5 April 2006
At its meeting today, Cabinet in principle approved a strategy for the
disposal of non-core properties of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). The strategy
forms part of the programmes of Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for
South Africa AsgiSA, to ensure that government leverages as much of these
properties as possible for purposes of promoting urban and light industrial
development and other projects in various parts of the country.
It was agreed that there would be further interrogation of the concept of
âcore and non-core propertiesâ. Further, in disposing of such properties
current occupants and local residents would get preferential treatment, and
ways would be found to compensate SOEs for any loss of asset value.
Cabinet noted the sterling work done by the South African Revenue Service
(SARS) in surpassing targets for revenue collection in the financial year just
ended. The leadership and staff of SARS are commended for their serious
application to their work. Government also wishes to express its appreciation
to the public whose co-operation has made this achievement possible. As
government, across all the spheres, we do recognise our responsibility to
ensure that these funds are indeed spent in developing our country and
providing services to citizens.
Noting that May would be observed as Energy Month, government wishes to call
on all South Africans to use energy in an efficient and socially-responsible
way. While our country has sufficient capacity to manage very high peaks, and
progress is being made to bring forward the construction of some of the major
generation plants, the reality is that a higher rate of growth and broadening
of access have placed a strain particularly on transmission to the Western
Cape, and on distribution infrastructure in some metropolitan areas. All of us
have to conduct ourselves recognising that South Africa is entering a phase of
energy demand for economic growth and household consumption which requires us
to be mindful of various ways of its conservation.
The following Bills were approved for submission to Parliament:
* Deeds Registries Amendment Bill; and
* Less Formal Township Establishment Amendment Bill, which updates earlier
legislation on âinformal settlementsâ in order to fast-track acquisition and
development of land for such settlements.
Cabinet expressed its disappointment at recent statements by public
officials in various capacities regarding the countryâs readiness to host the
2010 Soccer World Cup. Negative public communication, aimed at accessing
resources or any other purpose, does not help the image of the country nor does
it in any case reflect the true state of affairs. As we move towards the 2006
World Cup in Germany, after which international attention will turn to our
country, we all need to ensure that our pronouncements are based on fact, help
constructively to deal with any problems that may arise and assist in
engendering confidence in our country and the continent.
The meeting noted the arrangements that have been made for the Imbizo Focus
Week, which runs from 6 to 13 April, providing an opportunity for intense
interaction between leaders across all spheres of government and the public. It
also noted preparations for marking the centenary of the Bhambata Rebellion,
which took place in April 1906. This process will initiate celebrations in
recognition of the bravery of African people in fighting colonialism and its
various manifestations such as land dispossession and unjust tax laws. The
anniversary also serves as an injunction for us to speed up comprehensive land
reform, including the implementation of the resolutions of the Land Summit.
The following appointments were approved:
* Ms Odette R Ramsingh as Director-General: Office of the Public Service
Commission (OPSC) for a period of three years â currently Deputy
Director-General (DDG) in the OPSC;
* Mr G Davel as Chief Executive Officer of the National Credit Regulator for a
term of two years;
* One DDG each in StatsSA and departments of Justice and Constitutional
Development, and Land Affairs
Cabinet approved a contribution of US$1-million per year for the next 20
years to the International Financing Facility for Immunisation. It also agreed
in principle that South Africa should commit to once-off payments to the World
Bankâs International Development Assistance (IDA) and African Development
Bankâs African Development Fund (AfDF) as South Africaâs contribution to the
Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative.
The meeting expressed its sympathy and solidarity with communities, which
have experienced destruction of property and displacement as a consequence of
heavy rainfall in the North West Province. National government is working with
provincial and local administrations to provide support and mitigate the impact
of these floods.
Cabinet wishes to convey its condolences to the family of Ministers Nosiviwe
Mapisa-Nqakula and Charles Nqakula for the loss of Ms Mapisa-Nqakulaâs mother.
The meeting also conveyed its good wishes for a speedy recovery to Minister
Zola Skweyiya who is undergoing an operation.
For further information contact:
Joel Netshitenzhe
Cell: 082 900 0083
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
5 April 2006
