. Bills

11. Cabinet approved the publication of the Children’s Amendment Bill in the Government Gazette for public comments. The Bill seeks to strengthen coordination of the child-care and protection system through interdepartmental and intersectoral collaboration. 

The amendments respond to the North Gauteng High Court Judgement of November 2017, wherein the Department of Social Development was ordered to prepare and introduce the necessary amendments to the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005) in respect to the legal solution towards the management of the foster-care system.

12. Cabinet approved the introduction of the Postal Services Amendment Bill to Parliament. The Bill gives effect to the National Integrated ICT Policy White Paper that was approved by Cabinet in September 2016.

The intended outcomes are to have a competitive, viable and sustainable South African Post Office that provides/facilitates universal services and access as well as the transformation of the postal sector. The Bill also provides an approach to assigning physical addresses to rural and traditional communities.

This Bill has already gone through public consultation.

D. Upcoming events

13. South African International Investment Conference

President Ramaphosa will on Friday, 26 October 2018, preside over South Africa’s inaugural Investment Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. This is part of a combination of efforts to attract investments and grow our economy. 

Additionally, the four investment envoys who were appointed by the President will report back to the conference on progress made.

14. Group of Twenty (G20) Summit

President Ramaphosa has been invited by the Federal Chancellor of Germany, Dr Angela Merkel, to participate in the G20 Investment Summit – German Business and the Compact with Africa (CwA) Countries, and a Business Roundtable, both of which will be held in Berlin, Germany on 30 October 2018.

The G20 Investment Summit will bring together German business and CwA Countries to explore investment opportunities under the framework of the G20 Partnership with Africa. German investors will present flagship projects currently undertaken in the CwA Countries and explore further opportunities on the continent. The President will attend the summit in the capacity of Co-Chair of the G20 Africa Advisory Group.

The G20 Conference on the CwA will focus on ways in which the G20, African countries and development institutions can cooperate to promote private investment and economic participation in African states. The meeting will also undertake preparatory work in this field for the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

15. National Imbizo Focus Week

Members of the Executive will participate in the GCIS’s 9th National Imbizo Focus Week of the fifth democratic administration, which will take place from 12 to 25 November 2018. This coincides with the Cabinet Programme of Action Reporting Week. 

The Imbizo Focus Week will provide a platform for members of the National Executive as well as provincial and local government leaders to undertake community meetings and Izimbizo countrywide, over this period, to demonstrate government’s implementation of the 2014-2019 Medium Term Strategic Framework and to respond to issues being raised by citizens, which impact on the safety, growth and development of our communities.

The two weeks of activism takes place against the backdrop of celebrations of the centenaries of Struggle icons Mama Albertina Sisulu and Tata Nelson Mandela, both of whom epitomised the value of regular consultation and interaction with the communities they served.   

E. Messages

Congratulations

16. Cabinet congratulates the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, who received two prestigious Kochon prizes, at an award ceremony held at The Hague, The Netherlands. The first prize is in the Minister’s individual capacity for his role and political leadership in the fight against tuberculosis (TB) globally.

The second prize, which the Minister will share with the Right Honourable Nick Hebert, Member of Parliament (MP) in the United Kingdom, will be in their capacity as co-chairs of the Global TB Caucus of MPs from all over the world. The Kochon Prize is awarded annually to individuals and/or organisations that have made a significant contribution to combating TB either in their countries or globally.

17. Cabinet welcomes the World Travel Awards 2018 which voted South Africa as Africa’s Leading Destination. Durban in KwaZulu-Natal was also recognised as Africa’s Leading City Destination and scooped the prestigious title of Africa’s Leading Cruise Port. Cape Town, in the Western Cape landed the title of Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination.

18. Cabinet welcomes the premiering of a local film titled Nommer 37 by film-maker Joshua Bradley in the United States on 2 November 2018. The crime thriller set in the Cape Flats was funded by the Department of Trade and Industry through its South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive scheme. This will contribute in attracting foreign direct investment into the South African film industry.

Condolences

19. Cabinet joins President Ramaphosa in expressing sadness and condolences:

19.1. at the tragic passing away of more than 27 people, in a multiple vehicle accident on the N1 North in Limpopo. Road users are urged to exercise caution on our roads and must ensure that they obey the rules of the road at all times.

19.2. at the passing of Struggle icon, Mama Agnes Msimang.  Mama Msimang was a committed gender activist and former Deputy President of the African National Congress (ANC) Women’s League.  She was amongst countless women who mobilised their communities across South Africa against the apartheid system. She will be laid to rest on Friday, 26 October. The funeral service will start at 8:00 at Our Lady of Cedars Catholic Church in Woodmead, Johannesburg.

19.3. at the passing Struggle stalwart and recipient of the National Order of Mendi for Bravery in Silver Eric “Stalin” Mtshali.

19.4. at the passing of ANC stalwart Moss Chikane. Mr Chikane became an MP in 1994 after the country's first democratic elections. In 2005, he was appointed as South Africa’s Ambassador to Germany.

19.5. to the people of Sweden as well as the family of Lisbet Palme‚ 87‚ who has passed on. Lisbet Palme was the widow of the former Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme who was assassinated in 1986 and whom President Ramaphosa has described as a “Friend of South Africa”.

20. Appointments

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

21. SENTECH SOC LIMITED Board:

a. Ms Maureen Makole Manyama (non-executive director); and

b. Ms Precious Nompumelelo Sibiya (non-executive director).

22. Reappointment of Ms Gugulethu Brightness Nokukhanya (Poppy) Khoza as the Director: Civil Aviation of the South Africa Civil Aviation Authority Board.

23. Dr Molefi Motuku as the Chief Executive Officer of Mintek (South Africa’s national mineral research organisation).

24. Mr Terries Salani Ndove as Deputy Director-General: Land Redistribution and Development at the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform.

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

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 7 November 2018 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the Environment

1. Presidential Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Summit 

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the successful deliberations of the Presidential Gender Based Violence and Femicide Summit held on 01 and 02 November. The Summit has confirmed the urgency of forging consensus on dealing with the crisis of gender-based violence, discrimination against women and gender disparities. 

1.2. Government has agreed to conduct a review of national plans to end gender-based violence and the development of a National Action Plan on gender-based violence. It remains committed to work with all stakeholders to ensure that we dramatically reduce levels of gender-based violence – and ultimately eradicate it. 

1.3. Cabinet calls on all South Africans to work together to fundamentally change attitudes, practices and institutions to end violence against women.

2. Investment

2.1. Cabinet welcomes the successful Investment Conference that took place in October in Sandton, Johannesburg. The Investment Conference enabled South Africa to garner in access of R290 billion in investment commitments across different sectors of the economy. This adds to the pledges of over R400 billion that were received during the investment drive by the special envoys and from various countries during state visits.

2.2. The Conference was attended by more than 1 000 delegates, drawn from more than 35 countries. The spirit and mood was upbeat and the country showcased new opportunities for investment and policy-initiatives that are helping to create an investment-friendly environment. 

2.3. Cabinet congratulates the team that worked on the Conference and looks forward to receiving regular update reports on implementation of the commitments made.  

2.4. As South Africa and the rest of Africa continues to move on a higher trajectory towards growing the economy of the continent, Cabinet also welcomes the inaugural Africa Investment Forum, currently taking place up until the 9th November, in Johannesburg. The Africa Investment Forum was convened by the African Development Bank. It aims to build on current successes by bringing together public and private sector investors to chart a new growth path for the entire African Continent.  

2.5. The recently held G20 Africa Conference further boosts our growth prospects through the various commitments that promote private investment and economic participation in African states as part of the Compact with Africa Initiative. The Compact with Africa Initiative is co-chaired by South Africa and Germany through the Africa Advisory Group. 

2.6. Cabinet also welcomed the recently launched R50 million Phuthaditjhaba Industrial Park in the Free State which will promote industrialization and increase local job creation and growth in that province.

2.7. Cabinet remains convinced that these interventions will ultimately begin to reduce the unemployment challenges facing the country, by igniting a renewed spirit of hope and optimism.   

3. Job Creation

3.1. Government is stepping up efforts to create more jobs for young people and South Africans as a whole, focused on township and rural economies, and enterprises of women and youth who often bear the brunt of challenging economic realities.

3.2. Cabinet is confident that the package of recovery measures, which will inject R50 billion into key sectors such as agriculture, public infrastructure, township and rural economies, will provide the necessary impetus for job creation and sustained economic recovery.

3.3. This adds to the practical outcomes of the Jobs Summit where government, business and labour committed to: buy local products; adopt a more aggressive approach to increasing exports; interventions in agricultural value chains and support for small and medium enterprises to boost jobs.

3.4. Cabinet believes that these interventions are critical in addressing the findings from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey for the third quarter of 2018, which showed both a growth in employment and an increase in the number of unemployed persons. For the 3-months period, 92 000 additional jobs were created. However, because about 131 000 previously ‘discouraged work-seekers’ re-entered the labour market in the quarter, the unemployment rate also rose, by 0.3 of a percentage point to 27.5 per cent.

3.5. According to Statistics South Africa employment growth was registered in business services trade and construction, while job losses were occurred in mining, manufacturing, transport and private households. Employment in the formal sector shrunk, whilst jobs in the informal sector grew.

4. 20th Anniversary of the Competition Act 

4.1. Cabinet notes that the Competition Act reached its 20th year since it was brought into operation in October 1998. Over the twenty-year period, the competition authorities have registered significant successes in the fight against cartels, abuse of market dominance and protection of public interest during mergers. The authorities imposed more than R8 billion in penalties on companies for breaches of the Act. The Ministry of Economic Development, through measures in the Competition Act, generated more than R5 billion in special funds to promote small business, local suppliers and the entry of black farmers into the economic mainstream. 

4.2. Cabinet congratulates the competition authorities for the work done to open the economy to new players and promote entrepreneurship and competition.

5. 18th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting

5.1. Cabinet congratulates the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for hosting a successful 18th Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Meeting of the Council of Ministers (COM) which was held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal on 02 November 2018 under the theme: Uniting the Peoples of Africa, Asia, Australasia and the Middle East through enhanced cooperation for Peace, Stability and Sustainable Development”.

5.2. One of the outcomes of the 18th IORA meeting was a Special Declaration in honour of President Nelson Mandela who is also one of the founders of IORA. This led to the establishment of the “IORA Nelson Mandela ‘Be the Legacy’ internship programme” expected to be officially launched in July 2019. This initiative aims at empowering and capacitating young people of IORA with work experience in their fields of study.

6. Fighting Crime 

6.1. Cabinet welcomes the recently launched Anti-Gang Unit in Hanover Park, Western Cape, by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This added intervention by government will go a long way in dealing decisively with the problem of gang and drug related crimes that are plaguing communities.

6.2. The unit has members who are trained in handling high-risk situations as they come from the tactical response teams, the special task force as well as the national intervention unit.  In the pursuit of tackling crime, this particularly government-led intervention will be rolled out nationally.  

6.3. Cabinet calls on communities to work with law enforcement agencies to maintain safety and security which is critical for any community to develop. It remains committed in ensuring that communities are safe and feel safe in their respective areas.

7. Tax Season 

7.1. Cabinet thanks all taxpayers for promptly submitting their annual tax returns for the 2017/18 tax season, which closed on 31 October 2018. Revenue generated through taxes remains the main source of funds that ensures government can deliver services to the public. 

8. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

8.1. Cabinet reminds all learners wanting to apply to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) for financial aid in 2019 that online applications close on 30 November 2018.

8.2. On 01 September 2018, applications opened to eligible students wishing to further their studies in 2019 on an approved course at any public university or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college in South Africa.

8.3. Students are strongly encouraged to submit online applications or visit their nearest National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) centre before the closing date.

B. Cabinet decisions

9. Cabinet approved the Strategy Framework for the pursuit of South Africa’s strategic economic interests globally as it relates to trade, investment and industrialisation. The strategy aims to ensure that international engagements serve the country’s domestic policy imperatives such as poverty alleviation, unemployment and inequality. 

The strategy advocates that South Africa pursue development integration in the rest of Africa supported by an investment led strategy and build strategic alliances to advance its agenda. It also consolidates its trade and investment relations with developed countries and pursues inward investments, skills and technology transfer and value –added exports. 

10. Cabinet approved the cost-of-living annual salary adjustment for members of the South African Human Rights Commission. The South African Human Rights Commission Act, 2013 provides that remuneration, allowances and other terms and conditions of office be determined by the President in consultation with Cabinet and the Minister of Finance.

C. Upcoming events

11. International Labour Organisation

The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) High-Level Global Commission on the Future of Work will hold its final session from the 15 to 17 November 2018. The Commission is  is co-chaired by President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Swedish counterpart Stefan Löfven. The High-Level Global commission, set up by the ILO in 2017, is tasked with assessing the rapid transformations taking place in the world of work,identifying the key challenges and what must be done to make the future of work better and fairer.  The work of the Global Commission aligns with government's focus on the creation of decent and sustainable jobs, and efforts to ensure young South Africans have the skills necessary to thrive in the changing workplace. 

12. China International Import Expo (CIIE)

Cabinet welcomes the participation of South Africa as a country guest of honour in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, is leading a delegation of 27 South African organisations. The delegation is being funded by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Export Marketing and Investment Assistance (EMIA) Scheme.

South Africa’s participation better enables the country to promote its trade and investment capabilities and we look forward to participating exhibitors from sectors, including agro-processing, footwear and leather, engineering, petro-chemicals, railway components, defence, as well as information and communication technology, returning home with procurement orders.  On the margins of the Expo, South Africa also hosted an investment seminar focusing on opportunities in the manufacturing sector. 

13. Imbizo Focus Week

The upcoming two weeks of activism by government will mark the 9th National Imbizo Focus Week, which is being coordinated by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS). Members of the National Executive as well as provincial and local government leaders will undertake community meetings and Izimbizo countrywide. A programme will be posted on www.gov.za for the period 12 to 25 November 2018.

South Africans are encouraged to utilise this platform to engage with principals on service delivery issues to ensure that we work together in developing our communities. 

D. Condolences

14. Cabinet expresses its condolences to the families and loved ones of all those who lost their lives during a series of fires on the Garden Route and surrounding areas, as well as in the Eastern Cape. The fire claimed the life of Nico Heyns, who was a pilot for “Working on Fire”.  It also resulted in the death of nine other people and the displacement of approximately 2000. A number of properties and large areas of vegetation were also destroyed.  Cabinet commends the swift response of fire fighters and disaster management officials, together with the SA Air Force and “Working on Fire” who worked tirelessly to save lives and bring the fire under control. 

15. Cabinet expresses its condolences to the Government and the people of Indonesia following the plane crash that killed 189 people after takeoff from the Indonesian capital, Jakarta.

E. Congratulations

16. Cabinet congratulates South Africa for being elected with responding support to serve on the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council on Monday, 05 November 2018 during the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference in Dubai. 

Cabinet also congratulates Mr Mandla Mchunu of ICASA who has been elected to serve on the Radio Regulations Board of the ITU as well as Ms Doreen Bogdan-Martin on her election as the Director of the Telecommunication Development Bureau, and as the first woman to be part of the senior management of the ITU since it was established in 1865. 

