QUESTION:
 _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

With reference to the poor performance of the South African economy, the continuing job losses driving unemployment to an 11-year high, the serious challenges facing critical state-owned enterprises, and in light of the fact that the most recent government interventions such as the removal of barriers to entry-level Government positions, the stimulus package and Presidential Jobs Summit do not seem to have an impact, what are the Government’s plans to

(a) effectively address the challenge of slow economic growth and
(b) deal with rising unemployment rate?

REPLY:

Honourable Members,

Economic growth and job creation is the apex priority of this administration.

It is nearly one year since I announced the Economic Stimulus and Recovery package to get the wheels turning again, so now would be an opportune time to provide a brief report back on what we have achieved in terms of meeting its key objectives.

We said we would implement growth-enhancing reforms in pursuit of igniting economic activity.

One of these is that we will relook at our visa regime to attract more tourists, and more highly skilled professionals.

The Department of Home Affairs recently issued a list of countries that will receive visa waivers, among them countries with high tourism potential like Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

An e-visa system will soon be piloted as part of modernising our current system.

The Department of Home Affairs is working with the Department of Higher Education and Training towards refining a list of critical skills that will inform future regulations.

We have introduced trade measures to safeguard key agricultural sectors like the poultry industry, and in the process protect local jobs.

The policy directive for the release of high demand spectrum gazetted on 26 July 2019 will help to draw fresh investment into the digital and telecoms sectors.

Towards our goal of making it easier to do business in South Africa through reducing port and rail tariffs, the Ports regulator in November announced a tariff decrease of 6% and also decreased container and automotive cargo dues.

We said we would move forward with agrarian reform.

Funding to the tune of R3.9bn has been released to support black commercial farmers through the Land Bank.

To promote greater certainty in the use of land for productive activities we have finalised over 1,400 30-year leases.

We said we would revitalise industrial parks and three new parks have been launched in the 2019 financial year in Ekandustria, Garankuwa and Nkowankowa.

We said we would reprioritise public spending to support more social infrastructure.

We have already exceeded the target of filling over 2,000 critical medical posts to address challenges in the health care system.

Between September 2018 and July 2019, the IDC approved upwards of R14 billion in infrastructure funding for roads, human settlements, water infrastructure, schools, student accomodation and public transport.

To support job creation an amount of R600 million has been provisionally allocated to support rural and township entrepreneurs.

The Employee Tax Incentive has been extended to 2029 to enable more employers to take advantage of its provisions to hire more young people.

I recently met the leaders of business, labour and communities at Nedlac to review progress in implementation of the Jobs Summit commitments.

While there has been progress in several areas, all constituencies agree that the depth of the unemployment crisis means we have to do more, and we have to do it faster.

We have therefore agreed that I, together with Deputy President Mabuza, will convene a regular meeting with all Nedlac constituencies to review progress and, where necessary, take action to resolve problems.

As we outlined in SONA in June, we are responding to the dire employment situation by addressing the structural weaknesses in the economy, developing skills that match the needs of the economy, boosting investment and fixing state owned enterprises, among a number of actions.

Further measures to reduce our fiscal deficit and debt ratios will be announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy Statement in October.

This administration is pursuing a purposeful industrial strategy in which we work closely with social partners to develop Master Plans for sectors with high potential for growth.

Government has already begun work with sectors such as clothing, textiles and footwear, poultry, the sugar industry and steel and downstream metal fabrication.

Funding to the tune of R600m has been allocated over the MTEF to support the clothing and textile sectors.

In June, a number of Chinese companies signed agreements with their South African counterparts to buy more than R25 billion of South African goods.

These will help to boost production, growth and jobs in the local economy.

The African Continental Free Trade Area, which is planned to come into effect on 1 July next year, is expected to fundamentally reshape the South African economy.

Already, exports to other African countries support about 250,000 South African jobs.

To improve the levels of investment in the economy, we will host the Second South Africa Investment Conference from 5 to 7 November this year.

This will build on the success of the first conference where commitments of R300 billion were made by local and international companies in support of our R1.2 trillion investment drive.

Of the R300 billion committed at the inaugural Investment Conference, around R250 billion worth of projects are in the implementation phase.

There has been a significant turnaround in flows of foreign direct investment, surging from R26.8 billion in 2017 to R70.7 billion in 2018.

We are working on a set of priority reforms to improve the ease of doing business and reducing the cost of compliance.

Technical Working Groups comprised of officials in the relevant departments have begun work on five of the indicators: starting a business, paying taxes, registering property, trading across borders, and dealing with construction permits.

One of the constraints to growth in our economy is the high level of economic concentration.

Earlier this year, I signed the Competition Amendment Act into law, and major sections of this Act have come into operation last month.

The new laws will give the competition authorities the ability to address abuse of dominance and high concentration that keeps small and emerging companies out of the economy.

The combined efforts of DTI, the IDC and partnerships with the private sector are expected to provide support of over R40 billion to black industrialists over the next five years.

The IDC is expected to provide R11 billion in support to women-empowered enterprises alone, and further funds will be made available for youth-enterprises.

Through spatial interventions like special economic zones, reviving local industrial parks, business centres, digital hubs and township and village enterprises, we are bringing economic development to local areas.

We are working to develop small and medium enterprises in our cities, townships and rural areas and create market places where they trade their products.

