20 September 2006
Cabinet received reports from Cabinet Committees on implementation of the
Programme of Action, and noted the progress made over the past two months.
Ministers will brief the media on implementation from 26 - 28 September and the
government website will be updated accordingly. The cluster briefings will be
followed by a briefing on HIV and AIDS by the Minister of Health at a date to
be announced.
The meeting noted preparations for the eighth investiture of National Orders
on Wednesday, 27 September at the Union Buildings. Through the National Orders
we convey our aspirations for a society in which the divisions of the past are
healed and which is based on democratic values, social justice and human
rights. On this day, the President of the Republic recognises the role of men
and women who have contributed to making a better life for current and future
generations.
Cabinet was briefed on preparations for the commemoration on 1 - 2 October
of the centenary of the launch of Satyagraha, led by Mahatma Gandhi. The
various anniversaries being marked during this year celebrate the part played
by many sectors of our society in the achievement of freedom and by various
forms of struggle, including non-violent or passive resistance as exemplified
by Satyagraha.
The participation of the Indian Prime Minister in the celebrations reflects
the bonds between our two peoples and countries which were forged in struggle
and which are now being further strengthened in co-operation for development
and peace. This follows a visit by our Deputy President to Gandhi's grave
during her recent visit to India.
The Deputy President briefed Cabinet on progress the Inter-Ministerial
Committee (IMC) was making in resuscitating the South African National AIDS
Council (SANAC) and managing government interaction with the various
stakeholders as part of strengthening the partnership against HIV/AIDS. The
need to raise the level of participants in SANAC to include decision makers was
endorsed. Government will ensure that it is represented by Ministers, Deputy
Ministers and Directors-General. An appeal will be made to all stakeholders to
ensure that they nominate decision-makers to participate in SANAC meetings.
This will ensure that all stakeholders become actively involved in the fight
against the pandemic. Cabinet endorsed interaction with stakeholders such as
the National Association of People Living with Aids (NAPWA) and the Treatment
Action Campaign (TAC).
The meeting welcomed the decision by NAPWA to call off their hunger strike.
This will further create an environment that is conducive to constructive
engagement in the fight against the pandemic.
Cabinet confirmed that the Ministry of Health, led by Minister
Tshabalala-Msimang, will continue to lead implementation of the government's
comprehensive plan on HIV and AIDS. The IMC will co-ordinate government action
to ensure, among other things, better inter-departmental interaction and
timeous attention to obstacles and challenges. Any perception that the IMC will
take over implementation of the programme would be misleading as the IMC is not
a department and it will not take over the implementing function from the
Department and the Minister of Health.
Cabinet noted the public discourse on the Civil Unions bill. Whilst every
individual or group has the right to express their views openly on the matter
of same-sex marriages, Cabinet emphasised the need for everyone to be reminded
that there is a Constitutional Court ruling that the current definition of
marriage in the Marriage Act was unconstitutional. Participants in the debate
should not conduct themselves in a manner that suggests that they want to defy
the decision of the Constitutional Court on this or any other matter.
Cabinet approved the following appointments:
* New members of the Boards of the South African Forestry Company (SAFCOL)
and Denel - the Minister of Public Enterprises will announce details at a later
stage
* Directors to the Boards of Railway Safety Regulator (RSR), SA Rail
Commuter Corporation (SARCC) and the Cross-Border Road Transport Agency
(CBRTA), and the CEO of the Railway Safety Regulator - the Minister of
Transport will announce the relevant details in due course
* Members of the Board of the National Credit Regulator (NCR) and the
members of the National Consumer Tribunal (NCT) - the Minister of Trade and
Industry will announce the relevant details at a later stage
* A Deputy Director-General in the Department of Communication and one in
the Public Service Commission.
Enquiries: Themba Maseko
Cell: 083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
20 September 2006