South Africa is humbled by the confidence bestowed by other nation states to serve in these high structures of the ITU for the next four years. We will use these positions to push the developmental agenda and for an inclusive information society in the digital age.

17. Cabinet also congratulated the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for electing its first woman president, Her Excellency Sahle-Work Zewde, who is the only current woman president on the African continent. South Africa will continue to strengthen its bilateral relations with Ethiopia on a number of areas which include trade, political and economic relations.

18. Cabinet sends congratulations to Cameroon’s President Paul Biya, who was inaugurated for his seventh term in office. Cabinet calls on all people of Cameroon to work together towards a peaceful solution through an inclusive dialogue process. Cabinet looks forward to the deepening of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between South Africa with Cameroon.

19. Cabinet also congratulates the people of Brazil for holding a successful election which sees President-elect of the Federative Republic of Brazil, H.E. Jair Bolsonaro as the next Brazilian President. 

20. Cabinet extends good wishes to all the Hindu communities in South Africa who are celebrating Diwali or Deepavali. This is a religious occasion that celebrates the victory of good over evil, knowledge and wisdom over ignorance as well as the triumph of light over darkness. Let the divine light bless South Africa with peace, prosperity, happiness, success and fulfilment, as we all do our part to cement harmony and unity in our country’s cultural and religious diversity

F. Appointments

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

21.    Re-appointment of Ms Nomfundo Maseti as Full-time Regulator Member, responsible for Piped-Gas regulation, to serve on the NERSA Board.  

22.    The following persons have been appointed to the Council for the Built Environment:

a.    Absalom Mosabeni Molobe (Chairperson);
b.    Ms Maphefo K Mogodi (Deputy Chairperson);
c.    Ms Zandile Yvonne Mathe;
d.    Dr Jenitha Badul;
e.    Ngwako Edward Hutamo;
f.    Noninzi Qina;
g.    Gert Hendrik Meyer;
h.    Jerry Leigh Magolius;
i.    Hendrik Ndlovu;
j.    Dr Keith Ivor Jacobs;
k.    Adv Boitumelo Tlhakung;
l.    Inge Maree Vieira;
m.    Sinenhlanhla Thuleleni Mthembu;
n.    Dr Prittish Dala
o.    Ulandi Exner
p.    Ms Florence Rabada;
q.    Ms Noluthando Hazel Molao; and
r.    Dr Claire Deacon.

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

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 21 November 2018 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the Environment

1. Investment

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the successful inaugural Africa Investment Forum held from 7 to 9 November 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Gauteng. African governments and businesses, international financial institutions and other development partners focused on making Africa the next global frontier in investment.

1.2. At the close of the conference 45 deals, worth US$32 billion, were concluded to benefit the continent. Of that, South Africa will benefit from US$6.8 billion in investment.

2. African Union (AU) Summit

2.1. Cabinet is encouraged by deliberations at the AU Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 17 and 18 November 2018, where President Cyril Ramaphosa participated. The Extraordinary Session deliberated on the ongoing reform processes which are intended to establish an effective, efficient and re-energized AU that is capable of achieving continental priorities and goals set out in Agenda 2063, which is a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of Africa over the next 50 years.

2.2. The reform of the AU is an ongoing process, with some of its recommendations already implemented, particularly in relation to the commitment to have member states of the AU assume greater ownership of financing the organisation.  More countries continue to sign the African Continental Free Trade Agreement to ensure the Continent realises the continent-wide free-trade agreement.

3. Strategic Partnership with the European Union (EU)

3.1. Cabinet is pleased with the positive outcome of the 7th South Africa – EU Summit held on 15 November in Belgium. The outcomes and commitments made at the summit build on our unprecedented drive to place economic growth and job creation at the centre of South Africa’s national agenda.

3.2. South Africa is the only African country and one of the 10 countries globally that has a Strategic Partnership with the EU. The EU is South Africa’s largest trading partner and largest foreign investor as a bloc, representing 73.7% of total Foreign Direct Investment stocks in the country.

3.3. President Ramaphosa this week hosted the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr Frank-Walter Steinmeier, on a State Visit to South Africa. Germany is one of the largest foreign investors in South Africa, with more than 600 German companies having subsidiaries or production in the country, sustaining about 100 000 jobs.

3.4. This State Visit resulted in the signing of trade and investment agreements between the two countries, and afforded both leaders an opportunity to discuss multilateral issues and cooperate closely as non-permanent members of the United Nations (UN) Security Council for a two-year term from 2019 to 2020.

4. Land reform

4.1. Cabinet noted that Parliament’s Joint Constitutional Review Committee adopted its report that is in favour of amending Section 25 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996. The amendment will make it possible for the State to expropriate land without compensation in the public interest. The committee’s report is expected to be tabled in the National Assembly for debate.

4.2. A public consultation process saw numerous organisations making submissions on the Bill and public hearings were held in all nine provinces. The Constitution has so far been amended 17 times through a consultative and inclusive process.

4.3. Government remains committed to a responsible land reform approach that is in the best interests of everyone. Cabinet affirms that government respects the rule of law and will, at all times, act in accordance with the Constitution.  

5. Constitutional Court judgement

5.1. Cabinet welcomes the Constitutional Court judgment which ruled that the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (Act 28 of 2002) which governs the awarding of mining rights, must be read concurrently with the Interim Protection of Informal Land Rights Act, 1996 (Act 31 of 1996), which protects vulnerable land rights.

5.2. The victory of the Lesetlheng community in North West signals a start to the recognition of land rights of which South Africa’s historically oppressed people had been deprived for generations. Where mining impacts on settlements, families and communities, people directly affected by mining must consent to any changes affecting their land rights.

6. Audit outcomes

6.1. Cabinet welcomes and congratulates the government departments and entities that continues to consistently receive clean- audit outcomes.  This comes after the release by the Auditor General (AG) Kimi Makwetu of the Public Finance Management Audit Report of the 2017/18 financial year.

6.2. Cabinet is however concerned with the report that shows an overall deterioration in the audit results of some national and provincial government departments and their entities. The signing into law of the Public Audit Amendment Bill by President Ramaphosa, which will strengthen the work of the Office of the AG, will assist in holding accountable those that continue to have disregard for the governance framework.

6.3. Cabinet encourages all departments and entities to work on remedial interventions on all the issues flagged by the AG and to monitor progress regularly to address issues before the next audit cycle.  

7. Safety and Security

7.1. Cabinet pledges support to the National Safer Festive Season Campaign that was launched by Police Minister Bheki Cele under the theme “Operation Quiet Storm”.  

7.2. The campaign aims to make South Africa a safer place as we approach the year-end holiday season. The South African Police Service will conduct nationwide operations in every town, village and township until the end of January 2019. They will focus on visible policing, whilst conducting special crime awareness and prevention operations.

7.3. Cabinet appeals to all people in South Africa to continue cooperating with the police in keeping our communities safe. Parents and guardians are also advised to be extra vigilant in caring for their children during the upcoming festive season.   

7.4. Cabinet also pledges support to the 2018 Festive Season Road Safety campaign, launched by the Minister of Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande, in Limpopo at the weekend.

7.5. The launch coincided with the annual two-day Road Safety Summit and the UN’s World Day of Remembrance for victims of road crashes.  It is in the best interests of our well-being that we all play a part in ensuring a safer festive season by driving responsibly and obeying the rules of the road.

8. Maputo-Catembe Bridge

8.1. Cabinet congratulates the South African engineers involved in the historic development of the longest suspension bridge in Africa. The Maputo-Catembe Bridge was built by the China Road and Bridge Corporation and connects Maputo in Mozambique and KwaZulu-Natal.

8.2. President of Mozambique, Mr Filipe Nyusi, inaugurated the three-kilometre-long Maputo-Catembe Bridge, which was built over four years at a cost of US$785 million.

8.3. This development will stimulate trade and tourism between Mozambique and South Africa with travel time between Maputo to Kosi Bay in KwaZulu-Natal’s East Coast border post drastically reduced from six hours to 90 minutes.

B. Cabinet decisions

9. Programme of Action Briefing Week

9.1. Cabinet was apprised on the progress reports on the priority outcomes for the period starting 1 April 2018 to 30 September 2018. Departments working within the clusters to implement the 14 priority outcomes continue to achieve their respective deliverables. These outcomes are derived from the 2014-2019 Medium Term Strategic Framework and from the National Development Plan’s Vision 2030.

9.2. Cabinet has approved the action required to deal with the challenges affecting implementation. The reports are published on the DPME website (www.dpme.gov.za).

10. Automotive Production and Development Programme (APDP)

10.1. Cabinet approved the extension of the APDP from 2021 to 2035 with amendments  to support the South African Automotive Masterplan (SAAM).

10.2. The SAAM focuses on six areas: Local market optimisation; Regional market development; Localisation; Infrastructure development; Industry transformation, and Technology and associated skills development.

10.3. The amendments seek amongst others to encourage higher levels of local value addition to create more opportunities for additional employment. Monitoring and evaluation of the programme and related industry trends are further enhanced to ensure progress towards the SAAM vision and objectives.  

10.4. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, will brief the media on these amendments on Friday, 23 November 2018.

C. Bills

11. Cabinet approved for the Public Audit Excess Bill of 2018 to be introduced in Parliament. The Bill provides for the Auditor General to take remedial action to ensure that losses suffered by the State are, where possible, recovered and to refer certain suspected material irregularities for investigation. The Bill further seeks to empower the AG to perform international audit work and conduct performance audits, and align the AG’s governance arrangements to current best practice.

D. Upcoming events

12. 100 #WomenOfFortitude

Following a period of nominations, the 100 #WomenOfFortitude will be unveiled at the Union Buildings in Pretoria on 22 November 2018. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Nelson Mandela Centenary and Centenary of Albertina Sisulu announced on the 11 October 2018 the #WomenOfFortitude campaign as one of the Mama Sisulu Centenary activities.

The #WomenOfFortitude campaign is a movement of 100 women to drive the conversation of how women today can sustain the legacy of Mama Sisulu.

13. 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

The Department of Women is coordinating and consolidating government's calendar of events for the 16 Days of Activism against GBV Campaign from 25 November to 10 December 2018. Members of the National Executive as well as provincial and local government leaders will undertake portfolio/sector-specific events throughout the country through community-engagement initiatives. Detailed government programmes can be accessed from www.gov.za/16DaysofActivism2018.  

Cabinet urges all South Africans to use this platform and participate in a government event nearest to them. Civil society and other women's organisations are encouraged to populate their calendars of events for the period.

All South Africans are urged to work together to heed the call to #HearMeToo, by listening to the plight of women, and taking action to end the scourge of all forms of violence against women.

E. Ccongratulations

14. Cabinet congratulates all local sporting heroes who are flying the South African flag high. The achievements of those who excelled in their respective sporting fields, was acknowledged at the recent 2018 Sports Award ceremony.

14.1. South Africa’s Caster Semenya bagged double gold by winning the coveted Sports Star of the Year award along with the Sportswoman of the Year Award.

14.2. South African swimming sensation Chad le Clos won the Sportsman of the Year Award.

14.3. Mdodozi Ntutu won the Sportsman of the Year with Disability Award.

14.4. Anrune Liebenberg won the Sportswoman of the Year with Disability Award.

14.5. Banyana Banyana won the prestigious Team of the Year Award.  Banyana Banyana won its first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Nigeria.

14.6.  Bafana Bafana drew 1-1 in the AFCON qualifier match with Nigeria.

14.7. The South African Rugby team is commended for their performances and we wish them well for their upcoming match against Wales on 24 November 2018.

Cabinet calls on South Africans to continue to rally behind the country’s sports women and men.

15. Cabinet also congratulates:

15.1. Science and Technology Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, who has been nominated to serve in the World Economic Forum Council on the Fourth Industrial Revolution, which consists of government, civil society and academics.

This will help countries globally to respond and take advantage of opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

15.2. Finance Minister Tito Mboweni on his appointment to the Board of Trustees of the AU Peace Fund, which will finance mediation and preventative diplomacy activities, institutional capacity requirements, and peace support operations in Africa. As a member of the Board of Trustees, Minister Mboweni will contribute towards the strategic coherence and enhanced governance, financial and administrative oversight of the Peace Fund.  The appointment of the trustees of the AU’s Peace Fund is a key step in the implementation of the financing of the AU’s agenda, which is part of the ongoing institutional reform process.

15.3. Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor, who will be conferred with the French National Order of the Legion of Honour Award on Friday, 30 November 2018. The award is in recognition of her lifelong remarkable achievements and efforts in nurturing and furthering the cooperation between France and South Africa in the field of Science and Technology. The ceremony will be held in at the residence of the French Ambassador to South Africa in Pretoria.

F. Appointments

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

16. Provincial heads of the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation:

16.1. Free State: Brigadier Kubandran Moodley; and

16.2. North West: Major General Dumisani Patrick Mbotho.

17. Reappointment of Adv Makhosini Solomon Msibi as the CEO of the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

18. Reappointment of Mr Thulani Matiki Norman Kgomo as non-executive member of the RTMC Board.

19. Reappointment of Ms Daphline Harridene Charlotte-Ann Ewertse as non-executive member of the RTMC Board.

20. Appointment of Adv Sandile Nogxina as Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Airport Company South Africa Board.

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

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 5 December 2018 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town

A. Issues in the environment

1. Economic growth

Cabinet welcomes the 2.2% growth in the South African economy during the third quarter, which is helping move the country out of a technical recession. The growth figures were driven by increases in the agricultural sector (6.5%), financial sector (2.3%); manufacturing sector (7.5%) and wholesale and retail trade sales (3.2%). The growth figures signal a rebound in the economy and together with initiatives from the Jobs Summit and South African Investment Conference, will continue to improve.

Cabinet also joins South Africans in welcoming this month’s drop in the fuel price which comes as a relief, especially as we move into a holiday period. All sectors of society are urged to build on the positive momentum during the third quarter to help place the South African economy on a new growth trajectory.

2. National Minimum Wage (NMW)

Cabinet also welcomes the signing of the NMW Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Bill sets a historic precedent in the protection of low-earning workers and reduction of inequality in society. The first NMW will raise the earnings of an estimated six million South African low-earning workers. There will be a phase-in period for farm workers, forestry workers and domestic workers. Whilst this NMW will not end income inequality, Cabinet believes it will go a long way to breaking the back of rising inequality and persistent poverty.

3. Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS)

Cabinet welcomes the launch of the newly established R56-million TWIMS. The institute will boost South Africa’s manufacturing sector, develop world-class capabilities and drive African industrialisation. It will also accelerate the building of a manufacturing culture that the country needs to drive its domestic demands and create more jobs.

It is an independent and not-for-profit initiative established through grant funding from the Toyota South Africa Education Trust. It has been established in partnership with the University of Pretoria’s Gordon Institute of Business Science to deliver a Master of Business Administration degree specialising in manufacturing.

4. Social Economy

Cabinet notes the successful Symposium on the Social Economy held by government in partnership with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the Government of Flanders on Friday, 30 November 2018. The symposium was led by the Economic Development Department and supported by the Department of Small Business Development.