If we are to achieve the South Africa we want, we need to forge durable partnerships between government, business, labour, communities and civil society.

Government is hard at work to create an enabling environment, use public resources wisely and invest in developing the country’s human potential.

Business and labour need to act together to promote our country’s national strategic objectives.

Early in the sixth administration, I engaged with the National Planning Commission to tap into the collective wisdom embodied in that esteemed collective of South Africans.

In playing their advisory role, they continue to develop research and insights to support strategies towards inclusive growth.

There are no easy or quick solutions to low growth and unemployment.

It requires hard work, smart policy choices, commitment and, above all, close cooperation among all social partners.

I thank you.  


QUESTION:

Whether he intends to institute a full-scale, independent inquiry, headed by a retired judge to be selected by the Chief Justice, to further investigate all allegations of state capture that involve Bosasa, now known as African Global Operations, following the revelations made in the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector and the findings of the Public Protector in her report titled Report on an Investigation into Allegations of a Violation of the Executive Ethics Code through an Improper Relationship between the President and African Global Operations, formerly known as Bosasa, Report 37 of 2019-20?

REPLY: 

Honourable Members,

In January 2018, then President Jacob Zuma appointed a Commission of Inquiry to investigate allegations of state capture, corruption and fraud in the Public Sector including organs of state.

The Deputy Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, Judge Raymond Zondo, was appointed as the Chairperson of the Commission, having been identified by Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng.

According to its terms of reference, among other things:

“The Commission shall inquire into, make findings, report on and make recommendations concerning the following…

“1.9 the nature and extent of corruption, if any, in the awarding of contracts and tenders to companies, business entities or organizations by Government Departments, agencies and entities. In particular, whether any member of the National Executive (including the President), public official, functionary of any organ of state influenced the awarding of tenders to benefit themselves, their families or entities in which they held a personal interest…”

It should be obvious from these terms of reference that the Commission of Inquiry into state capture has both the mandate and the authority to investigate the matters to which the Hon Maimane refers.

It is a matter of public record that the Commission is indeed investigating various allegations with respect to Bosasa, now known as African Global Operations.

I have already deposed an affidavit to the commission regarding any contact or dealings I may have had with persons who have either appeared before the commission or have been named at the commission in one form or another.

I have also said that I would be willing to appear before the commission at any time that the commission would want to hear me on any matter that may assist them in their work.

There is therefore absolutely no reason to establish a new inquiry to investigate a matter that is already being investigated by a sitting Commission of Inquiry.

As a country, and as leaders, we should direct our efforts towards supporting the Zondo Commission of Inquiry and urging all those with information relevant to its mandate to make themselves available to the Commission.

We need also to support and equip the National Prosecuting Authority to pursue investigations and prosecutions where there is evidence of criminality.

As for the report of the Public Protector, Honourable Members may know that this matter has been taken on urgent judicial review.

We should allow the courts to make a determination on this matter. Let us give the courts the opportunity to deal with this matter – after which we can have a political discussion.

I am waiting for the courts to make a determination on this matter and I woiuld like this to be done as urgently as possible, so that all of us as South Africans can get on with our lives and we can get on with the task of governance in our country.

I thank you.


QUESTION:

With reference to his reply to question 4 on 20 February 2019, wherein he stated that he was not involved in fundraising for his campaign to become president of his political organisation, known as the CR17 campaign, but only met with potential funders at dinners organised by those leading the campaign, what are the details of

(a) the persons in the Office of the President and the Cabinet who were involved in fundraising for his campaign and
(b) the potential funders whom he met at each specified dinner as per his reply?

REPLY:

Honourable Members,

Following the release of the Public Protector’s report into allegations against the President, there has been much interest in the country about the funding and operations of the CR17 campaign.

As I have already indicated, the Public Protector’s report is being taken on urgent judicial review and the courts will make a determination on the matter.

Some people have used this opportunity – quite correctly in my view – to debate the issue of political funding. This is an important debate that needs to ensue in our country.

I have also initiated discussion within the political party that I lead about the running of internal political leadership contests. I initiated that discussion in the last NEC (of the ANC) where I said this whole matter has brought to the fore a question we need to address as a political party.

But others have a more sinister agenda, using leaked information selectively to undermine the positive changes that have been brought about in this country since the ANC’s 54th National Conference.

The CR17 campaign was a legitimate, forward-looking and necessary effort to promote the renewal of the governing party and broader society, undertaken under difficult conditions.

In its funding and its activities, there was no wrongdoing, no criminality and no abuse of public funds or resources.

Those who contributed to the campaign – whether as organisers, volunteers, as members of the ANC, as service providers or donors, including myself – did so out of a genuine concern for the future of the country.

If there were members of the Executive who were part of the campaign and were involved in fundraising, they did so as individual party members exercising their democratic and Constitutional right. In this regard, they owe no apology for what they did.

What they did is a matter between themselves and their party; just as it is a matter between myself as President of the ANC and my party. It is for that reason that I have initiated that discussion within the ANC.

As things currently stand, therefore, there are no rules or regulations in place for the disclosure of donations for internal party leadership contests.

This matter is now before our courts. It is a matter that is going to be dealt with by our courts. I want our courts to determine the extent to which declarations or disclosures may have been needed for internal party campaigning.

