14 June 2006
Cabinet was today briefed on new scientific information and the economics of
climate change. In the main, the new data point to a potential for more adverse
effects of climate change in terms of biodiversity, sea-levels for coastal
cities, economic potential of various regions and so on. Cabinet reaffirmed
decisions that had earlier been taken to mitigate this process, and agreed that
these programmes, including the introduction of renewable energy sources,
should be scaled up. It was also agreed that the SA Earth Observation System
(SAEOS) Strategy should be implemented taking this new information into
account.
The following appointments were approved or confirmed:
* Mr Themba James Maseko as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Government
Communications (GCIS) for a period of three years;
* Mr Sithembele Mase as CEO of the SA Micro Finance Apex Fund (SAMAF) in the
Department of Trade and Industry for a period of three years;
* Two Deputy Directors-General (DDGs) in the Department of Water Affairs and
Forestry;
* Members of the SA Council for the Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass
Destruction, chaired by Mr Abdul S Minty;
* Members of two distributing agencies of the National Lotteries Board:
Charities Distribution Agency (chaired by Dr Teboho Maitse) and Arts, Culture
and National Heritage Distribution Agency (chaired by Dr Nathan Bagarette);
and
* Professor M Mangaliso as President of the National Research Foundation
(NRF).
The meeting approved the submission to parliament, for ratification, of the
Instrument of Amendment of the Constitution of the International Labour
Organisation (ILO).
Cabinet noted plans for the release of the Macrosocial Report, âA nation in
the makingâ, which is meant to take place in a weekâs time. Government calls on
all South Africans to engage the issues identified in the report, the better to
improve national partnership in building a caring society.
The meeting noted the continuing campaign by Mr Zahir Omar, the legal
representative of Pakistani national, Mr Khalid Rashid, to besmirch the name of
our government and our country regarding Rashidâs deportation from our
country.
Government wishes to reiterate that it has exercised its constitutional and
legal responsibility to deport an illegal foreigner from our country, in
accordance with prescribed procedures. Because of allegations regarding Mr
Rashidâs links with international terrorist organisations, the deportation was
conducted in co-operation with Pakistani authorities; and these authorities
have confirmed in writing that Mr Rashid was received in that country in good
health. As such, if indeed Mr Omar is genuinely interested in assisting Mr
Rashidâs family to establish his whereabouts, he should take this matter up in
Pakistan.
Government is in no doubt that the overwhelming majority of South Africans,
including the Muslim community, are committed to work together in pursuit of
our common security as a nation, and to work with the international community
in promoting peace and stability throughout the world.
Government wishes to congratulate all South African youth on the occasion of
June 16, the 30th anniversary of the youth uprising against the system of
apartheid. This occasion affords us an opportunity not only to honour the
heroes of our struggle; but also to work together to expand, and take advantage
of, opportunities provided by democracy. Government will continue with its
efforts to deepen youth participation in development; and it will do so taking
into account proposals emerging from the recently-held National Youth
Convention.
Biography of Themba James Maseko
Themba James Maseko was born on 27 January 1964. He attended Immaculata High
School in Diepkloof, Soweto, matriculating in 1982.
He obtained a BA in Sociology and Law at the University of the Witwatersrand
in 1987 and an LLB at the same institution in 1992. He was awarded an MBA by
Demontfort University (UK) in 2002.
During the 1980s and early 1990s he played a leading role in the education
sector of the mass democratic movement. This included the South African
National Students Congress (SANSCO); Azanian Students Organisation; and from
1990 the National Education Co-ordinating Committee whose General Secretary he
was from 1991 to1993. He also served on the Gauteng Regional Executive
Committee of the South African Communist Party.
He was elected an ANC Member of Parliament in 1994; and in 1995 he took up
the position of Superintendent-General of the Gauteng Department of Education,
where he served until 2000.
During 2001 and 2002 he worked in the private sector as Managing Director of
the Damelin Education Group and CEO of Sifikile Investments.
He served for three years as Director-General of the Department of Public
Works, from February 2003 to February 2006.
In the period before his appointment as CEO of GCIS he has been active in
the private sector, positions he will relinquish on assuming duty as CEO of
GCIS.
Mr Maseko is a member of the boards of Adopt a School Foundation and the
Centre for Public Service Innovation, and of Vista University Council.
2006-06-14
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communication (GCIS)
14 June 2006