The Social Economy comprises enterprises and initiatives directed at achieving social-policy objectives such as creating jobs, mainstreaming excluded groups, and bringing goods and services to rural communities. It has the potential of supporting economic inclusion and creating thousands of additional jobs. The symposium brought together social entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers and non-governmental organisations, and will help in the development of a Green Paper on the Social Economy during 2019.

5. Voter registration

In preparation for the 2019 elections, Cabinet calls on South Africans to exercise their right as responsible citizens by ensuring they have a green bar-coded ID book, smart ID card or temporary identity certificate and are registered to vote in their districts. The Independent Electoral Commission will hold a voter-registration weekend on 26 and 27 January 2019 and South Africans are encouraged to use the opportunity to register to vote or verify their registration status. Cabinet appeals to those who have applied for Smart IDs to collect their documents at their respective Department of Home Affairs (DHA) branches.

6. National Director of Public Prosecutions (NDPP)

Cabinet applauds President Ramaphosa’s appointment of Advocate Shamila Batohi as the new NDPP. This follows the President’s consideration of five nominees shortlisted by an advisory panel. The appointment brings stability to the leadership of the National Prosecuting Authority and emboldens the country’s fight against crime and corruption. Cabinet extends its appreciation to Energy Minister Jeff Radebe and the panel for their contribution to this historic process of appointment.  

7. Limpopo health professionals

Cabinet strongly condemns attacks on doctors in hospitals around Limpopo. Health professionals and health facilities serve communities, especially vulnerable members who facilities to get assistance. Attacking those who are meant to save lives is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated. The Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, is leading a multidisciplinary task team – comprising police intelligence agents, detective services, public order policing, private security authorities and DHA officials – to review the security systems at public healthcare facilities. Cabinet calls on the community to work with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of this heinous crimes are arrested and convicted.
 
8. Safer holidays

Cabinet appeals to all South Africans to keep safe during the December holidays. Road users are urged to adhere to the traffic rules, and not to drive recklessly and negligently, especially under the influence. Pedestrians are also urged to remain cautious on the road. The Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster has intensified anti-crime and safety operations countrywide. The DHA’s has increased its capacity in ports of entry to ensure it is able to respond to the expected increase of travellers over the festive period. It also plans to extend operating hours at busy ports of entry, covering pre-festive season movements, the festive season period and the re-opening of schools.

9. Fifth anniversary of the passing of Madiba

Cabinet joins South Africans in commemorating the fifth anniversary of the passing of our first democratically elected President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who passed on 5 December 2013. President Ramaphosa declared 2018 as the Year marking Mandela’s centenary. His legacy has been celebrated throughout the year by South Africans in their various formations, the most recent being the Global Citizens Mandela 100 Festival held over the past weekend. Cabinet calls on all to stay true to Madiba’s ideals, including his unwavering commitment to justice, equality and non-racialism.

10. Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100

Cabinet thanks all participants of the Global Citizen Festival Mandela 100 held in Johannesburg on Sunday, 2 December 2018. The festival formed part of the national commemorative events to celebrate the centenary of Tata Nelson Mandela and was transmitted in over 180 countries. It brought together thousands of global citizens, activists, world leaders, musicians and influencers to advance the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UN) in honour of Mandela’s memory. Cabinet extends its sympathy to all those who were violated by criminal elements that preyed on them whilst leaving the stadium. It strongly condemns these criminal acts and calls on law-enforcement agencies to bring offenders to book.

11. World AIDS Day

South Africa marked World AIDS Day on 1 December under the theme: “Cheka Impilo. Know Your Status.” Cabinet appreciates government’s multidimensional HIV and AIDS programme that has taken decisive steps to bring an end to the epidemic. The programme has realised an additional uptake of two million people to the antiretroviral treatment programme.

South Africa has more than 4,2 million people on treatment, making it one of the world’s biggest treatment programmes. The HIV and AIDS campaign continues to make inroads towards changing behaviour, medical treatment and social de-stigmatisation. Cabinet is steadfast in its call on South Africans to get tested so they can know their HIV status, which will help them make informed decisions on preventative measures, treatment, care and support.

12. UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities

South Africa joined the global community in observing the annual UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities on Monday, 3 December.

Government remains committed to the inclusion and protection of persons with disabilities through dedicated programmes and interventions to ensure access to equal opportunities, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.

B. Cabinet decisions

13. Nkomazi Special Economic Zone (SEZ)

Cabinet ratified a decision of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, to designate the SEZ and to grant a SEZ Licence to the Mpumalanga Provincial Government’s Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The Nkomazi SEZ will be positioned as an “Agro-Processing Hub” using green energy. It will be supported by mixed services such as warehousing and logistics. This forms part of is the Maputo Development Corridor project, which is a major trade corridor which connects Gauteng, Limpopo and Mpumalanga with Maputo in Mozambique. It comprises, among other things, roads, ports and railways.

It will contribute towards accelerating growth, attract foreign and domestic direct investment, expand the manufacturing sector and create employment in the region.

14. Cabinet has approved the signing of the rollover Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the United Kingdom (UK) once the last outstanding technical issues are resolved and the internal administrative issues are finalised.  Cabinet also approved the submission in Parliament  for ratification, the Agreement  establishing the EPA between Southern African Customs  Union and Mozambique and the UK

15. Cabinet approved the publication of the streamlined White Paper on Home Affairs for public comment. The White Paper argues that for South Africa to fully realise the potential of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the DHA must play a critical enabling role in citizen empowerment, inclusive development, efficient government and national security. It is also based on the DHA having sole mandate for the management of official identity and status, international migration, and asylum seekers and refugees. The White Paper proposes measures to reduce the fraudulent bank transactions and realise savings due to increased inefficiencies.

16. Cabinet approved the submission of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Copyright Treaty (WCT) of 1996 to Parliament for accession. This is a multilateral agreement and a special agreement under the Berne Convention that deals with the protection of the work and rights of their authors in the digital environment. Acceding to the WCT also benefits the South African creative industry, specifically authors of literary and artistic works. The WCT is in the best interest of South Africa as it ensures that the country’s copyright law will keep pace with technological change. This will afford important protection against piracy for rights holders in the areas of computer programmes and databases.

17. Cabinet approved the submission of the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty of 1996, to Parliament for accession. This is a multilateral agreement which deals with the rights of performers and producers of phonograms, specifically in the digital environment. This treaty will protect people or organisations that add substantial creative, technical or organisational skill in the process of bringing work to the public and enhance revenue to benefit them.

18. Cabinet approved the submission of the Beijing Treaty to Parliament for accession. This is a multilateral agreement, which regulates copyright for audio-visual performances and expands the audio-visual performers’ rights. It recognises audio-visual performers’ intellectual property right in their audio-visual work and creates economic benefit for them. It also provides audio-visual performers with moral rights in respect of their work and recognises audio-visual performers’ rights in the digital environment. 

19. Cabinet approved for the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to lead the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) second generation periodic review. It will be conducted after the 2019 General Elections.  The IMC will be supported by the approved establishment of the APRM National Governing Council. This APRM review process provides member states a space for national dialogue on governance and socio-economic indicators and an opportunity to build consensus on the way forward.

20. Cabinet approved for South Africa to sign the Convention to establish, under international law, an intergovernmental organisation called the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory, which will be responsible for the construction and operational phases of the global SKA radio telescope project, to be located in South Africa and Australia. The signing of the convention will be crucial in providing the global partnership with the appropriate governance mechanisms, which will ensure successful delivery of the project. South Africa will also be able to leverage foreign inward investment, as well as skills and infrastructure development benefits associated with the SKA project.

21. Cabinet approved the One-Stop Border Post (OSBP) National Framework for implementation. This provides guidance towards the speedy establishment of OSBPs between South Africa and its neighboring countries. The OSBP will enhance trade facilitation without compromising national security or revenue collection through the efficient movement of goods, persons and services between South Africa and the adjoining states of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. It will also result in the region realising a faster border clearance and limited duplication of border agency interventions, which in turn improves trade competitiveness and movement of person by cutting down on cost and time.

22. Cabinet approved that the National Treasury and Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) will coordinate South Africa’s preparation for the national risk assessment and upcoming mutual evaluation process which commences in mid-April 2019. The mutual evaluation is a peer-review process conducted by international experts from other member countries of the intergovernmental body, the Financial Action Task Force, to assess the effectiveness of the anti-money laundering (AML) and combating of terrorist financing (CFT) system in South Africa. The outcomes of the process will assist in strengthening the integrity of the South African financial system by identifying steps to be taken to address any weaknesses in our AML/CFT system.

23. Cabinet approved the recommendations presented to the Department of Basic Education by the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. The recommendations flow from the Impact evaluation of the Early Grade Reading Study after two years of interventions. The DBE initiated the Early Grade Reading Study in collaboration with various universities. This is a large-scale educational impact evaluation which aims to build evidence about what works to improve the teaching and learning of early grade reading in African languages in the country. The Report will be posted on the DPME website.

24. Cabinet approved the Policy Framework on National Museums. The aim is to transform the management and operations of museums in terms of access, redress, equity, nation-building and social cohesion. The policy proposes the clustering of museums into new management structures to achieve economies of scale by reducing the number of councils.It also provides for the grading of all the museums according to qualities, scope and significance to enable equitable funding allocations.

25. Cabinet approved the National Guide for the Appointment of Persons to Boards and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of State-owned and State-controlled institutions. The guide provides national principles and good-practice guidelines to promote uniformity in the appointment of persons. It responds to the Presidential Review Committee on State-owned entities to promote transparency, accountability and good governance practices in all organs of state.

26. Cabinet approved the 6th progress report by the Inter-Ministerial Task Team on North West. Cabinet is pleased that visible progress has been made in stabilising the provincial departments in North West and the provision of basic services has been prioritised. The intervention has cleared over 90% of the accruals to suppliers enabling the improved supply of medicine and equipment. Four of the five operating theatres at Mafikeng hospital have been returned to functionality. A number of the funded vacant posts in the respective departments have been filled. A process to address the backlog infrastructure maintenance has been put in place and the law enforcement agencies continue to make progress in bringing those who were involved in corruption to account.

27. Working with the North West leadership the appointed Administrators continue to make progress in setting in place good governance processes.  The NCOP visited the North West in October and have tabled their report endorsing the  National government intervention in the Province.

28. Cabinet approved  the hosting of the following events:

• The Fourth Annual Meetings of the New Development Bank (NDB), during the first quarter of 2019. The NDB was established by the Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) bloc to mobilise resources to support infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS countries, and other emerging markets and developing countries.
• The 17th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) in June/July 2019. AMCEN is a permanent forum where African Ministers of the Environment deliberate and decide on environmental issues of relevance to the Continent. South Africa assumes its chairship from 2019 to 2021.

C. Bills

29. Cabinet approved publication of the Revised Expropriation Bill for public comment. The revised bill adds a section that provides explicit circumstances under which land expropriation in the public interest may be without compensation. The section strengthen the earlier Expropriation Bill that was withdrawn from the parliament process. The Bill will assist in accelerating the land reform programme whilst within the framework of the constitutional principles.

30. Cabinet approved for the publication of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill of 2018 for public comment. This forms part of government’s reform of the financial sector regulation towards a Twin Peaks model and follows the enactment of the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (Act 9 of 2017) which, amongst others, aims to ensure better market conduct and the treatment of customers in the financial sector. Market conduct regulation aims to prevent and manage when prevention is not successful, the poor outcomes that arise from financial institutions conducting their business in ways that are unfair to customers or undermines the integrity of financial markets and confidence in the financial system.

The Bill will strengthen customer protection by putting in place a single comprehensive market conduct law. This will result in the consistent application of customer-protection principles across the financial sector. It provides for a single, activity-based approach to licensing all financial institutions, and ensuring full regulatory coverage and supervision.

This will allow the newly established Financial Sector Conduct Authority to better meet its mandate of protecting financial customers by ensuring fair treatment. The Bill, which will apply to all financial institutions, also supports transformation of the financial sector through implementation of the Financial Sector Code issued under the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act, 2003 (Act 53 of 2003) by requiring that policies be introduced to comply with the code and also supervising implementation of those policies.

31. Cabinet approved for the introduction of the Financial Matters Amendment Bill of 2018 in Parliament.

The amendments relate to the:

a)  Insolvency Act of 1963, to strengthen the regulation of over-the-counter derivative market, in line with G20 commitments;
b)  Military Pensions Act of 1976, to address discriminatory provisions;
c)  Banks Act of 1990, to allow for qualifying state-owned companies to apply for banking licences;
d)  Government Employment Pension Law of 1996, to change the clean break principle in the case of divorce, ensuring that members’ pension pay outs to former spouses on divorce are not converted to a debt obligation; and
e)  Auditing Profession Act of 2005, to address challenges and limitations that the Independent Regulatory Board for Auditors faces in discharging its regulatory and oversight responsibilities.

D. Upcoming events

32. National Minimum Wage (NMW) announcement

President Ramaphosa will announce the NMW at an event to be held at Kliptown in Soweto on Friday, 7 December 2018. The NMW will immediately benefit more than six million workers and help address the level of inequality and poverty in South Africa. This landmark proclamation will extend our social net to the most vulnerable people.

33. International Anti-Corruption Day

In commemoration of the UN’s International Anti-Corruption Day on Sunday, 9 December 2018, Cabinet reaffirms the country’s fight against corruption in both the private and public sectors. The JCPS Cluster has prioritised the fight against this scourge in line with government’s zero-tolerance stance towards corruption. Corruption is a societal problem that must be fought by everyone as it hinders socio-economic development and increases poverty by diverting resources away from where they are most needed.  

34. International Human Rights Day

South Africa will join the international community in observing International Human Rights Day on Monday, 10 December 2018. The day marks the anniversary of the UN General Assembly's adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. Government continues to ensure that all South Africans enjoy all human rights such as the rights to life, equality and human dignity. Every citizen has a responsibility to ensure that human rights and dignity in our nation is protected.  

35. Global Commission on the Future of Work

The report from the Global Commission on the Future of Work will be launched on 22 January 2019. It was established by the ILO in 2017 to assess the rapid transformation taking place in the global economy and world of work, and identify the key challenges and recommendations. This High-Level Global Commission is co-chaired by President Ramaphosa together with Prime Minister Stefan Löfven of the Kingdom of Sweden.

E. Messages

36. Condolences

Cabinet joins President Ramaphosa in expressing sadness at the passing of Struggle stalwart and former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr Mendi Msimang, on Monday, 3 December 2018, following a long illness. Cabinet extends condolences to the family, friends, comrades and associates of Mr Msimang. Mr Msimang has been accorded a Special Official Funeral category 1 which entails elements of military ceremonial honour in line with the policy on State and Provincial official funerals.

37. Congratulations

37.1 Cabinet congratulates Banyana Banyana on reaching the final of the 2018 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations. By doing so they have automatically qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in France.

37.2 Cabinet commends Dr Lindiwe Sidali, who made history by becoming the first African female cardiothoracic surgeon in the country.