Nor is there a provision for the disclosure of such information in the Executive Ethics Code or in the Code of Ethical Conduct and Disclosure of Members’ Interests for Assembly and Permanent Council Members.

I am sure that the Honourable Malema would agree that it would be unreasonable and potentially prejudicial to expect the disclosure of such information until such time that all candidates and all parties are held to the same requirements of disclosure and transparency.

The Political Party Funding Act, which I signed into law earlier this year, does regulate public and private funding of political parties and requires disclosure of donations accepted.

While this Act does not extend to the funding of internal party leadership contests, this is perhaps the appropriate time for this House to consider whether it is necessary and desirable for funding of internal party contests to be disclosed and regulated.

Do we want internal party political contests from the governing party to the smallest party to be regulated so that there will be disclosure?

I would therefore like to suggest that this Parliament take responsibility for ensuring that the same standards of accountability and transparency are applied to all parties and leaders.

I thank you.  


QUESTION:

With regard to the signing of the first-ever Presidential Health Compact that binds different stakeholders to overcoming the challenges in the public health care system and to give practical expression to section 27 of the Bill of Rights, which affirms the right of everyone to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care, what

(a) has he found to be the state of readiness of the country to implement the National Health Insurance and
(b) will be the benefits of National Health Insurance as the country develops the national health care system for the future?

REPLY:

Honourable Members,

South Africa has massive inequalities that require policy change.

We are one of the countries with the highest inequality.

The health sector contributes significantly to the country’s inequality status. 

Therefore, one of our greatest priorities as a nation must be the achievement of universal health coverage, where all our people have equal access to quality health care.

This is essential for the achievement of a better quality of life, for social justice, for equity and for a more productive economy.

We have also signed as a country the Sustainable development agenda which calls for the introduction of Universal Health Coverage.

We are heading out to New York at the United Nations to join other countries who are moving towards the implementation of their verson of Universal Health Coverage.

As part of our global commitment, we attended and contributed our input to the G20 Summit in Osaka in June this year.

At the summit, we, together with the low and medium income countries were urged to move towards universal health coverage.

We are on track to do this in our country through the National Health Insurance.

We have global support in moving towards Universal Health Coverage.

The Elders Group, established by the Former President Nelson Mandela, has issued a statement in support of our efforts towards NHI.

Furthermore, the World Health Organisation is greatly supportive of our efforts to introduce universal health coverage, which has been a fundamental demand of the Freedom Charter for over 50 years.

It is for this reason that we are pursuing an ambitious programme to address the problems in our health system alongside the introduction of National Health Insurance.

Last month, we signed a Presidential Health Compact, which provides a comprehensive and detailed programme to improve our public health care system.

This historic Compact was developed together with all key stakeholders, including health professionals, labour, business, statutory councils, civil society, users of the health system and academia.

Each stakeholder is committed to practical measures to strengthen the health system.

This is essential if we are to ensure that each clinic, community health centre and hospital in the public and private sector is NHI-ready.

The NHI Fund will contract with only those hospitals and clinics that meet international quality standards.

This approach implies that we will be undertaking measures to strengthen the health system as we implement the NHI.

We are focusing on improvements in human resources, access to medicines and vaccines, building and maintenance of infrastructure, and the quality, safety and quantity of health services.

We are working together with stakeholders to improve financial management and strengthen governance, oversight and accountability.

A vital component of this plan is to ensure that the national health information system guides the way policies, strategies and investments are made.

Once passed into law, the NHI Bill will go a long way towards achieving universal quality health coverage.

We will join a community of nations that are moving towards ending inequality in access to quality health care.

In South Africa, we are confronting severe inequality, where around R250 billion is spent on the 16% of the population who have access to private health care, while only R220 billion goes towards health care for the rest of the population.

There are those who say we must leave things as they are.

We are called upon to retain an unjust system that deprives the majority of South Africans access to the doctors, specialists, allied health professionals that are supposed to serve only a few to the exclusion of the rest. 

To this we say ‘No’.

This is unfair, inefficient and unsustainable.

We have enough resources in this country to give every man, woman and child health care, but we refuse because we want to promote interests of a few to the detriment of the rest.

We shall change this.

Implementing NHI while improving the health system has several benefits.

The NHI will increase the resources available to hire more health workers, thus reducing waiting times at clinics and hospitals.

Contracting health professionals from the private sector into NHI will increase access to the services of doctors, specialists, dentists, physiotherapists, psychologists and others.

Through the more efficient allocation of health resources, NHI will improve access to medicines and equipment, reduce drug stock-outs and improve maintenance of facilities.

The NHI Fund will separate the purchase of health services from the delivery of services, thereby increasing value for money.

It will help to ensure that funds, staff, medicine and equipment are more fairly distributed.

It will further enhance the quality of services delivered because all those who receive contracts must be able to provide services of a specified quality.

It will help improve efficiency, transparency and accountability.

As we have done before with all major policy interventions since 1994, we will ensure effective consultation and engagement across society at all stages of this process.

The quest for universal health coverage is probably one of the most significant public-private partnerships that we will undertake, and it is essential that all social partners are involved in its design and implementation.

It will be implemented incrementally and within available resources.

The NHI provides an opportunity to fundamentally transform health care in this country to ensure greater fairness, improved health outcomes and a more productive workforce.

