North West Cabinet statement

23 August 2006

The North West Executive Council (EXCO/Provincial Cabinet) met today as part
of its regular sitting. Among other things, EXCO dealt with the following
issues:

* Actions of the Treatment Action Campaign at the World Aids Conference in
Toronto

The Executive Council reflected on the events and proceedings of the recent
international conference held in Toronto, Canada. EXCO noted the actions of the
Treatment Action Campaign at the South African stall, which sought to discredit
and ridicule government’s programme of fighting HIV and AIDS. EXCO expressed
regret that an organisation that is supporting people living with AIDS is
harbouring within its ranks people who display such unbecoming conduct. EXCO
condemned this behaviour in the strongest terms.

EXCO reiterated its support for government’s strategy on HIV and AIDS. It
noted that ours is the most comprehensive programme, and found some of the
criticisms of government’s HIV and AIDS strategy to be ill informed at best,
and machinations of distortions and deliberate misrepresentation, at worst.

EXCO noted that some of the criticisms lack an adequate understanding and
appreciation of what the comprehensive strategy to combat HIV and AIDS entails.
It is for this reason that some critics are merely focusing on provision of
anti-retrovirals to the exclusion of the comprehensive package that includes,
among other things, nutrition and prevention. EXCO expressed its support for
the Minister of Health for her commitment in implementing government’s
comprehensive programme on HIV and AIDS. Accordingly, EXCO rejected calls for
her resignation as politically motivated.

EXCO further resolved to intensify government’s communication of its HIV and
AIDS programme to ensure deeper understanding by key stakeholders and the
general populace.

* 2010 preparations

EXCO received a report from the North West 2010 Technical Committee and
noted the potential benefits that would accrue to the North West as a result of
the successful hosting of the World Cup in the province. EXCO was satisfied
with the progress that has been registered thus far, but noted the amount of
work that still needs to be done.

Mindful of this, EXCO resolved to convene a Provincial Stakeholders’ 2010
Conference in September. The conference will, among other things, seek to:

* ensure that the skills, expertise and resources of all stakeholders are
effectively channelled towards the success of 2010
* generate awareness amongst stakeholders about the responsibilities of hosting
the World Cup
* develop a comprehensive strategy and programme that will guide the efforts of
all stakeholders involved in the 2010 process.

Mindful of the national and international significance of the event, EXCO
reaffirmed its decision to make 2010 a standing item on its agenda. This is
meant to ensure effective monitoring of the progress we are making as a well as
constantly providing the necessary political and strategic direction.

Enquiries:
Cornelius Tanana Monama
Spokesperson: North West Provincial Government
Tel: (018) 387-3456
Cell: 082 578 4063

Issued by: North West Provincial Government
23 August 2006