F.    Appointments

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

38. Independent Development Corporation

Mr Tshokolo Nchocho as CEO on a five year contract.

39. South African Weather Service Board members:

a. Ms Nana Magomola (Chairperson);
b. Dr Phillip David Dexter (Deputy Chairperson);
c. Mr David Lefutso;
d. Adv Derek Jeffrey Block;
e. Ms Sowbakiam Mudly-Padayachie;
f. Dr Mphekgo Patrick Maila;
g. Ms Feziwe Yolanda Renqe;
h. Mr Itani Phaduli;
i. Dr Owen Peter Muller Horwood;
j. Ms Kelebogile Shirley Moroka-Mosia;
k. Mr Jerry Lengoasa (CEO); and
l. Dr Tsakani Ngomane (Departmental DG representative).

40. Adv Sandile Nogxina as Non-Executive Director and Chairperson of the Airports Company South Africa Board.

41. South African Statistics Council:

a. Mr Ian Assam - reappointed;
b. Mr Faldie Esau - reappointed;
c. Dr Jacky Galpin - reappointed;
d. Mr Ettienne le Roux - reappointed;
e. Dr Ariane Neethling - reappointed;
f. Dr Thabi Leoka;
g. Ms Reshoketswe Mokobane;
h. Mr Thapelo Molahloe;
i. Ms Blanche Motsosi;
j. Ms Nompumelelo Nzimande;
k. Mr Wandile Sihlobo;
l. Ms Vuyelwa Mantyi (Eastern Cape representative);
m. Ms Zeenat Ishmail (Western Cape representative);
n. Mr Kuberin Packirisamy (Northern Cape representative);
o. Mr Thulani Bhengu (KwaZulu-Natal representative);
p. Mr Thuso Ramaema (Free State representative);
q. Dr David Everatt (Chairperson and Gauteng representative);
r. Prof Andries Monyeki (North West representative);
s. Dr Nomuso Mlondo (Mpumalanga representative); and
t. Dr Modjadji Malahlela (Limpopo representative).

42. Defence Force Service Commission:

a. Dr Siphelele Zulu;
b. Dr Ziyaad Essop;
c. Adv Nokuzola Gloria Khumalo; and
d. Mr Ian Hugh Robertson.

43. South African Nuclear Energy Corporation Board:

a. Dr Robert Adam;
b. Dr Ramatsemela Masango;
c. Mr Aadil Patel;
d. Mr Bishen Singh;
e. Ms Pulane Kingston;
f.  Ms Mathlodi Ngwenya;
g. Mr Jabulani Ndlovu; and
h. Ms Pulane Molokwane.

44. Board of Mhlathuze Water:

a. Ms Thabi Agatha Shange (Chairperson);
b. Mr Silas Zwalakhe Hlophe (Deputy Chairperson);
c. Dr Purshottamma Sivanarain Reddy;
d. Mrs Nica M Gevers;
e. Dr Mosidi Makgae;
f.  Mr Musa Moses Xulu;
g. Mr Bonginkosi Vincent Mshengu;
h. Mrs Amita Badul;
i.  Ms Nothando Nonkululeko Mkhize;
j. Ms Gloria Dumisile Biyela; and
k. Mr Petros Mzothule Zikalala.

45. CEOs for Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs):

a. Bank SETA - Mr Trevor Rammitlwa;
b. Food and Beverages SETA - Ms Nokuthula Selamolela;
c. Fibre Processing and Manufacturing SETA - Ms Felleng Yende;
d. Insurance SETA - Ms Nadia Starr;
e. Services SETA - Ms Amanda Buzo-Gqoboka;
f. Agriculture SETA - Mr Zenzele Gilbert Myeza;
g. Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority - Mr Mike Khathutshelo Ramukumba;
h. Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports SETA - Ms Keitumetse Lebaka;
i. Education, Training and Development Practices SETA - Ms Nombulelo Nxesi;
j. Finance and Accounting SETA - Ms Ayanda Pearl Zinhle Mafuleka;
k. Health and Welfare SETA - Ms Elaine Brass;
l. Public Services SETA - Ms Bontle Portia Lerumo; and
m. Wholesale and Retail SETA - Mr Blessing Tom Mkhwanazi.

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

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 13 February 2019 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the environment

1. State of the Nation Address (SoNA)

1.1. Cabinet welcomes President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 2019 SoNA, which marks 25 years since the first Joint Sitting of Parliament in the new democratic South Africa. A majority of South Africans also welcomed the address, which continues to provide hope and renewal.

1.2. President Ramaphosa reflected on the progress made in the past year. Building on these successes, the President outlined this year’s focus areas. These included the continuation of intervention measures to accelerate inclusive economic growth and create jobs; improve our education system and develop the skills for the future and step up the fight against corruption and state capture.

1.3. In the next week, Finance Minister Tito Mboweni will unpack the financial plan when he delivers his Budget Speech. Through the departmental budget votes, Ministers will unpack their operational plans that will give effect to the President’s SoNA.

1.4. Cabinet remains committed to steering our country towards the realization of Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP), the blueprint for eliminating poverty and reducing inequality and unemployment in the country by 2030.

2. African Mining Indaba

2.1. South Africa successfully hosted the 25th annual Investing in Africa Mining Indaba, which is the world’s largest gathering of mining stakeholders and decision-makers. In pursuit of attracting investment in mining, this year’s Indaba was held under the theme: “Championing Africa’s Sustainable Economic Development”.

2.2. Cabinet welcomes the signed mining stakeholder compact. The compact will go a long way towards promoting foreign direct investments in different sectors of the mining industry.

2.3. Government, through the Department of Trade and Industry’s (the dti) Industrial Policy Action Plan, has identified mineral beneficiation as an area that presents an abundance of opportunities that investors can take advantage of to grow the mining sector. This provides massive potential of contributing to growing the country’s economy, creating jobs, transformation and eradicating poverty.

3. ESKOM

3.1. Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordan briefed Cabinet on the recent load-shedding that affected the running of the economy across the country. These disruptions have had an immeasurable impact on South African households and the economy.   

3.2. South Africa’s energy supply remains an absolute imperative and the current situation at Eskom poses significant risks to the country, its financial stability and the economy. The strategic unbundling of Eskom into three separate wholly State Owned entities – generation; transmission and distribution - is required for the long-term sustainability of the power utility and the country.

3.3. To address the recent situation, President Ramaphosa has appointed a Special Cabinet Committee on Eskom led by the Deputy President and comprising the Ministers of Public Enterprises; Energy; Finance; Transport; Intelligence and Police. This committee will deal with matters of Eskom daily and deliver daily reports to the President on what actions need to be taken to secure energy supply.

3.4. The team is expected to meet with all stakeholders to help restore stability to the grid and chart a way forward whilst ensuring that there is minimal economic cost to the consumer and taxpayers.

4. Right to vote

4.1. Cabinet congratulates all South Africans, especially thousands of young and first-time voters, who participated in the last voter registration weekend on 26 and 27 January 2019 before the country holds its sixth democratic national and provincial elections on 8 May 2019.

4.2. Cabinet calls on all eligible voters to exercise their right responsibly and appeals to South Africans who have not yet registered to vote, to do so at Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) offices which are open around the country. You can also check your voter registration status by sending an SMS with your ID number to 32810 (R1.00 per SMS) or install the IEC’s free mobile app for voters and use it to check your registration details.

4.3. Since the birth of our democracy, we have built a thriving constitutional democracy with institutions that ensure our basic rights and freedoms. Furthermore, programmes have been implemented to structurally transform the economy and address our many socio-economic challenges. The upcoming elections are an opportunity for a new generation of young South Africans to exercise their right to vote, and have a say in their future and that of our country.

5. Total oil and gas discovery
 
5.1. As part of the national effort to grow the economy and create jobs, government has – through Operation Phakisa for the Oceans Economy – facilitated opportunities in the country’s oil and gas sector for growth and investment. South Africa has potential resources of nine billion barrels of oil and 60 tcf (trillion cubic feet) or 11 billion barrels of oil equivalent of gas offshore.

5.2. Cabinet has lauded the offshore discovery of gas condensate by oil company Total that could contain one billion barrels of resources, which will significantly boost the country's oil and gas supplies.

5.3. The discovery was made by the company after drilling at its Brulpadda prospects in the Outeniqua basin, about 175 kilometres (km) off the coast of South Africa.

6. 32nd Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU)

6.1. Cabinet congratulates the appointment of President Ramaphosa as Chair of the AU for 2020. He will take over from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who is currently serving his term for 2019.

6.2. President Ramaphosa led a South African delegation to the 32nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Heads of State and Government of the AU, held in Addis Ababa, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia from 15 January to 11 February 2019, under the theme “Refugees, Returnees and Internally Displaced Persons: Towards Durable Solutions to Forced Displacement in Africa”. This provided a platform to reflect on and address the root causes of forced displacement in Africa.

6.3. South Africa submitted its Instrument of Ratification of the Agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) during the summit. Issues deliberated on included the institutional reform and financing of the continental body; Peace and Security on the Continent; developments related to the AfCFTA; and negotiations for a new cooperation agreement between the African, Caribbean and Pacific developing countries and the European Union Post-2020.

6.4. During the course of this year, President Ramaphosa is also expected to take chairship of the meeting of the Committee of African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC). CAHOSCC was established in 2009 by the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government to lead the African Common Position on Climate Change and in global climate change negotiations.

6.5. When President Ramaphosa assumes chairship, he will work with other heads of state to ensure successful implementation of the landmark Paris Agreement to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change. Through CAHOSCC, Africa will make a significant contribution to the global effort for a low-carbon and climate resilient development.

7. Higher education

7.1. Cabinet extends condolences to the family and friends of the Durban University of Technology student, Mlungisi Madonsela. The disruption of learning and closures of institutions of higher learning, especially in KwaZulu-Natal, which tragically led to the death of this student, are a cause for much concern.
 
7.2. Cabinet calls on all role-players to resolve issues in a peaceful manner. Our country needs educated young speople to contribute to our development.

7.3. Government, through the Department of Higher Education and Training, is assisting institutions of higher learning where there are challenges. Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor has also directed National Student Financial Aid Scheme administrators to prioritise providing responses to all student queries.

8. Containment of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD)

8.1. In safeguarding the health of the nation, Cabinet is pleased with the response and interventions to avoid spillage of the FMD outbreak in the Vhembe District, Limpopo. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, along with the Red Meat Association and other stakeholders, are working to address the issue in an integrated manner.

8.2. Vaccination started on 14 January 2019, with cattle in affected villages, as well as cattle in the 20 km radius around affected villages. To date, the total number of cattle vaccinated is over 10 000; they are being marked to distinguish them from others.

9. South African Film Summit

9.1. The South African film industry has long been recognised as a catalyst for economic growth and job creation in South Africa. The creative and cultural industry, particularly the film sector, also plays a key role in developing the South African story and contributing to the efforts of nation-building and social cohesion.

9.2. In line with this approach, Cabinet welcomes the first South African Film Summit, held in Johannesburg from 4 to 5 February 2019 under the theme: “Transformation and innovation in the South African Film/Audio-Visual Industry and the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Are we geared for change?”

9.3. The summit’s outcomes are expected to contribute towards creating an enabling environment for the industry to thrive. Government remains committed to funding projects through the Industrial Development Corporation and the dti.

B. Cabinet decisions

10. Social cohesion and nation-building

10.1. While our nation has made massive strides since 1994, the artificial barriers based on race, class and cultural differences continue to undermine our advances. In this regard, Cabinet approved the Political Perspective, which provides a legislative and policy framework to support greater social cohesion and nation-building going forward.

10.2. The framework will have a far-reaching effect on implementing the objectives of constructing “a united people and a more cohesive society are not only national objectives; they are also the means to eradicating poverty,” as set out in the NDP.

10.3. All sectors of society are encouraged to support the policy framework by celebrating our differences and building a society that reverses the legacy of colonialism and apartheid.

10.4. The Department of Arts and Culture will be convening the Social Compact Convention at the end of March 2019 in Johannnesburg where various sectors of society – including civil, labour, business, academia and intelligentsia, religious fraternity and media – will commit to the project of social cohesion and nation-building. Consultations with sectors will be done during February and mid-March 2019.

C. Bills

11. Children’s Amendment Bill of 2019

11.1. Cabinet has approved the submission of the Children’s Amendment Bill of 2019 to Parliament to strengthen our nation’s work in protecting the rights of children.

11.2. In 2017 the Centre for Child Law litigated the Department of Social Development on foster-care backlogs.

11.3. The High Court directed the Minister of Social Development to, amongst others, prepare and introduce before Parliament the necessary amendment to the Children’s Act, 2005 (Act 38 of 2005) and/or the Social Assistance Act, 2004 (Act 13 of 2004) to provide comprehensive legal solution to address foster-care challenges.

11.4. All children should enjoy access to services that are aimed at facilitating their safety, care and protection; and an effective social welfare system. There are multiple inadequacies in the current child care and protection system. The Bill addresses, amongst others, the challenges relating to the provision and administration of foster care, and other related child care and protection matters.

D. Upcoming events

12. Digital Economy Summit

12.1. The global move towards technology inspired by the 4IR brings with it new opportunities to build our society and economy. To remain at the forefront of new technological trends, the country will host the Digital Economy Summit in March 2019.

12.2. The summit is convened under the banner of the 4IR South Africa (4IRSA), a partnership between the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services, Telkom, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Johannesburg and University of Fort Hare.

12.3. The #4IRSA aims to address the challenges facing South Africa in the Digital Age so as to find a coherent and collective response for the country. 

13. 2019 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Media Awards

13.1. As part of promoting regional integration, cooperation and recognising excellence in journalism, South African media are invited to submit their entries for the 2019 SADC Media Awards competition by 28 February 2019. The awards are in the fields of print, radio, television and photo journalism.

E. Messages

14. Condolences

14.1. Cabinet joins President Ramaphosa and all South Africans in extending condolences to the families and friends of learners who died after a walkway collapsed at Hoërskool Driehoek in Vanderbijlpark on Friday, 1 February 2019. Cabinet also wishes all injured learners a speedy recovery.

15. Congratulations

15.1.Cabinet has congratulated:

15.1.1. the Soweto Gospel Choir for making South Africa proud again after winning the Grammy for the best world music album. The group won for its album Freedom – renditions of well-known liberation struggle songs.  This is the choir’s third Grammy Award.

15.1.2. the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) for winning the African Renewable Energy Programme Award from London-based institution, Project Finance International. The DBSA was recognised for its innovative financing of 14 renewable energy projects in the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme.

15.1.3. two of our scientists who won the prestigious AU Kwame Nkrumah Awards for Scientific Excellence 2018 edition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on 11 February 2019:

Prof Aletta Schutte won the regional prize for Women Scientist US$20 000 for the Life and Earth Sciences category. She is a Professor of Physiology at North-West University. Prof Schutte holds a SARChI in the Early Detection and Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Africa, the research chair is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). Her research focus is on hypertension and its development in African populations.

Prof David Mark Richardson won the continental award of US$100 000 for the Earth and Life Science category. He is a Distinguished Professor of Ecology at Stellenbosch University, and Director of the DST-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology. His research deals with understanding issues pertaining to invasive alien tree species.