Through the NHI, we will be closer to achieving the demand of the Freedom Charter that: “Free medical care and hospitalisation shall be provided for all.”

Working together, we are determined to achieve this goal.

[President relates personal account by the late Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme of an earlier Prime Minister who had shared a hospital ward with, among other persons, a steel worker. The Prime Minister told the steel worker that the Swedish government had worked to achieve a national health system where a Prime Minister and a steel worker could share a ward and receive exactly the same care.]

We want to improve and revolutionise health care. This is something we hope to achieve and it is for this reason that National Health Insurance is being piloted and directed from the Private Office of the President.

We are going to make sure that NHI does get implemented. The NHI Bill will be coming to Parliament and we hope this House will revolutionise health care delivery in our country – and in our lifetime.

I thank you. 


QUESTION:

Whether he intends to implement the recommendations of the Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY:

Honourable Members,

The acceleration of land reform is essential for the transformation of society, for tackling poverty and growing the economy.

The Presidential Advisory Panel on Land Reform and Agriculture – which was established in September 2018 to provide expert advice on the critical task of land reform – had produced several far-reaching recommendations to ensure that we correct the skewed distribution of land in the country.

This is necessary to reduce inequality.

Through providing poor South Africans with land on which to farm, to live and to run businesses, we will be able to break the cycle of poverty in which many people are trapped.

The report of the Advisory Panel has been presented to Cabinet and has been made available to the public.

The report provides a detailed and critical assessment on progress since 1994 and outlines some of the weaknesses in our policies and programmes.

This report recommends legal mechanisms to recognise, register, record and enforce a continuum of land rights, so that all our people become rights holders.

The Panel has called on government to immediately identify well-located and unused or under-utilised land and buildings for the purposes of urban settlement and to prioritise poor tenants for upgrading their rights.

The Panel argues that expropriation without compensation is not, by itself, a solution to land reform, but is just one of the means of acquiring land.

The report goes much further to address questions of who should benefit, and promotes a participatory and democratic, area-based approach to identifying land needs.

The Panel’s recommendations complement and reinforce the work being done by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Land Reform chaired by the Deputy President.

The IMC is making progress in the development of the National Spatial Development Framework, which will guide our efforts to ensure land use and planning is developmental and transforms people’s lives.

The Department of Public Works and Infrastructure has released 100 parcels of land for land restitution purposes.

For the remaining parcels of land, land use studies are being finalised, which include land identified for human settlements.

Progress is being made in the development of an integrated model for farmer support.

The model entails the provision of financial and non-financial support through the value chain.

It is intended that, together with the work already underway, the Panel’s recommendations will inform the finalisation of a comprehensive, far-reaching and transformative land reform programme.

Cabinet still needs to consider the findings and recommendations of the panel, after which it will be able to pronounce on the implementation of this report.

We hope this will dovetail with the work being done by the National Assembly on the land question.

I thank you.
 

QUESTION:

With reference to section 83(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which requires that he promotes the unity of the nation and that which will advance the Republic, how does he envisage (a) fulfilling this constitutional obligation as Head of State and (b) stopping the current alienation of minorities in the Republic?

REPLY:

Honourable Members,

While the Constitution enjoins the President to promote the unity of the nation, it is the role and the responsibility of all South Africans to build a country that belongs to all who live in it.

In undertaking my responsibility as President of the Republic, I am guided in the main by the Preamble to our Constitution.

Among other things, it calls on all of us to heal the divisions of the past, establish a society based on democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights, ensure every citizen is equally protected by the law and free the potential of each person.

The achievement of national unity depends on the advancement of equality in all spheres of public and private life.

All South Africans must have the same rights and opportunities regardless of race, gender, sex, ethnic or social origin, colour, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language and birth.

Since 1994, we have put in place policies and programmes to safeguard these rights and advance these opportunities.

We have sought to advance the constitutional principle that everyone has the right to use the language and to participate in the cultural life of their choice.

Given the huge inequality in our society, which is mainly defined along lines of race and gender, the promotion of national unity requires that we take measures to advance those South Africans who have been disadvantaged by unfair discrimination.

That is why we have directed public resources towards the poor, why we have implemented employment equity and broad-based black economic empowerment, why we have massively expanded access to education, and why we have introduced a National Minimum Wage.

The divisions in our society are not only material.

They are also social, cultural and psychological.

We must therefore deepen dialogue to ensure that South Africans across the racial and other contours of difference establish common ground and that there is solidarity and mutual trust.

These dialogues must address what it means to be an active and responsible citizen. 

If it is true that there are ‘minorities’ that are alienated, then we need to find out why, (although) I would hesitate to use the word “minorities”; there are groups of people who feel they are alienated.

We need to establish whether it is a matter of perception or the consequence of actual experience, and we need to engage in dialogue to address any grievances or concerns.

My experience is that the overwhelming majority of South Africans, regardless of race, class or gender, support the measures we have undertaken – in line with the Constitution – to address the inequalities of our past and to affirm those who were previously disadvantaged.

They are in many instances also eager and actively seeking to be part of the solution in building a united nation.

They have built a bridge and crossed over it.

They understand that we will never achieve a united, peaceful society for as long as racial privilege or other forms of inequality continue.
 
