8 August 2006
In view of tomorrow being National Women's Day, Cabinet will not be meeting
this week. However a Ministers' meeting was held to consider urgent matters and
prepare for the next Cabinet meeting.
The meeting noted preparations for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary
of the women's anti-pass march to the Union Buildings. The celebrations are a
reminder of the challenges women faced in the fight for a free country and a
non-sexist society. The celebrations are also an affirmation that South African
women today enjoy human rights enshrined in our democratic constitution.
The re-enactment of the historic march is intended to help ensure that all
South Africans, men and women, continue to take an active part in building a
country free of women abuse, and gender violence. President Thabo Mbeki will be
addressing the celebrations at the Union Building where Deputy President
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will receive a memorandum from the march.
Government calls on all South Africans in this anniversary year to
rededicate themselves to ensuring that all women enjoy the rights and
opportunities of freedom; that they are protected by the country�s laws; and
that they benefit from the programmes designed to improve their lives.
The meeting noted the proposals to strengthen the national response to
crime, through a campaign which is being developed in a partnership amongst
Business Against Crime, the International Marketing Council and the Justice,
Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, as well as other stakeholders. It
will focus on community mobilisation and strengthening partnership between
communities and the police service. A presentation will be made to the JCPS
Ministers before the next Cabinet meeting.
The meeting noted progress in the counting of votes of the historic
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) elections and the commitment of South
Africa to contribute to the successful conclusion of the process. South Africa
will continue to work with the international community and the people of the
DRC in their efforts towards stability and prosperity.
Enquiries: Themba Maseko, Government Spokesperson
Cell:083 645 0810
Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
8 August 2006