15.1.4. South Africa’s Under-20 football team, Amajita, for qualifying for the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup, to be held in Poland in May 2019. Amajita booked their spot after making it through to the semi-finals of the Confederation of African Football Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Niger.

Enquiries: Ms Phumla Williams – Acting Cabinet Spokesperson (GCIS)
Mobile: 083 501 0139

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 27 February 2019 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues In The Environment

1. 2019 Budget Speech

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the 2019 Budget Speech delivered by Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in Parliament, Cape Town on Wednesday, 20 February 2019, as a framework that has set South Africa on a path where together we are enabled to renew and rebuild our economy into an inclusive and thriving one.

1.2. The Budget Speech brings into effect the commitments outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, Cape Town on 7 February 2019. 

1.3. Cabinet supports various initiatives, including cutting the public sector wage bill, in order to generate additional savings to strengthen government’s finances. Imposing strict conditions of financial support to Eskom to help the utility restructure into a viable organisation is also welcomed.

1.4. We all have a part to play in growing the economy and creating jobs for our people. Overcoming the toughest challenges stemming from the legacy of apartheid means working together  with government to implement its programmes, grow the economy and attract more foreign investment.

2. Eskom

2.1. Cabinet received a report from Deputy President David Mabuza on the work of the joint Special Cabinet Committee on Eskom that was established in response to recent electricity supply disruptions and the negative impact on the economy.  Government’s coordinated efforts to bring financial, operational and structural sustainability to Eskom are proceeding in earnest.

2.2. The Special Cabinet Committee is convened by Deputy President Mabuza and includes the Ministers of Public Enterprises, Energy, Transport, Finance, Police and State Security. It will be required to monitor energy supply on a daily basis.

2.3. In line with President Ramaphosa’s commitment that government’s response to the electricity crisis must be inclusive and consultative, the Minister of Public Enterprises and the Eskom board Chairperson had their first preliminary engagements with the leadership of the three labour unions recognized by Eskom, the coal mining industry and the engineering fraternity.

2.4. The meeting with labour reported on the problems with Eskom’s operations and generation system, maintenance and unplanned outages. The meeting sought to establish a basis for formal future consultations. The restructuring of Eskom was also discussed, and all parties agreed that there would be more interactions to better understand the roadmap and the implications of separating Eskom’s business divisions into three separate operating entities.

2.5. The coal mining industry was convened under the auspices of the Minerals Council of South Africa (MINCOSA), and the meeting raised problems related to coal supply, costs and pricing, and the quality of coal provided to Eskom.

2.6. Further engagements were convened with the engineering fraternity, under the auspices of the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). All engineering specialist disciplines were represented by their respective voluntary associations, including the National Association of Black Engineers.

2.7. The ECSA gave its analysis of the problems facing Eskom and provided a set of recommendations about how to involve the broader South African academic and technical professional fraternity in the urgent interventions required to stabilize electricity supply.

2.8. MINCOSA and the ECSA will assist government to establish a Technical Operations and Maintenance Review Team for Eskom that will be announced shortly.

3. Renewable energy

3.1. Cabinet supports the announcements by Energy Minister Jeff Radebe, which reaffirms the basic rationale behind renewable energy in arresting the high negative impact of fossil fuel sources of energy such as oil and coal.

3.2. Energy is a key enabler in South Africa’s trajectory towards socio- economic growth and development. The National Development Plan (NDP) states that South Africa needs at least 20 000 megawatts of  renewable energy by 2030. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme has made a significant impact on the economy, job creation, community upliftment, economic transformation and climate change.

3.3. While South Africa continues to make a significant contribution to the global effort for a low-carbon and climate resilient developments, government remains committed to ensuring a responsible and just  transition to a cleaner future.

3.4. The World Bank Group recently hosted the South African Renewable Energy and Energy Storage Systems in Cape Town from 25 to 26 February 2019 under the theme: “Batteries, Energy Storage and the Renewable Future – Towards a 100% Dispatchable Renewable Energy System”. Delegates from industry, finance, utilities, regulators, government and academia discussed advancements in the renewable-energy sector including policy, regulatory, financial, business, technological, applications, innovation, codes and standards issues that are required for the expansion of renewable energy.

3.5. Renewable energy and energy storage technologies enable us to convert electrical power into an energy form and store it for later use when needed. Energy storage systems reduce the need for back-up capacity from coal or gas-fired electrical generation plants, thereby reducing power sector emissions and help us mitigate against climate change.

4. Special Economic Zones (SEZs) Programme

4.1. Cabinet welcomes local and international investor confidence displayed through investments in the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone (SBIDZ), which is developing into a world-class offshore and martime hub. This is part of the Department of Trade and Industry’s SEZ Programme.

4.2. The establishment of SEZs countrywide is reversing the concentration of economic activity to certain areas of the country as a result of apartheid spatial planning.

4.3. Since their establishment, SEZs have contributed to attracting foreign direct investment such as the recently signed a R3-billion investment at the SBIDZ.

4.4. The SBIDZ’s investment pipeline includes at least five more investments that will add another R2.4 billion of investment to the short and medium-term outlook of the zone, once completed.

5. Water supply

5.1. Cabinet welcomes the  Mzimvubu Water Project’s advanced infrastructure at Esiqhungqwini village in Tsolo, situated in Mhlontlo Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape, as an example of how government continues to meet the needs of communities despite South Africa being a water-stressed country.
 
5.2. The realisation of such water projects create job opportunities and ensure potable water supply for domestic and industrial use.   

5.3. Since the advent of democracy much work has been done to ensure that communities have access to basic services like clean water. Nearly 90% of households currently have access to piped water.  

6. School safety

6.1. Cabinet condemns reported incidents of bullying, robberies and violence in some of the country’s schools. Our children need safe environments of learning and we call on learners, educators, parents and guardians to work together to protect our children socially, physically and emotionally.

6.2. Cabinet also commends the South African Police Service for their swift apprehension of suspects involved in an attempted hijacking at an Edenvale school in Gauteng.

6.3. Cabinet makes a special appeal to school governing bodies to assess the existing infrastructure of their schools to ensure that school buildings are safe, regularly maintained and conducive to learning.

7. Unacceptable practices by some religious leaders

7.1. Cabinet noted with concern recent media reports about certain unacceptable practices by some religious leaders. The recent purported resurrection of a deceased person is a case in point. More of such incidences have happened in the recent past, ranging from spraying of congregants with poisonous insecticides to encouraging them to consume vehicle fuel, rats and grass, among others.

7.2. People approach religious institutions to gain spiritual fulfilment and psychological strength, especially when they are at their lowest and most vulnerable state. Cabinet calls on all people to work together to stop these practices which abuse people’s vulnerability and endanger their lives. The law-enforcement agencies should intervene where acts of criminality have been committed under the guise of religion. Cabinet has also noted that the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities is investigating these practices, which will provide a more comprehensive intervention that will stop them.

8. 2019 national and provincial elections

8.1. Cabinet calls on all eligible South Africans, especially young first time voters who have registered in their thousands, to exercise their right to vote in the upcoming National and Provincial Elections on Wednesday, 8 May 2019, and have a say in the future of the country.

8.2. President Ramaphosa has officially proclaimed and gazetted the 8 May 2019 as the date for the national and provincial elections. This means the voters’ roll is now officially closed and people will no longer be able to register to vote  in the May elections. The President has also in terms of Section 2A of the Public Holidays Act, 1994 (Act 36 of 1994), as amended, declared 8 May 2019 as a public holiday throughout the country.

8.3. In South Africa, the right to vote is a culmination of years of struggle for our freedom. It came at a huge cost with countless of our country men and women sacrificing their lives.

9. Caster Semenya

9.1. Cabinet joins the rest of South Africa in standing united behind our golden girl Caster Semenya. Her case, which is being heard before the Court of Arbitration for Sport, is more than just a sporting matter. It is about fundamental human rights and the inherent dignity of all people.

9.2. We call on people to show their support at #HandsOffCaster. Let us show the world that we are a nation which values fairness, equality and respect for human dignity.

10. Creative industry

10.1. Cabinet is pleased with the positive outcomes of the Creative Industry interaction led by Communications Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, held under the Theme: “Leveraging on Digital Platforms for Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Creatives”. The purpose was to engage the industry to assess the impact of the 4IR on the creative sector, and within  the broadcasting and audio-visual sector, and to develop formal stakeholder platforms towards its transformation.

10.2. Participants agreed that government should engage stakeholders and Parliament on the Copyright Amendment Bill, development of the Media Transformation Charter, engage broadcasters in an endeavour to curb exploitation of small and independent producers, and ensure that content owners duly benefit from their content being used on online platforms.

11. Fake social media accounts

11.1. Cabinet notes with concern fake LinkedIn and Facebook accounts which claim to be that of Ministers and Deputy Ministers.

11.2. We wish to warn members of the public not to be misled and drawn in by these fake accounts, some of which promise fake business opportunities, and which requests people to pay money to be part of these business opportunities. No member of the Executive solicits payments for any official transactions via social media. In cases of doubt, please contact the various ministries or departments at www.gov.za.

11.3. Members of the public are urged to exercise caution and those who fell prey to these impersonators should immediately report it to the police.

11.4. Cabinet condemns activities performed in the name of members of the Executive or any other member of society through fake social media accounts.

11.5. We distance ourselves from the comments, views and photographs purported by these fake accounts.

12. Venezuela

12.1. Cabinet is concerned about the unfolding situation in Venezuela, especially the humanitarian challenges that require urgent attention. We commend efforts by the United Nations (UN) to provide humanitarian support to locals and call on the the international community to support the people of Venezuela during this difficult time.

12.2. Cabinet further supports calls for the people of Venezuela to be afforded the opportunity to decide their own future. Drawing from our own  experience in South Africa, we believe that a permanent solution can only be achieved from internal and inclusive political dialogue involving all affected parties in that country.

B. Cabinet Decisions

13. National Action Plan (NAP) to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance

13.1. Since 1994, successive administrations have worked to unite all our people, foster national unity and ensure greater social cohesion.  Healing the divisions of the past is a continuous process that must go hand in hand with ensuring greater economic opportunities for more people. Cabinet has therefore approved the NAP to Combat Racism, Racial Discrimination, Xenophobia and Related Intolerance for tabling at the UN.

13.2. This follows extensive consultations with government departments, Chapter Nine institutions, civil-society organisations and relevant stakeholders in all provinces.

13.3. The NAP will contribute to and ensure government’s compliance with its  international, regional and national obligations, specifically the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action adopted by the UN following the 3rd World Conference against Racism (WCAR) held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in 2001.

14. Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment

14.1. Cabinet approved submission of the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture and other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment to Parliament for ratification in terms of Section 231(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.

14.2. Ratification promotes constitutionalism, human rights and is in accordance with South Africa’s international obligations. The Constitution provides for the prevention of the violation of the rights of person held in places of detention through state sanction or court order.

15. Designs of the commemorative collectors coin series

15.1. Cabinet approved the designs of the commemorative collectors’ coin series to be issued in 2019-2021:

a) 2019 ‘Celebrating South Africa’ coin series: 25 Years of a Constitutional Democracy;
b) 2019-2021 pure-gold coin series: Africa’s Big Five;
c) 2019-2021 platinum coin series: Africa’s Big Five;
d) 2020 Natura coin series: the Supercontinent Gondwana;
e) 2020 Natura coin series: R25 fine-silver coin: Cradle of Humankind – Hominids;
f) 2020 2½c tickey and R2 crown series: South African Inventions – Retinal Cryoprobe;
g) 2020 R10 and R5 colour coin series: Birds and Flowers of the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve; and
h) 2021 Natura coin series: R25 fine-silver coin: the Supercontinent Gondwana.

C. Bills

16. Tourism Amendment Bill

16.1. Tourism is a sector that holds the promise of incredible opportunities and must be nurtured to grow and further develop. The NDP recognises that tourism has the potential to become one of the main drivers in the economy.
16.2 In further pursuing the country’s tourism potential as a significant generator of jobs and revenue, Cabinet approved the publication of the Tourism Amendment Bill for public comment, which amends the Tourism Act, 2014 (Act 3 of 2014).
16.3. The amendments improve the governance of South African Tourism as an entity under the authority of a board. It also empowers the Minister of Tourism to determine the thresholds regarding short-term home rental.
16.4. The Bill also provides for the competence requirements of tourist guides and for the regulation of tourist guide driving.

17. Central Application Service Bill of 2019

17.1. As a nation we are committed to opening up and ensuring wider access  to the post-school education and training system. A crucial part of this process lies in ensuring that prospective students have access to a single, affordable and easy-to-understand application system which covers multiple institutions of higher learning. To this effect, Cabinet approved publication of the Central Application Service Bill of 2019 in the Government Gazette, for public comment.

17.2. The Bill provides for the establishment of a public entity that will streamline applications into higher education and training programmes, reduce the cost of application, provide applicants with information on academic programmes and enable the Department of Higher Education and Training and institutions of higher learning to monitor equity and demographics.

18. African Public Library and Information Services Bill of 2019

18.1. In pursuit of a culture of a reading nation, Cabinet has approved the publication of South African Public Library and Information Services Bill of 2019 for public comment. The Bill seeks to address the transformational issues in providing public libraries with the communities particularly those previously disadvantaged communities.

18.2. Cognisance of the fact that the provision of public libraries in terms of the Constitution is a competence of the municipalities. This Bill, amongst others, provides the norms and standards of the ideal public library. It also promotes cooperative governance and coordination across the three spheres of government regarding public library and information services.  

18.3. Once the Bill is approved, it will address the historical inequalities in respect of public libraries and provide for sufficient accommodating resources for impaired persons, youth, elderly and non-English speakers  in urban and rural areas. Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa will hold a media briefing to unpack the Bill.

D. Upcoming events

19. Declaration of gender-based violence (GBV)

19.1. The fight against the scourge of GBV will be strengthened when President Ramaphosa, together with various non-governmental organisations, signs a declaration to combat GBV. The details around the signing ceremony will be announced soon. This follows the inaugural Presidential Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Summit held in November last year.

20. 63rd Session on the UN Commission on the Status Of Women

20.1. The Minister of Women, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, will be leading a delegation to present the country report for the 63rd Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women in New York, USA on 13 March 2019.
 
20.2. The commission will consider “social protection systems, access to public services and sustainable infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls”  as a priority theme. The report will highlight South Africa’s commitment to addressing gender inequity and inequality in the country, and continue to introduce programmes and actions to address these.

21. Mining Investment

21.1. Cabinet welcomes the official opening by President Ramaphosa of Vedanta Zinc International’s Gamsberg Mine in the Northern Cape on Thursday, 28 February 2019.

21.2. The investment of more than R21.8 billion builds on the commitments received during the country’s inaugural Investment Conference held last year, which triggered a new wave of industrial and economic development in the country.

21.3. The first phase of the mine will receive an investment of R5.5 billion and has an estimated lifespan of over 30 years. The mine will employ 3 000 people at the height of construction and 700 people permanently.