Perhaps it is time for us to challenge this idea of so-called ‘minorities’.

It is indeed true that South Africa is made up of people of different races, ethnicities, language groups and religions, but we are all part of the greater South African people.

Whatever our individual backgrounds or circumstances, we are all part of the majority.

South Africa belongs to all of us equally and we must all feel that we belong to this South Africa, regardless of the various differences that we may have along the lines of language, region or colour.

We are all one nation and let us begin to act as one nation.

I thank you.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has cited changes made to visa regulations for tourists and highly skilled professionals, financial support for black farmers and black industrialists and the upgrading and creation of industrial parks as evidence of government’s efforts to secure economic growth   and deal with unemployment.

The President provided an update on actions to ignite economic activity to the National Assembly on Thursday, 22 August 2019, in his first session of Questions for Oral Reply since his election in May 2019.

The President also took questions on National Health Insurance, land reform, social cohesion and internal leadership campaigns within political parties.

President Ramaphosa reaffirmed economic growth and job creation as the apex priority of the sixth administration.

The President provided evidence of implementation of the Economic Stimulus and Recovery Plan introduced by government in 2018 to shore up the economy.

The President said a recent intervention in this direction was the designation by the Department of Home Affairs of a number of countries that will receive visa waivers, among them countries with high tourism potential like Saudi Arabia and Qatar. 

Furthermore, an e-visa system will soon be piloted as part of modernising current systems. 

The Department of Home Affairs is working with the Department of Higher Education and Training towards refining a list of critical skills that will inform future regulations.

The President said trade measures had been in place to safeguard key agricultural sectors like the poultry industry, protecting local jobs in the process.

Making it easier to do business in South Africa, the Ports Authority of South Africa reduced tariffs by 6% in late 2018, while also decreasing container and automotive cargo dues.

On agrarian reform the President said funding to the tune of R3.9bn had been released to support black commercial farmers through the Land Bank. 

To promote greater certainty in the use of land for productive activities, more than 1 400 30-year leases have been finalised.

As part of implementing the stimulus and recovery plan, three new industrial parks have been launched in the 2019 financial year in Ekandustria, Garankuwa and Nkowankowa.

Challenges in the health care system have been mitigated thorugh the filling of more than 2 000 critical medical posts.

Between September 2018 and July 2019, the Industrial Development Corporation approved upwards of R14 billion in infrastructure funding for roads, human settlements, water infrastructure, schools, student accomodation and public transport.

To support job creation an amount of R600 million has been provisionally allocated to support rural and township entrepreneurs. 

The Employee Tax Incentive has been extended to 2029 to enable more employers to take advantage of its provisions to hire more young people.

The President and Deputy President David Mabuza are due to convene regular meetings with the National Economic Development and Labour Council to review progress in implementation of the Jobs Summit commitments.

The President said government was pursuing a purposeful industrial strategy in partnership with social partners to develop Master Plans for sectors with high potential for growth.

Government has already begun work with sectors such as clothing, textiles and footwear, poultry, the sugar industry and steel and downstream metal fabrication. 

Funding to the tune of R600m has been allocated over the MTEF to support the clothing and textile sectors.

In June, a number of Chinese companies signed agreements with their South African counterparts to buy more than R25 billion of South African goods. 

This will help to boost production, growth and jobs in the local economy. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area, which is planned to come into effect on 1 July next year, is expected to fundamentally reshape the South African economy. 

Already, exports to other African countries support about 250,000 South African jobs.

To improve the levels of investment in the economy, government will host the Second South Africa Investment Conference from 5 to 7 November this year. 

This will build on the success of the 2018 conference where commitments of R300 billion were made by local and international companies in support of our R1.2 trillion investment drive.

Of the R300 billion committed at the inaugural Investment Conference, around R250 billion worth of projects are in the implementation phase.

There has been a significant turnaround in flows of foreign direct investment, surging from R26.8 billion in 2017 to R70.7 billion in 2018.

President Ramaphosa outlined a set of priority reforms to improve the ease of doing business and reducing the cost of compliance.

Technical Working Groups comprised of officials in the relevant departments have begun work on five of the indicators: starting a business, paying taxes, registering property, trading across borders, and dealing with construction permits.

The President positioned the recently enacted Competition Amendment Act as a bulwark against economic concentration, which is a major constraint to growth in the South African economy.

The new laws will give the competition authorities the ability to address abuse of dominance and high concentration that keeps small and emerging companies out of the economy. 

The combined efforts of DTI, the IDC and partnerships with the private sector are expected to provide support of over R40 billion to black industrialists over the next five years. 

The IDC is expected to provide R11 billion in support to women-empowered enterprises alone, and further funds will be made available for youth-enterprises.

Through spatial interventions like special economic zones, reviving local industrial parks, business centres, digital hubs and township and village enterprises, economic development is taking effect in local areas.

“If we are to achieve the South Africa we want, we need to forge durable partnerships between government, business, labour, communities and civil society,” said President Ramaphosa.

“Government is hard at work to create an enabling environment, use public resources wisely and invest in developing the country’s human potential.”


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will undertake working visits to France and Japan from 24 to 30 August 2019 to participate in a G7 Summit that will focus on eliminating inequalities globally, and the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VII) Summit that will strengthen   partnership between Japan and African states. 
 
