11 October 2006
Cabinet noted that at least 748 000 grade 12 learners began sitting for
their matriculation examinations on the 10th of October around the country.
Cabinet was pleased to note that the exams were proceeding well with no
incidents of any kind reported. We would like to take the opportunity to wish
all our learners the best of luck and hope that their hard work will be
rewarded with good results.
The meeting noted that the 19th of October will be the twentieth anniversary
of the tragic death of Samora Machel and that our government and the government
of Mozambique will be paying tribute to this visionary African leader, and to
the people of Mozambique, at a commemoration service to be held in Mpumalanga
on that day. The anniversary will also be a time to recommit ourselves, as a
nation, to working with our neighbours for the development of our region and to
join hands in a national effort to eradicate the legacy of racism and
xenophobia.
Cabinet noted the steps taken by the Western Cape Provincial Government to
introduce a change in the form of government in the City of Cape Town. Cabinet
took the view that the matter was a matter of provincial competence and should
be dealt with in the context of existing legislative framework.
The meeting noted that the preparations for the 16 days Campaign of No
Violence Against Women and Children were proceeding well and will kick off with
an event in Limpopo on the 25th of November 2006 and end with an event in the
Northern Cape. Members of the public are invited to support all the activities
that will ensure that we all stand together in defence of our women and
children.
Following extensive consultations between government and various industry
stakeholders, including representatives of electronic and print media, Cabinet
decided to extend the period for the finalisation of the Films and Publications
Bill to the next session of Parliament in 2007. This extension will give
stakeholders the opportunity to discuss all the policy issues that have arisen
which have created the perception that government intended to muzzle the media.
This decision demonstrates our commitment to the principle of media freedom as
enshrined in our constitution.
Cabinet approved the National Road Safety Strategy which seeks to reduce
road accidents and fatalities on our roads. The strategy addresses a number of
challenges which include poor road behaviour by motorists e.g. speeding,
driving under the influence of alcohol, non-wearing of safety belts, unlicensed
and insufficiently trained drivers, lower levels of enforcement as well as
inadequate follow-up of fines and punishment. The strategy includes a number of
measures aimed at changing behaviour patterns on our roads. These measures
include intensifying enforcement through roadblocks, regular vehicle checking,
introduction of the demerit points system by 2008, and periodic vehicle
testing. A three-year probationary period for newly qualified drivers will be
introduced. During this three-year period, the newly qualified drivers may lose
their licenses if they commit certain offences e.g. driving under the influence
of alcohol. The Department of Transport will announce details at a later
date.
Cabinet noted the Draft Public Transport Strategy and approved its release
for public consultation before finalisation. This strategy proposes a shift
away from the current operator-controlled, route-based system to
public-controlled, user-friendly and integrated rapid transit networks which
will include high quality feed, distribution and truck line networks. The draft
strategy will be published shortly by the Department of Transport for public
consultation. A Public Transport Indaba will be convened during October 2006 to
consult with stakeholders.
The meeting noted and approved the 2010 Transport Action Plan for public
information. The release of the plan will ensure that the public is informed
about preparations for 2010 regarding public transport. The Department of
Transport will release the details of the plan at a later date.
Cabinet discussed and approved the second draft of the Mineral and Petroleum
Resource Royalty Bill for a second round of consultation prior to its tabling
in Parliament in 2007.
The National Treasury first released the draft Bill in March 2003 for public
comment. After extensive consultations, revisions were made to the Bill. One of
the key revisions made to this revised Bill is the significant reduction of
royalty rates compared to the proposals in the first draft.
A number of traditional communities currently receive royalty payments from
mining operators who mine on their land. Item 11 of Schedule II of the Mineral
Resources Development Act (Act No. 28 of 2002) (the âMPRDAâ) provides that
communities will continue to receive such royalties regardless of whether these
royalties are paid with respect to âold orderâ or ânew orderâ mining
rights.
The period for comment on the revised Royalty Bill will close on 31 January
2007. A final version of the Royalty Bill will then be submitted to Parliament
for its consideration in 2007. The Bill can be accessed on the Treasury
website: http://www.treasury.gov.za
The meeting approved the Diamond Export Levy Bill for public comment and
subsequent tabling in Parliament. In this regard, the Department of Minerals
and Energy and National Treasury were mandated to develop and publish
guidelines on all exemptions, relief and the exercise of other discretionary
powers before the enactment of the Bill. These guidelines will provide
certainty for the industry and potential investors.
Cabinet approved the National Drug Master Plan (2006/11) for implementation.
The Plan outlines Governmentâs strategy and programme to fight the scourge of
drug abuse in the country. The plan is in line with the Treatment of Drug
Dependency Act 20 of 1992, which requires Government to review and implement
such a plan every five years.
The following Board and Council appointments were made:
* appointment of Directors of the Board of the Development Bank of Southern
Africa (DBSA) with Mr P Baloyi as the Executive and Managing Director
* a non-executive director to the Board of Eskom
* additional five members to the Board of the Industrial Development
Corporation (IDC)
* members of the Agricultural Research Council (ARC).
The meeting welcomed the opportunity afforded to South Africa to host the
4th World Congress on Rural Women. This Congress will go a long way towards
advancing the cause of rural women, particularly in the developing world. This
is yet another indication that the world has confidence in the countryâs
ability to be the host of choice for major international events. We are
confident that South Africans will welcome rural women from around the world
with warm and open arms.
Enquiries:
Themba Maseko
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
11 October 2006