22. Inaugural Maritime Transport Sector Dialogue

22.1. In further exploring the potential of South Africa as a maritime country defined by its trade and geostrategic location on a major sea-trading route, the Minister of Transport, Dr Blade Nzimande, will host a two-day Inaugural Maritime Transport Sector Dialogue from 28 February to 1 March 2019 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

22.2. The dialogue signifies the commitment made by the Department of Transport in 2019 to accelerate the implementation of the Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy (CMTP) approve by Cabinet in 2017.  

22.3. The event will consider actions that must be undertaken to deepen transformation, attract investment into strategic maritime infrastructure projects considered as critical in the positioning South Africa as an Internation Maritime Centre.  It is also a buildup to the furture stablishment of the Maritme Transport Sector Development Council as envisaged by the CMTP.

23. Good Green Deeds

23.1. President Ramaphosa will lead the national campaign “Good Green Deeds” on 8 March 2019 in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape. The responsibility to ensure a clean and safe environment rests with all South Africans.

23.2. Keeping our communities clean starts with us, and it is important that homes and businesses implement sustainable waste management practices.

23.3. The President will also launch the Operation Phakisa: Chemical and Waste Economy, which aims to support the South African economy while reducing its environmental footprint.

24. National Reading Coalition

24.1. President Cyril Ramaphosa will lend further impetus to the National Reading Coalition at an event of which the details will be announced soon. The programme aims to improve the reading habits of South Africans by instilling the love of reading.

25. Small-scale fisheries

25.1. The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), in line with the Marine Living Resources Act, 1998 (Act 18 of 1998), as amended, will allocate fishing rights to small-scale fisheries in Matigulu community, KwaZulu-Natal on 14 March 2019. This follows a launch in Port Nolloth in the Northern Cape.  

25.2. The DAFF has also conducted extensive training to benefit mainly women in these communities.  Similar launches will also be held in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape. Cabinet welcomes the mobile application developed by the DAFF called the Abalobi app, which aims to assist small-scale fisheries to link their sea harvest directly with the market such as fish retailers.

E. Messages

26. Congratulations

26.1. Cabinet congratulates:

• underwater photographer Allen Walker of Warner Beach for winning the shark photography category at the World ShootOut 2018 awards held in Germany.
• Chef Kobus van der Merwe of Wolfgat restaurant in Paternoster in the Western Cape, which won the Restaurant of the Year Award at the inaugural World Restaurant Awards in Paris.
• the people of Nigeria and Senegal – and also echoes the sentiment of African Union Commission – for holding successful elections. We look forward to the deepening of bilateral political, economic and trade relations between South Africa and both countries.

27. Condolences

27.1. Cabinet joins President Ramaphosa in expressing condolences on the passing of jazz performer and recipient of the National Order of Ikhamanga, Mama Dorothy Masuka, at the age of 83. Mama Masuka will be remembered for her immense contribution to the cultural heritage of South Africa and the continent.

Enquiries:
Ms Phumla Williams – Acting Cabinet Spokesperson (GCIS)
Mobile: 083 501 0139

Cabinet met on Wednesday 13 March 2019 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town

A. Issues in the environment

1. Good Green Deeds

1.1. Cabinet thanks all South Africans who joined President Cyril Ramaphosa in the launch of the national Good Green Deeds campaign. The campaign, presents an opportunity for the various sectors of society to play their part and become more environmentally conscious. South Africa is one of the signatories to the Paris Agreement on climate change which guides the international efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

1.2. It is the duty and responsibility of all people in South Africa to ensure a clean and healthy environment now and for the future generations. A well-managed environment will contribute in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions, contribute towards food security, water, energy and general livelihoods.

1.3. Cabinet calls on everyone to make the Good Green Deeds campaign a way of living so that our neighborhoods, communities and the country can become a global example of being clean, green and habitable.

2. Land Claims

2.1. Cabinet is pleased with the continued roll out programme of land reforms that seek to correct the wrongs of the past and build a more equitable society that will benefit all South Africans.

2.2. In advancing the equitable distribution of land, President Ramaphosa led the handover of the settled and finalised 142 hectares of prime land claims to the community of Moretele, who indicated that they will use the land for development.

2.3. These communities lost their rights to land when they were abruptly removed from their properties following the implementation of the provisions of the Natives Land Act of 1913. The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights (CRLR) has spent over R203 million in settling and finalising the claims.

3. Eskom

3.1. Cabinet received a report from Deputy President David Mabuza on the work of the joint Special Cabinet Committee on Eskom that was established in response to recent, electricity supply disruptions and its negative impact on the economy. Government’s coordinated efforts to bring financial, operational and structural sustainability to Eskom are proceeding in earnest.

3.2. The Eskom Technical Review Team appointed by the Minister of Public Enterprises and the Board of Eskom started its work this week. It is expected to produce a preliminary report within four (4) weeks. The performance of the power plants remain volatile even though load-shedding has not been implemented since 15 February 2019. There has been a number of major incidents in the distribution areas that have contributed to the power disruptions.

3.3. Cabinet noted the good progress that has been made with the recovery of coal stocks across the power stations, but further attention must be given to the Coal Supply Chain. Cabinet however, remains concerned about the performance of the Medupi and Kusile power stations and has mandated the Minister of Public Enterprises to provide a comprehensive recovery plan based on a reassessment of the key drivers of the cost and time overruns for this new build project.

4. ILO commission on the future of work and EDCON agreement

4.1. Cabinet welcomes the global commission’s report which made 10 recommendations grouped into three pillars: investing in the capabilities of people, investing in the institutions of the world of work; and investing in decent, sustainable work. The recommendation directly speaks to the triple challenges of inequality, poverty and unemployment.

4.2. Through the work of Minister of Labour Mildred Oliphant, South Africa has made progress in improving workplace conditions through gender balanced measures, more transparency in pay, eliminating violence, harassment in the workplace and specific measures to ensure equal opportunities.

4.3. Cabinet also, welcomes the joint efforts of government, the Unemployment Insurance Fund (which includes trade unions) and the private sector (banks and shopping mass landlords) to recapitalize South Africa’s largest clothing retailer – EDCON. In order to conclude an agreement to save Edcon, all parties had to make sacrifices and to work closely together.

4.4. At the heart of efforts to ensure that Edcon stays afloat is the impact on employment. More than 40 000 direct jobs and many more thousands of direct and indirect jobs would have been lost if Edcon had not been recapitalized. Cabinet calls on South Africans to support the call made at the Jobs Summit to buy Proudly South African products and support local industry.

5. Square Kilometer Array (SKA)

5.1. A new era for global science governance was realised when the Minister of Science and Technology, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane, on behalf of the South African government, signed the international treaty (called the Rome Convention) in Italy, on 12 March 2019.

5.2. This establishes the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), as an intergovernmental organization, tasked with building and operating the world's most powerful radio astronomy telescope, to be located in South Africa and Australia.

5.3. Cabinet congratulates the partner nations on this historic milestone and reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to the SKA project, continuing on the successful launch of our MeerKAT telescope and South Africa’s critical contribution to the SKA telescope design. The SKA Observatory will be the first international organisation dedicated to science, in which Africa will exercise a strong leadership role, in the science, engineering and policy domains.

6. KwaZulu-Natal flooding

6.1. Cabinet extends its appreciation for the support from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) which have also joined forces with government in dispatching aid during the recent floods experienced in some parts of the country.

6.2. In minimising the impact of the recent flash floods in KwaZulu-Natal, government continues to provide aid and support to affected families. Disaster teams and officials are assessing the damage.

6.3. Cabinet urges the public to exercise extreme caution during storms and heavy weather, and not attempt to cross flooded roads, bridges and rivers.

7. Malawi and Mozambique floods

7.1. South Africa through President Ramaphosa received humanitarian and search and rescue requests from his counter parts President of Malawi Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika and President of Mozambique Filipe Jacinto Nyusi respectively.

7.2. A light aircraft has been dispatched with a team of specialists to Malawi to establish the exact humanitarian assistance required. South Africa remains committed to offer whatever assistance within its capacity to SADC member states.

B. Cabinet decisions

1. 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI)

1.1. Science and innovation often heralds a different way of doing things and allows us to deal with the longstanding challenges in a decisive and cost effective manner. To tap into these benefits, Cabinet approved the 2019 White Paper on STI, which sets the long-term policy direction for a growing role for STI. With the advent of the Fourth Industrial Revolution STI will position us to take advantage of rapid technological advancements.

1.2. The proposals in this White Paper seek to address policy coherence, development of human capabilities, knowledge expansion, innovation; performance and increased investment. These policy proposals will form the basis of the development of the decadal plans involving all the relevant stakeholders.

C. Upcoming events

1. Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

1.1. President Ramaphosa will open the Booysen’s Magistrate Court in Gauteng on Thursday 28 March 2019. He will together with various NGOs sign a declaration, which begins to implement the decisions of the inaugural Presidential Summit on GBV and Femicide held in November 2018.

1.2. He will also launch the Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape which will provide services for Family Court, civil cases (including Small Claims Court matters), Sexual Offences Court, regional courts and district courts.

1.3. Government has introduced a number of interventions to supports victims of abuse. A total of 54 Thuthuzela Care Centres across the country serve as one stop facilities to reduce secondary victimization and the time of finalizing sexual abuse cases.

1.4. Cabinet strongly condemns any form of abuse, including verbal abuse against women and children. Government remains committed to be at the forefront of the fight to end GBV. South Africans are encouraged to report all suspected cases of rape, sexual assault or any form of violence to the police on the toll-free number 0800 428 428. Incidents of child abuse can be reported to Childline South Africa’s toll-free line – 0800 055 555.

2. Land Restitution

2.1. Through the CRLR the Deputy President, David Mabuza, as the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform, together with the Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, will on Saturday, 16 March 2019, officiate at the Presidential Handover ceremony for settled and finalised land claims in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal.

2.2. The Ubizo Community Land Claim consists of 2548 - 7861 Hectares of land and is made up of 149 historically disposed households. There are 894 land restitution beneficiaries (30% of which are women), who are direct descendants of this community that will benefit from this handover.  The total value of the assets is R136 million.

3. Human Rights Month

3.1. South Africa will commemorate Human Rights Month under the theme: “The Year of Indigenous Languages: Promoting and Deepening a Human Rights Culture” focusing on the importance of indigenous languages.

3.2. Cabinet encourages South Africans to give effect to the rights enshrined in our Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 and the Bill of Rights, by preserving and promoting indigenous languages.

3.3. The national event will be celebrated on Thursday, 21 March 2019 at Sharpeville in Gauteng where 67 years ago residents peacefully protested against the unjust pass laws and were subsequently gunned down by the apartheid police.

3.4. Human Rights Month also includes Anti-Racism Week from 14 to 21 March 2019, and will be used to further highlight the detrimental effects of racism on society.

D. Messages

1. Congratulations

Cabinet congratulates:

1.1. All stakeholders who partnered with government in securing that South Africa hosts the 2023 Netball World Cup, which will be the first on African soil. Cabinet appreciates the confidence expressed by the International Netball Federation. The country looks forward to giving a warm Ubuntu welcome to the 16 nations who will play 60 matches during the 10-day tournament in the International Convention Centre in Cape Town.

1.2. Ms Nomzamo Mbatha who was crowned as the winner of the Goddess Beauty Award at the International Women of Power Awards in Los Angeles, USA. Mbatha will be recognised for her talents on TV as a media personality and an actress, as well as on her work with the United Nations.

1.3. Mr Vincent Cosa for the bravery he displayed in rescuing a child during a flash flood in Johannesburg.

1.4. Ms Nosipho Mkhupheka for winning the Forbes Woman Africa Public Sector Awards on Friday, 08 March 2019. Ms Mkhupheka won her award for her commitment to serving people with dignity and beyond office hours and has been recognized for serving the people of Scottsburg in KZN diligently.

1.5. Professor Mashudu Tshifularo and his team from the University of Pretoria who pioneered in the world’s first surgical procedure using 3D-printed middle ear bones, for conductive hearing loss rehabilitation. This was done at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria, on 13 March 2019.

2. Condolences

Cabinet sends condolences to the family and friends of:

2.1. The Minister of COGTA Dr Zweli Mkhize who sadly lost his older brother Mr Jabulani Gerald Mkhize on Sunday, 10 March. He will be laid to rest on the 16 March at his family home in Willowfountain Pietermaritzburg, KZN.

2.2. Mr Sibusiso Khwinana who played the character of Lefa in the recently released local movie Matwetwe. He was also a founding member of the Independent Theatre Makers Movement, which aims to establish a generation of self-reliant artists by encouraging them to take ownership of their work and acknowledge their potential.

2.3. The victims of the tragic Ethiopian Airlines plane which crashed while en route to Nairobi in Kenya from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing all passengers and crew members’ on board.

2.4. All those who lost their lives in the recent floods in some parts of the South Africa as well as in Malawi and Mozambique.

E. Appointments

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

1. Mr Mandla Reginald Sithole: Chief Financial Officer in the Department of Public Works;
2. Mr Enoch Godongwana and Ms Bongiwe Kunene: Non-executive directors on the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) Board of Directors (Board) for a period of three (3) years with effect from 1 April 2019;
3. Reappointment of Ms Malijeng Theresa Ngqaleni and Ms Martie Jacoba Janse Van Ransburg: Non-executive directors on the DBSA Board for a three years period with effect from 01 April  2019;

4. Members to the Bloem Water Board:

a. Mr Tefetso Bernard Phitsane (Chairperson);
b. Adv. Tshepiso Doreen Segoe-Backward (Deputy Chairperson);
c. Mr Zolani Mkiva;
d. Mr James Jonathan Price;
e. Ms Theda Ntikile Sandlana-Thebe;
f. Ms Dipitseng Maropeng Manamela; 
g. Mr Luvuyo Xola Ntoyi;
h. Mr Louis Evelyn van Rheede van Oudtshoorn;
i. Mr TM Manyoni; and
j.  Ms Mmathebe Annah Faith Moja.

Enquiries:
Ms Phumla Williams
Acting Director-General (GCIS)
Cell: 083 501 0139

A. Issues in the environment

1. Investment

1.1. Cabinet welcomes the second-phase expansion of the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in KwaZulu-Natal. The R18-billion investment brings an additional 45 hectares of industrial space into the SEZ. It will serve as the foundation to attract an estimated R20 billion in investment over the next five years.  

1.2. Cabinet also welcomes Chinese electronics manufacturer Hisense’s R72-million investment into its refrigeration and television production lines at its Atlantis factory in the Western Cape, which created 150 manufacturing job opportunities. This investment brings Hisense’s total investment in this Atlantis plant to R440 million.

2. Land restitution

2.1. President Cyril Ramaphosa handed over the first-ever land restitution to descendants of the Griqua community (Ebenhaeser community) in Vredendal in the Western Cape. This handover continues the Land Reform Programme of improving the conditions of the previously disadvantaged communities. 

2.2. Cabinet welcomed the post-settlement support provided by the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform through a variety of tractors to be used by farmers in the area, which will ensure the keeping and working of the land for current and future generations.