The working visits will also provide a platform for President Ramaphosa and members of Cabinet to invite global partners to experience South Africa as an investment destination and trade partner, and to participate in the country’s efforts to secure faster, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment. 
 
G7 SUMMIT 
 
The thematic focus of the 2019 G7 Summit in Biarritz, France, on 25 and 26 August 2019 is the reduction of inequalities prevailing around the world. 
 
The G7 is a forum of the seven countries with the world's most industrialized and developed economies - France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada - whose government leaders meet annually to discuss important global economic, political, social and security issues. 
 
Together, the G7 countries represent approximately 30% to 40% of global gross domestic product (GDP) and 10% of the world’s population. The G7 Presidency, which rotates annually among its Member States, is responsible for setting the agenda of each year’s summit. 
 
France has invited major economies with regional influence as well as strategic African partners and key representatives of civil society, to build a renewed partnership and form coalitions around projects and solutions to combat inequality more effectively. 
 
The Summit will deliberate all manifestations of inequality – social, economic, environmental and in other dimensions – globally. 
 
G7 proceedings under the French presidency are structured into three tracks: G7 and Africa Partnership (South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Senegal and the Chair of the African Union Commission); G7 and four Biarritz Partners (South Africa, India, Australia and Chile), and G7 and all partners. 
 
President Macron has invited President Ramaphosa to the three working sessions that the G7 countries will host with their partners. 
The first session will deal with “Freedoms within the digital world” under the G7 and four Biarritz Partners track. 
 
The second session will be dedicated to the G7 partnership with Africa, for which G7 countries aim to define a new goal of serving development and peace throughout the continent. This session will see engagement among the G7 and African Partners.

The third working session and one in which civil society will participate, will address environmental issues, and more specifically the preservation of biodiversity, climate and oceans. 
 
In terms of climate change and the advancing shift from fossil fuels to renewable sources of energy, South Africa believes the energy transition should be a just transition in which workers’ livelihoods are protected, working conditions are fair and people are reskilled for participation in emerging industries. The transition to new sources of energy should also benefit all sectors of society.

South Africa will utilise the G7 forum to promote its economic agenda, and particularly to promote itself as a major investment destination; further the interests of the African Union which it will chair in 2020, and collaborate with other developing countries that have been invited to participate in the 2019 G7 in order to advance Africa’s developmental agenda. 
 
The Summit is expected to produce a range of declarations that will form the basis of action plans for addressing the challenges and embracing opportunities identified during the Biarritz deliberations. 
 
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister of Communications and Telecommunications Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams. 
 
TICAD VII 
 
President Ramaphosa will travel from France to Japan to participate in the TICAD VII Summit in Yokohama from 28 to 30 August 2019 
 
The Tokyo International Conference on African Development will be convened under the theme of “Advancing Africa’s Development through Technology, Innovation and People”. 
 
TICAD is a multilateral leaders’ forum on African development that was first convened in 1993 in Japan. 
 
TICAD VII has identified three overarching priorities, namely accelerating economic transformation and improving business environment through innovation and private sector engagement; deepening sustainable and resilient society, and strengthening peace and stability. 
 
The Summit will focus on science, technology and innovation; human resource development and education; the oceans economy; climate change and disaster risk reduction, and agriculture. 
 
South Africa views the partnership between Japan and the African continent as an enabler for infrastructure development and industrialisation throughout the continent. 
 
President Ramaphosa will also on the margins of TICAD address an investment event convened by the Department of Trade and Industry. 
 
More than 140 Japanese companies have an investment footprint in South Africa totalling more than R90 billion. 
 
The government of Japan as well as the country’s corporate sector view South Africa as a strategic partner on the African continent and within the context of the programmes and activities of TICAD. 
 
President Ramaphosa is expected to have a number of bilateral engagements with counterparts attending the Summit. 
 
On Wednesday, 28 August, the President will participate in a South Africa-Japan business roundtable to be hosted at the headquarters of the Nissan Corporation and in which a South African business delegation will engage with their counterparts in Japanese commerce and industry. 
 
On the same day, the President will also address a Summit forum on Science and Technology in Society and will co-hair a plenary session on economic transformation. 
 
On 29 August the President will participate in a public-private business dialogue coordinated by Trade and Investment South Africa, an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry. 
 
The President will also have an engagement with the Japan External Trade Organisation, a government-related organisation that promotes mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between Japan and other nations. 
 
President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande. 
 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707 
 
Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in Biarritz, France, today, Sunday, 25 August 2019, to participate in a G7 Summit that is focused on the elimination of inequalities of various kinds globally. 

The G7 comprises France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, whose government leaders meet annually to discuss important global economic, political, social and security issues.

President Ramaphosa is invited to this year's G7 Summit by President Emmanuel Macron of the Republic of France. The summit is structured into three  tracks: G7 and Africa Partnership (South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Senegal and the Chair of the African Union Commission), G7 and four  Biarritz Partners (South Africa, India, Australia and Chile), and G7 and all partners. 

The working visit will also provide a platform for President Ramaphosa and members of Cabinet to invite global partners to experience South Africa as an investment destination and trade partner, and to participate in the country's efforts to secure faster, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment. 

The Summit will deliberate on all manifestations of inequality – social, economic, environmental and in other dimensions – globally. It is expected to produce a range of declarations that will form the basis of action plans for addressing the challenges and embracing opportunities identified during the Biarritz deliberations. 

President Ramaphosa will be accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor and Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams.
  

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has concluded a working visit to Biarritz, France, where he urged the world’s most advanced economies to partner with South Africa and the continent of Africa in exploring the opportunities presented by free trade and the digital economy, and in mitigating the   impacts of climate change.

President Ramaphosa was invited by French President Emmanuel Macron to participate in the 2019 G7 Summit which was dedicated to addressing inequalities in its various forms in global society.

The Summit was structured into three tracks: G7 and Africa Partnership (South Africa, Rwanda, Egypt, Burkina Faso, Senegal and the Chair of the  African Union Commission), G7 and four Biarritz Partners (South Africa, India, Australia and Chile), and the G7 and all partners.

During the two-day working visit on 25 and 26 August 2019, President Ramaphosa addressed various Summit forums and participated in a working lunch that brought together African Union Chair President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi of Egypt, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, President Macky Sell of Senegal and President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré of Burkina Faso.

The President also held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Boris Johnson of the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Sebastian Pinera of Chile, and former Prime Minister of Italy Giuseppe Conte.

With South Africa due to become Chair of the African Union for a one-year term in 2020, President Ramaphosa used the bilateral engagements to solicit support for the African Union’s realisation of its developmental Agenda 2063.

President Ramaphosa also expressed South Africa’s commitment to mitigation of climate change, as well as to a just transition from fossil fuels to renewable forms of energy that will protect jobs and livelihoods and give communities equitable, affordable access to emerging alternatives in energy.

The President highlighted the potential opportunities arising for the continent of Africa and global partners from the inception of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area that will create the world’s largest single free trade area with a market of 1,2 billion people.

I would like to commend the leaders of the G7 for seeking to reorient its relationship with Africa to tackle these challenges.

We are therefore looking forward to developing concrete initiatives through the G7 Africa partnership that will support Agenda 2063 and the digital transformation of Africa.

The President urged his African counterparts and G7 leaders to support interventions to silence the guns of conflict in Africa. Peace and stability was a key theme of the G7 Africa Partnership dialogue.

President Ramaphosa commended G7 leaders for seeking to reorient the relationship with Africa to tackle developmental challenges and said the advent of 4th Industrial Revolution technologies and the increasing automation of services through artificial intelligence and robotics was an important development in human progress. It presented unprecedented opportunities while at the same time posing a serious threat to the conventional way of living and working.

If deliberate efforts were not taken, the digital divide could widen and worsen economic disparities.

The President urged the G7 to remain engaged with Africa to ensure digitisation reduces inequality and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and inclusive economic growth.

In keeping with the Summit’s focus on inequality, President Ramaphosa said the empowerment of women was central in poverty eradication and promoting inclusive economic growth in Africa.

“In this regard, eliminating financing barriers that discriminate against women can increase women entrepreneurship while expanding economic opportunities and enabling them to participate meaningfully in the economy,” the President said.

“The empowerment of women, particularly through the vehicle of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) will positively contribute to inclusive growth, and in turn address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.”

Later today, Monday 26 August 2019, President Ramaphosa will travel from France to Yokohama, Japan, where he will participate in the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).

The Tokyo International Conference on African Development will be convened under the theme of “Advancing Africa’s Development through Technology, Innovation and People”.

TICAD is a multilateral leaders’ forum on African development that was first convened in 1993 in Japan.

TICAD VII has identified three overarching priorities, namely accelerating economic transformation and improving business environment through innovation and private sector engagement; deepening sustainable and resilient society, and strengthening peace and stability.

The Summit will focus on science, technology and innovation; human resource development and education; the oceans economy; climate change and disaster risk reduction, and agriculture.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, 28 August 2019, participate in a Japan-South Africa Business Forum at the Nissan Global Headquarters in Yokohama in Japan.

This engagement by the President forms part of his Working Visit to the State of Japan where he arrived today, Tuesday 27 August 2019, to participate in the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development. 

President Ramaphosa will utilize the business engagement to invite global partners to experience South Africa as an investment destination and trade  partner, and to participate in the country’s efforts to secure faster, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment. 

More than 140 Japanese companies have an investment footprint in South Africa totalling more than R90 billion. 

The government of Japan as well as the country’s corporate sector view South Africa as a strategic partner on the African continent and within the context of the 
programmes and activities of TICAD

Media are invited to the South Africa-Japan Business Engagement as follows:

Time: 10:00 
Date: 28 August 2019
Venue: Nissan Hall, Nissan Global Headquarters, Yokohama 

Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has arrived in the State of Japan today, Tuesday 27 August 2019, to participate in the seventh Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VII) Summit that is expected to expand partnership between Japan and African states.

TICAD VII takes place in Yokohama from 28 to 30 August under the theme of “Advancing Africa’s Development through Technology, Innovation and People”.

TICAD is a multilateral leaders’ forum on African development that was first convened in 1993 in Japan.

TICAD VII has identified three overarching priorities, namely accelerating economic transformation and improving business environment through  innovation and private sector engagement; deepening sustainable and resilient society, and strengthening peace and stability.