3. Quarterly Labour Survey

3.1 Cabinet welcomes the release this week of the latest employment data from StatsSA, which confirm the growth in total employment during 2018. The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES), one of two surveys conducted by StatsSA, showed that employment in the formal sector grew by 158 000 during the 12 months of 2018. During the last three months of last year, employment grew by 87 000. The survey excludes data on agriculture and the informal economy.

3.2 This welcome trend follows the release last month of the more comprehensive Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), which covers all sectors of the economy, both formal and informal, and which also showed significant employment growth during 2018.

3.3 This increase in jobs reflect in part growing investor confidence and a rise in foreign direct investment in the economy, pointing to the success of the President’s efforts to boost South Africa as a destination for investment. The Presidential Investment Conference held in October last year attracted pledges of R300 billion. Over the next four years, Government will work with investors, local communities and organized labour to enable the pledged investment to take place and to help create additional jobs and economic opportunities.

3.4 Since the start of the current Administration, the QLFS shows that total employment has grown to 16, 5 million, with 1, 5 million new jobs created in the 5-year period.

4. Cyclone Idai devastation

4.1. Cabinet extends its condolences to the families of victims of Cyclone Idai that affected parts of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The cyclone left a trail of destruction, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, destroyed vast areas, cut off communication networks and made roads impassable. 

4.2. In the spirit of Ubuntu (Humanity), President Ramaphosa has responded to the call for assistance from our neighbours by approving various interventions, including search-and-rescue capability.

4.3. Cabinet expresses its appreciation on the work done by our South African National Defence Force (SANDF), South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Health. SANDF helicopters helped to rescue people trapped by the floods and the SAPS also deployed specially trained dogs with their handlers to the search-and-rescue mission. Cabinet also thanks non-governmental organisations and the Gift of the Givers for providing ongoing humanitarian and disaster-relief assistance.

5. Eskom

5.1. Deputy President David Mabuza reported to Cabinet on developments regarding Eskom and electricity constraints. Good progress has since been made in acquiring sufficient coal and diesel supplies, and with water reserves at pumped storage stations at hydro-electricity plants.

5.2. The Technical Review Panel that was appointed by Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and the Eskom Board on 4 March 2019, will finish some of its work by early next week and will have some preliminary results from its review of Eskom power stations. This will assist Eskom and government to put in place a more rigorous programme of power-plant maintenance, which will help stabilise the generation system over the next few weeks and months. 

5.3. Cabinet also dealt with the financial situation of Eskom. Further options are being considered to support the power utility. Electricity generation has been stable this week with a low risk of load-shedding.  However, there are still a high number of unplanned outages that create a disruptive effect on the overall system.

5.4. Cabinet commended the Eskom management and staff for their efforts to provide stable, consistent and reliable energy supply both to our economy and to our citizens under difficult operating conditions.

5.5. Cabinet emphasised that all South Africans should cooperate and come up with new ideas – as well as energy-saving practices that were applied in the past – to reduce the demand for electricity. These include switching off geysers, swimming pool pumps and lights that are not in use. Further progress on Eskom and electricity generation, as indicated by the Minister of Public Enterprises, will be provided within the next week.

6. Passing on of Princess Irene Thandekile Buthelezi

6.1. Cabinet expressed its heartfelt condolence to the family and friends of Princess Irene Thandekile Buthelezi, the wife of Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Princess Irene was married to Inkatha Freedom Party leader Prince Buthelezi for 67 years.

The Princess has been the pillar and support to Prince Buthelezi during his years as a political figure in South African politics. Princess Irene is also survived by their children Prince Ntuthukoyezwe Zuzifa, Princess Phumzile Nokuphiwa and Princess Sibuyiselwe Angela, and grandchildren.

7. National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS)

7.1. Higher Education and Training Minister Naledi Pandor announced the allocation of an additional R967 million to NSFAS.  The amount will go towards the settling of the historic debt to the universities by 52 514 NSFAS funded students that are still continuing with their studies. This allocation does not include those students that are already fully funded on the revised threshold of the joint minimum income of the parents.

7.2. Cabinet supports all attempts made towards making education accessible particularly to students coming from poor families. It will continue to support the work that seeks to narrow the gap of inequality with our society. Cabinet calls on the students to continue to work with the department to find solutions to outstanding issues they still face.

8. South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

8.1. Cabinet has noted and welcomes the work that is being done to assist the SABC to raise R3, 2 billion as interim funding from the commercial banks. This will ensure the broadcaster is able to meet its funding requirements between now and September 2019.

8.2. Cabinet remains committed to supporting the SABC and this follows earlier announcements by the Finance Minister Tito Mboweni in his Budget Speech in February 2019 to support state-owned companies (SOCs) in financial distress, including the SABC, to receive funding currently allocated in the contingency reserve. 

9. Southern African Development Community (SADC) Solidarity Conference

9.1. Cabinet is pleased that South Africa hosted a successful SADC Solidarity Conference with the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic earlier this month.

9.2. Western Sahara is the only country in Africa that remains under colonial rule. The SADC Solidarity Conference with Western Sahara seeks, among other things, to reaffirm the right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination. This is in line with the principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN) as well as the then Organisation of the African Unity and the African Union (AU).

B. Cabinet decisions

10. New South African Revenue Service (SARS) Commissioner

10.1. Cabinet welcomes the appointment of Mr Edward Christian Kieswetter as the new Commissioner of SARS with effect from 1 May 2019.

10.2. Mr Kieswetter obtained his Honours degree in Education Science in 1988, a Master of Science Education in 1996 and a Master of Business Administration in 2001, amongst others. He brings to SARS a wealth of managerial experience which he acquired from both the private and public sector. The conclusion of this appointment gives effect to the recommendation made by the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS, chaired by retired Judge Robert Nugent.

11. Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS (Nugent Report)

11.1. Cabinet was briefed on the outcome of the work of the Commission of Inquiry into Tax Administration and Governance by SARS. President Ramaphosa appointed the commission on the 24 May 2018to, among others, stabilise SARS, restore its credibility and strengthen its capacity to meet revenue targets. Its interim report was submitted on 27 September 2018 and the final report on 11 December 2018. 

11.2. Cabinet noted the findings of the commission most failings at SARS stemmed from a “massive failure of governance and integrity” under the former Commissioner.  The commission made 27 specific corrective recommendations to rectify past harmful decisions, covering an array of areas which included procurement, organizational design and strengthening of the organisational leadership. One of the key recommendations has been the urgent appointment of the Commissioner for SARS.

11.3. Cabinet expresses its broad support for the recommendations made by the Commission and the Minister of Finance will oversee the implementation of its recommendations, including leading a consultative process to amend the SARS Act to improve governance and accountability, and the potential role of an Inspector General compared to a Board.

11.4. Cabinet expresses its gratitude to Judge Nugent, panel members and the support team of the Commission, for its high quality report, and the speed and efficiency to produce them. The report has been public since its release, and is available on the Presidency website.

12. Evaluation of the National Drug Master Plan (NDMP) 2013-2018

12.1. Cabinet approved the evaluation report of the NDMP 2013-2018 as a demonstration of government’s continued commitment to fight the use and effects of drugs within communities around the country.

12.2. The evaluation establishes that whilst the NDMP provides a guiding framework for the sector, its implementation has been weakened by poor alignment of the strategies of the various relevant departments. 

12.3. It proposes a number of interventions such as harmonizing the strategies of the departments and further recommends a more independent fully funded structure to drive the substance abuse and prevention in our communities, especially amongst the youth.

12.4. Cabinet acknowledges the challenges faced by our communities in respect of drug addiction. The recommendation made by this evaluation will go a long way in decisively addressing this issue. Cabinet also approved the setting up of an Anti-Drug Council, structured similarly to the South African National AIDS Council, to drive the fight against drug addiction. The revised master plan will now be referred to as Anti-Drug Master Plan.

13. Framework on Gender Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring Evaluation and Audit

13.1. Cabinet approved the Framework on Gender Responsive Planning, Budgeting, Monitoring Evaluation and Audit. The framework places gender mainstreaming at the centre of public policy by putting forward a strategy and implementation plan towards gender responsiveness of existing planning, budgeting, monitoring, evaluations and auditing systems.

13.2. The constitutional mandate to end gender discrimination, and realise the rights of women and girls, requires a decisive and effective paradigm shift across all state machinery.

14. Evaluation reports

14.1. Cabinet also approved a number of other evaluation reports that were commissioned through the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (DPME) including the following:

• The Evaluation of the Framework for Strategic and Annual Performance Plans (FSAPP) which determines whether FSAPP has been effective at guiding departments in their service delivery, particularly responding to government’s priority outcomes, and in holding departments accountable for performance. The review confirms the relevance of this approach, however it indicates that the design has some gaps and that the approach is not entirely aligned, coherent and consistent with all the related policies and legislation. The report proposes a number of interventions to strengthen this approach.
• The Evaluation of Design Draft Policy on Community Colleges, which looks at the design of the draft policy to address the lack of education and training opportunities for adults and post-school youth and the failure of them to meet the needs of adult and youth to access the labour market and livelihood skills. The evaluation report highlights the absence of adequate resources to enable this programme to derive the anticipated outcomes. 
• The Evaluation of Government Business Incentives, which provides an assessment of how the system as a whole is working to support business and benefit society. Government uses a wide range of incentives to encourage firms to act or invest in specific activities or contribute to certain social or economic outcomes. The report identifies overlaps and complementaries in various business incentives. It recommends amongst others the establishment of an Intergovernmental Incentive co-ordination committee.
• The Evaluation of the Integrated Strategy on the Promotion of Entrepreneurship and Small Enterprises, which assessed the effectiveness of implementation of this strategy, which was approved in 2005 to focus on critical areas such as job creation, equity and access to  markets. These enterprises play a critical role in creating employment, innovation and growth. The proposed improvement plan includes improvement, coordination and rationalisation across all spheres of government and strengthen institutional governance and oversight.

14.2. The evaluations seek to strengthen the Public Service and governance of government. The evaluations were commissioned to independent service providers and will be posted on the DPME website: www.dpme.gov.za.

15.  National coordinating mechanism for UN, AU and the SADC

15.1. In line with the National Development Plan, which seeks to promote sustainable development by tackling regional, continental and global challenges, Cabinet approved the establishment of a national coordinating mechanism to coordinate the sustainable development agendas of the UN, AU and the SADC.

15.2. This national coordination mechanism will serve as a multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder process to facilitate consultations and coordination within and outside government on South Africa’s international sustainable development commitments.

15.3. This will be overseen by an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC), driven from the centre of government, which will ensure that the development agendas (UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the AU’s Agenda 2063 and the SADC’s Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan) are fully reflected in the country’s national plans, and will provide overall guidance on fulfilling monitoring and reporting requirements.

16. IMC on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)

16.1. Subsequent to President Ramaphosa’s announcement in his 2019 State of the Nation Address, Cabinet approved the establishment of an IMC on the 4IR.

16.2. The commission is to advise on strategies and policies to respond to new technological developments occasioned by digitisation and the 4IR. The main responsibility of the IMC is to coordinate planning and implementation of the 4IR interventions, including complementing the work of the Presidential Commission on 4IR.

17. End of term

17.1. As Cabinet concludes its programme of this fifth administration, it thanked social partners and citizens. It called on South Africans to remain resolute in building a prosperous country.

17.2. Cabinet expressed its appreciation to Parliament and the Judiciary for upholding constitutional values and holding the Executive to account in the interest of a better life for citizens.

17.3. It also expressed its appreciation to South Africa’s partners in the SADC; AU;  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa; Group of 20 (G20), UN and other formations, for standing by South Africa to improve conditions in the country, and for working with it in pursuit of a better South Africa, a better Africa and a better world.

17.4. Cabinet paid homage to the members of the National Executive who passed on during this fifth administration, Ministers Collins Chabane and Edna Molewa, as well as leaders in other spheres of government who had served the country with distinction and advanced the interests of South Africa domestically and globally.

C. Upcoming event

18. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide

18.1. Another milestone in the fight against GBV will be realised on Thursday, 28 March 2019, with the opening of the Booysens Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg. The state-of-the-art Booysens Magistrate’s Court offers a range of services and is fully equipped to support victims of GBV and femicide.

18.2. The opening of the court will also see President Ramaphosa, together with various civil-society organisations, hosting the Presidential launch of the GBV and Femicide Declaration that begins to commit to the implementation of the decisions from the National GBV and Femicide Summit that was held in November 2018.

18.3. The following courts with Sexual Offences Courts will be handed over in the next three months:

• Plettenberg Bay Magistrate’s Court in the Western Cape will yield about nine court rooms, one of which is a Sexual Offences Court. 
• Dimbaza and Bitji Magistrate’s Courts to be launched in the Eastern Cape.
• Mpumalanga High Court in Mbombela and the old Middleburg Magistrate’s Court, which has been partially revamped through inmates’ labour to serve as the local seat of the High Court.

18.4. By the end of the fifth administration, a total of 59 new courts would have been built since 1994, exceeding the government target of building at least two courts per year.

19. Second Annual Youth Walk into Economic Opportunities Exposition

19.1. The Ministry of Communications, Telecommunications and Postal Services – in collaboration with other government departments, SOCs and stakeholders – will conduct the Second Annual Youth Walk into Economic Opportunities Exposition on 13 April 2019 in Ntabankulu Local Municipality in the Alfred Nzo District in the Eastern Cape.

19.2. The freedom youth walk, in commemoration of 25 years of freedom, aims to expose youth, unemployed and entrepreneurs into an array of academic, career and business opportunities available in the public and private sector.

20. 2019 National General Elections

20.1. As the country approaches its sixth democratic elections, Cabinet calls on all eligible voters to exercise their constitutional right to cast their vote on 8 May. The participation of voters is central to a well-functioning democracy and through regular elections, citizens can elect their representatives and hold them to account.

20.2. Cabinet calls on the Independent Electoral Commission, public representatives and the public during the Election Day to act in a manner that will ensure free and fair elections. Our law-enforcement agencies will act decisively against anyone found to intimidate, incite or perpetrate violent acts during the elections.

D. Message

21. Condolences

Cabinet has expressed its condolences to the:

21.1. family and friends of African National Congress Chief Whip, Mr Jackson Mthembu, whose daughter Khwezi died, at the age of 25.

21.2. government and people of New Zealand who lost their loved ones during the deadly terrorist attack at Christ Church.

21.3. government and people of the Republic of Indonesia following the flash floods. South Africa and Indonesia are the only countries in Africa and Southeast Asia respectively that are members of the G20, both countries co-chair the New Africa-Asia Strategic Partnership.

22. Congratulations

Cabinet congratulates:

22.1. Professor Ncoza Dlova, an internationally renowned dermatologist from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, who helped discover a new gene that is a major cause of permanent hair loss amongst women of African descent. Professor Dlova’s passion for education has led to the compilation of a local textbook on common skin conditions that is aimed at all medical students in the country, as well as educational pamphlets and video material educating patients about their skin conditions.

22.2. the national football team, Bafana Bafana, on their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The team joins the other four South African teams – Banyana Banyana, The Proteas, Amabhokobhoko and Amajita – who also qualified in their respective qualifying matches. Cabinet also calls on South Africans to support the national team in the upcoming tournament. It also commends the support provided by the UN on the Caster Semenya case at the International Association of Athletics Federations.

E. Appointments

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

1. Dr Fiona Tregenna – Reappointment as part-time member of the Competition Tribunal.

2. Mr Cecil Khosa – Chief Executive Officer of the South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator.

3. Mr Themba Cyril Dlamini as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority.

4. Mr Mduduzi Eric Zakwe as the CEO of the Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority.

5. Non-executive members to the Board of the Small Enterprise Development Agency for three years:

5.1 Mr Mbulelo Sogoni (Proposed Chairperson)
5.2 Ms Suzan Nyakale
5.3 Ms Matshediso Ndlovu
5.4 Ms Nomsa Kana
5.5 Advocate Derick Block
5.6 Mr Jim Matsho
5.7 Ms Beatrice Nkambule (Princess Tsakani)
5.8 Mr Charl de Kock
5.9 Advocate Mthokozisi Xulu
5.10 Mr Mduduzi Sibeko.

6. Ms Thutukile Skweyiya as Chairperson of the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor) until 30 April 2020.

7. Mr Malusi Stanley Motimele as non-executive Board member and Deputy Chairperson of Armscor for three years.

8. Mr Sipho Abednego Mosai, Chief Executive Officer of Rand Water for five years

9. Inkomati-Usuthu Catchment Management Agency Board:

9.1 Ms Tokozani Patience Nyakane- Maluka (Chairperson)
9.2 Mr Mandlakayise Sam Mthembu (Deputy Chairperson)
9.3 Ms Shivon Desiree Wiggins
9.4 Adv Muzikayise Bernard Shabangu
9.5 Dr Thavamoney M Kelly
9.6 Ms Lungile Linda Carol Zulu
9.7 Ms Lungile Miranda Sikhakhane
9.8 Mr Mashudu Gangazhe
9.9 Mr Pillay Absalom Tshabangu.

Enquiries: 
Ms Phumla Williams – Acting Director-General (GCIS) 
Cell: 083 501 0139

Cabinet met on Wednesday, 26 June 2019 at Tuynhuys in Cape Town.

A. Issues in the environment 

1. State of the Nation Address (SoNA) 

1.1. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s first SoNA of the sixth democratic administration last week, inspired and galvanized all South Africans to work towards a shared prosperous future. SoNA 2019 charts the course for the implementation of the electoral mandate received by the governing party from our people.

1.2. This sets out how working together, we will improve the lives of South Africans and grow the economy for our country, by addressing the persistent realities of unemployment, poverty and inequality. President Ramaphosa’s call for a new social compact requires the contribution of all South Africans working together to overcome our challenges and place the country on a path of greater growth.

1.3. This includes expanding the industrial sector, strengthening the mining industry, supporting the agricultural sector, improving the skills base of our youth and making it easier for tourists to visit the country. As South Africans, we must continue to encourage and support local industries and buy local products.

1.4. The hard work that government will undertake is anchored in seven key priorities that it will pursue over the next five years, and give effect to the National Development Plan (NDP) and our drive to attain Vision 2030.

1.5. The debate on SoNA has highlighted the significance of  us reparing the economy and reparing the broken parts of our state machinery in the implementation of the electoral mandate. This will lead us to achieve the South Africa we want and the South Africa of our dreams as encapsulated in Vision 2030 of the NDP.

1.6. Cabinet calls on all social partners, business, labour, civil society and political formations, to reinforce their collaborative efforts in making our country a better place for all and take shared responsibility for accelerating the country’s growth trajectory.

1.7. On our part as government we will redouble and triple our endevours as directed by the President to remove an impediments to the growth of our economy and build the capacity of our state organs to deliver to our people. During July, respective Ministers will table their Budget Vote statements, in which practical plans will further be unveiled in order to realise the vision that the President has put before the nation. 

2. Youth Month 

2.1. The June Youth Month is a stark reminder of the role played by our youth in creating conditions that led to our freedom. The President’s SoNA puts the growing of the economy and the creation of jobs for our young people at the epicenter of the Sixth administration’s work. The President engaged with various sectors of young people including those living with disabilities, youth in business, in the arts environment and academia prior to his SoNA organised by the National Youth Development Agency under the theme: “25 years of democracy – celebrating youth activism”. This Presidential Youth Dialogue reaffirmed the continued difficulties and challenges faced by our youth that needs urgent intervention by our government.

2.2. In this regard we want to confirm that various government programmes, including the Department of Basic Education’s Second Chance Programme, the National Youth Service and the Youth Employment Service initiative, go a long way in preparing our youth for the work environment.

2.3. We nonetherless need to double and triple our efforts as a country in creating the much needed jobs for our young people. For us to do so it is incumbent upon us to ignite the growth of our economy as directed by our President. We know it will not be easy, we know there will not be quick solutions turning around the economy but we also know that it must be done for the sake of our country and our youth.

2.4. Cabinet calls on all sectors to take their cue from the President and to actively engage young people in working together to find practical solutions to challenges they experience. We will also do our part in improving the performance of our economy to create jobs for our young people.

3. Reconfiguration of government 

3.1. South Africans have given this sixth administration a clear mandate to accelerate inclusive economic growth, act with greater urgency to tackle poverty, improve government services, fight corruption and end state capture.

3.2. Cabinet confirms that the macro reorganization of government will streamline and improve service delivery to our people through a seamless, cost-effective and efficient government that is more responsive to the needs of South Africans.

4. Trade agreements

4.1. Cabinet welcomed the signing of ninty-three (93) agreements between South African suppliers and Chinese companies, to buy local products for export to China, with a contract value calculated at R27 billion, which will strengthen growth and the creation of jobs.

In addition to that, one of the agreements signed was an investment agreement that covers the Beijing Auto Industrial Cooperation’s investment in the auto-manufacturing plant in the industrial development zone of Coega. It is an investment to build vehicles in South Africa for the South African market but also for markets elsewhere. These deals are part of commitments which came out of the existing comprehensive strategic partnership agreement of 2010, and the eight major commitments made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

5. Quarterly employment statistics

5.1. The Statistics South Africa released the Quarterly Employment Survey for the first quarter of 2019 in the past week.

5.2. Findings show an increase of 22 000 jobs (+0.2%) from 10 152 000 to 10 174 000 in the formal non-agricultural business sector. This was largely due to increases in the following industries: community services, mining and quarrying, manufacturing and business services.

5.3. Total employment increased by 76 000 or 0,8% year-on-year between March 2018 and March 2019. 

5.4.  Cabinet notes this favourable development but remains convinced that there is still a long way to go to improve the performance of all sectors of our economy and create the much needed jobs in our country.  To this end Cabinet commits to work with all sectors of our South African society including the private sector.

6. Tax Season

6.1. The revenue generated from income tax ensures government has the capacity to provide much-needed services and social support to millions of less fortunate communities.

6.2. Cabinet encourages South Africans to prepare their tax submission for the 2018/19 tax season. Appropriate and efficient revenue collection enables government to ensure fiscal sovereignty.

6.3. Taxpayers who are registered for eFiling or use the new South African Revenue Service’s MobiApp can file their income tax returns from 1 July 2019. South Africans who earn less than R500 000 per year and meet certain other criteria, do not need to file tax returns.

7. Crime fighting

7.1. Cabinet has noted with concern the spate of the killing of members from law-enforcement officers. In September 2018, twenty-eight (28) members of the police were reported to have been killed. Since the beginning of 2019, twenty-six (26) police officers have been killed. 

7.2. The most recent cases being that of Sergeant Zephania Dladla, Constable Nomasonto Mhlanga and Constable Nhlamulo Vukeya. Cabinet extends its deepest condolences to their families, friends and colleagues.

7.3. Cabinet condemns in the strongest possible terms these attacks and killings. Police officers risk their lives to protect our communities. We all have to work together with law-enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators of these heinous crimes are arrested and face the full might of the law.

7.4. Cabinet commends the justice system that has resulted in nine perpetrators of these crimes being handed life sentences, in this year alone.

8. Mozambique Border shooting incident

8.1. Cabinet noted that the South African Government has sent a high-level team to Mozambique following a shooting incident in which two Mozambican police officers died on the KwaZulu-Natal border. 

8.2. The team comprises members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Police Service (SAPS), and will meet with their Mozambican counterparts. They are led by SANDF Chief of Joint Operations Lieutenant-General Barney Hlatshwayo and SAPS Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant-General Sehlahle Masemola.

8.3. The team is on a fact-finding mission into the shooting incident. They are expected to, amongst others, discuss a joint investigation team between Mozambique and South Africa.

8.4. Cabinet request all South Africans to await the conclusion and outcomes of this joint investigation. We remain committed to working with the government of Mozambique as a good neighbour in improving the well-being of all our citizens.

9. International Labour Organisation Conference

9.1. Cabinet welcomes the participation of President Ramaphosa in the 108th (Centenary) Session of the International Labour Conference held between 10 and 21 June 2019. The President formally submitted the report of the Global Commission on the Future of Work, that he co-chaired with the Prime Minister of Sweden, H.E. Stephan Lofven, to the conference.

9.2. The Minister of Employment and Labour, Mr Thulas Nxesi, accompanied the President and also led the tripartite delegation that participated in different committees of the conference and plenary discussions that discussed the report of the International Labour Organisation’s Director-General.

9.3. Important outcomes of the conference included a joint Centenary Declaration of the parties. In addition, the conference adopted a new Convention on Violence and Harassment in the Workplace designed to enhance the protection of vulnerable workers. These outcomes are important in setting international benchmarks and guidelines to raise and defend labour rights and standards.

B. Cabinet decisions   

1. 12th Extraordinary Summit

1.1. Cabinet was briefed on the 12th Extraordinary Summit to launch the operational phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the First Mid-Year Coordination Meeting of the African Union (AU) and the Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

1.2. President Ramaphosa is scheduled to lead the South African delegation when the 12th Extraordinary Summit is held on 7 July 2019 in Niamey, Niger. 

1.3. South Africa will take over the Chairship of AU at a seminal moment when the continent will be implementing the AfCFTA, which will make Africa the biggest common market in the world. The AfCFTA will boost intra-Africa trade, reignite industrialisation, and pave the way for the meaningful integration of Africa into global value-chains and the global economy in general.

1.4. South Africa remains committed to the African Agenda, and supports regional economic and political integration. This includes the strengthening of coordination between the AU Commission and the RECs to achieve sustainable development in a peaceful and stable Africa as envisaged in Agenda 2063.

1.5. South Africa is fully committed to the AfCFTA process in view of its strategic importance in the economic integration agenda of the African continent and South Africa’s developmental agenda.

2. 2021 Municipal Elections

2.1. In preparation for the 2021 Municipal Elections, Cabinet approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on Municipal Elections, as well as a technical forum for its support.

2.2. The 2021 Municipal Elections will be the fifth such elections since the advent of democracy. The IMC will work with the Independent Electoral Commission and other relevant bodies towards ensuring that the process leading to the local government elections unfolds with ease. 

2.3 Members of the IMC will comprise the following Ministers: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Chairperson); Home Affairs; Justice and Correctional Services; Finance; State Security and Minister in The Presidency.   The Technical Support  team  will be the Directors-General from the same departments. 

C. Upcoming events   

1. Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit

1.1. President Ramaphosa is leading the South African delegation – comprising the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Finance, Mr Tito Mboweni, and Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ebrahim Patel – that will participate in the 2019 G20 Leaders’ Summit.

1.2. President Cyril Ramaphosa will also lead a delegation of officials and South African business executives in a roundtable discussion with leading Japanese business executives. The roundtable will aim to promote awareness of opportunities for trade and investment in South Africa, address the concerns of potential Japanese business partners, and identify and develop potential trade and investment leads.

1.3. The roundtable is being executed in partnership with the Business Council for International Understanding (BCIU), a leading American international business foundation, and the Japanese External Trade Organisation (Jetro).

1.4. The roundtable is viewed in tandem with a future event, to take place on the margins of the Tokyo International Conference on Africa’s Development (TICAD) to be held from 28 to 30 August 2019 in Yokohama, Japan. Japan is South Africa’s fifth largest export partner and ninth largest import partner.

1.5. South Africa’s participation is guided by the following key pillars: Advancing national interest to attain domestic objectives; Enhancing the African Agenda and promoting Africa’s sustained development; Influencing the global multilateral architecture; and Advancing the agenda of the South through strengthening South-South Cooperation and North-South Dialogue. 

2. Mandela Month

2.1. As we approach the 10th anniversary of Nelson Mandela International Day in July, Cabinet calls on all South Africans to use the month to uphold the legacy of Madiba, under the theme: “Take Action, Inspire change, Make every day a Mandela Day”, by taking collective action against poverty.

2.2. South Africans can participate in active citizenship by joining their communities and various organisations that will undertake initiatives to eradicate hunger and homelessness, build safer communities and ensure that children have access to education.

2.3. Let us all participate in this global initiative named after one of our iconic leaders and build sustainable programmes that last beyond the month of July. Let us take action, inspire change and make every day a Mandela Day

D. Messages    

1. Condolences

1.1.  Cabinet sends heartfelt condolences to all bereaved families and friends who lost loved ones due to road carnages. From the accident on the R81 in Maphalle, Limpopo that saw many young lives lost, to the consistent road carnage being experienced by South Africans across the country. Cabinet appeals to all road users to obey the rules of the road, which requires vigilance and considerate behaviour to other road users.

2. Congratulations

Cabinet commended the following:

2.1. The women’s national team, Banyana Banyana, for flying the flag high in their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance.

2.2.  Mr Botha Msila, a South African sports fan, who has arrived in Egypt in time for the start of the opening of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Mr Msila, who mainly hitch-hiked from Cape Town, was assisted by sports broadcaster, Mr Robert Marawa, to secure a flight from Kenya to Cairo to support Bafana Bafana.

2.3. South African singer and songwriter Ms Sho Madjozi, who won the Best New International Act Award at the 2019 BET Awards in Los Angeles, USA.

2.4. A team of six South African undergraduate students (from the University of Cape Town and the University of the Witwatersrand) who won first prize against 13 teams at the International Supercomputing Conference in Frankfurt, Germany.

The team was under the supervision of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s Centre for High Performance Computing, which is an initiative of the Department of Higher Education, Science and Technology, and is one of the three pillars of South Africa’s cyberinfrastructure system.

2.5. The Junior Springboks, whose fighting spirit led to them claiming the bronze medal at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship.

Cabinet wished the following all the best:

2.6.  The men’s national team, Bafana Bafana, in the 2019 African Nations Cup in Egypt.

2.7.  The Proteas national netball team, as they compete in the Netball World Cup taking place in Liverpool, England, from 12 to 21 July 2019. The national netball team currently tops the ranking in Africa and ranks fifth in terms of world rankings. The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Mr Nathi Mthethwa, has accompanied the Proteas to both support the team as well as to receive the handover as South Africa prepares to host the 16th Netball World Cup in 2023.

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