The working visit will also provide a platform for President Ramaphosa and members of Cabinet to invite global partners to experience South Africa as an investment destination and trade partner, and to participate in the country’s efforts to secure faster, sustainable and inclusive economic growth and reduce unemployment.

On Wednesday 28 August, the President will participate in a South Africa-Japan business roundtable to be hosted at the headquarters of the Nissan Corporation and in which a South African business delegation will engage with their counterparts in Japanese commerce and industry.

More than 140 Japanese companies have an investment footprint in South Africa totalling more than R90 billion. The government of Japan as well as the country’s corporate sector view South Africa as a strategic partner on the African continent and within the context of the programmes and activities of TICAD.

The Summit will focus on science, technology and innovation; human resource development and education; the oceans economy; climate change and disaster risk reduction, and agriculture.

Also on 28 August the President will address a Summit forum on Science and Technology in Society and will co-chair a plenary session on economic transformation.

South Africa views the partnership between Japan and the African continent as an enabler for infrastructure development and industrialisation throughout the continent.

President Ramaphosa is expected to have a number of bilateral engagements with counterparts attending the Summit.

On 29 August the President will participate in a public-private business dialogue coordinated by Trade and Investment South Africa, an agency of the Department of Trade and Industry.

The President will also have an engagement with the Japan External Trade Organisation, a government-related organisation that promotes mutually beneficial trade and investment relations between Japan and other nations. President Ramaphosa is accompanied by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Dr Naledi Pandor; Minister of Trade and Industry Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Dr Blade Nzimande.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has today, 29 August 2019, successfully concluded a working visit to Japan where he participated in the 7th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD VII) in Yokohama.  

TICAD VII was hosted by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe from 28 to 30 August 2019 and was convened under the theme “Advancing Africa’s  development through Technology, Innovation and People”. 

The Summit sought to further deepen trade and investment, capacity and skills development, networking and people’s exchange between African  nations  and Japan. 

The President, as part of the activities ahead of the opening of the TICAD VII, visited the Nissan Motor Corporation headquarters in Yokohama where he also engaged with business leaders at a South Africa-Japan Business Forum and encouraged potential investors to collaborate with South Africa and the African continent to establish their businesses in the next frontier market in the world. 

President Ramaphosa invited investors to attend the South Africa Investment Conference which is scheduled to take place in November 2019. “South Africa has been a good partner to Japanese businesses over the years, and we have been able to address the challenges and constraints that were raised, we seek to be an entrepreneurial nation and our objective is for business to succeed,” President Ramaphosa said. 

With South Africa hosting Japanese investments of more than R90 billion, President Ramaphosa called for expanded interaction between South African companies and Japanese counterparts in both markets. 

In a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Abe, the two leaders agreed to cooperate in the maritime sector and in the protection of the marine environment; to investigate a possible expansion of access to the Japanese market for South African citrus producers, and the expansion of training programmes for South Africans in both countries. 

President Ramaphosa also addressed the TICAD Science and Technology in Society Forum which plays a role in forging international partnerships to enhance the role of technology in the development of society. The President, on behalf of South Africa endorsed the focus of science, technology and innovation as a priority theme for TICAD 7, given its great potential to accelerate African development through mutually beneficial partnerships with Japan. 

“Such investment and expansion is critical if we are to achieve the priorities set out in our continent’s platform for action Agenda 2063. After all, it is science and innovation that produced vaccines that save the lives of millions of children on the continent.” 

The President said partnerships between governments and business enabled innovation to thrive and innovation should give rise to solutions across sectors such as health and agriculture and should encourage the location of research infrastructure in Africa. 

The President co-chaired Summit plenary sessions on accelerated economic transformation and improving business environment through innovation and private sector engagement with the Deputy Prime Minister of Japan, Mr Taro Aso. The President implored that for Africa’s economy to grow and attract foreign direct investment to increase the potential for job creation and poverty alleviation, all nation states had to review their existing laws to lessen risks, tackle corruption, and strengthen public accountability institutions. 

President Ramaphosa also addressed the Japan-South Africa Business Expo, which was hosted by Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO)  and was attended by 150 Japanese exhibitor companies and business people from Africa. Japan shared a recognition of opportunities on offer in Africa. JETRO announced that 57 percent of Japanese firms currently based in Africa are planning to expand their businesses in the forthcoming future.  

At the thematic session on Climate Change, chaired by United Nations Secretary-General Mr António Guterres, President Ramaphosa said that South Africa was working towards implementing the Sendai Framework while ensuring its appropriate integration with the broader climate change and sustainable development agenda. 

The African continent contributes less than 6 percent of global greenhouses gas emissions and has often been disproportionately affected by more frequent extreme weather and climate events. The President acknowledged that climate change has a serious potential threat to Africa’s development and prosperity and this is calls on all nation States to develop future-proof economic growth models. 

President Ramaphosa had bilateral meetings with President Mummadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Paul Kagame of the Republic of Rwanda, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Vice President James Wani Igga of the Republic of South Sudan. 

President Ramaphosa was accompanied at the TICAD VII by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Higher Education and Training, Science and Technology Dr Bonginkosi Nzimande. 


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President – 072 854 5707

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

1. Implementation of Government Programmes

1.1. Cabinet welcomes President Jacob Zuma’s 2017 State of the Nation Address (SoNA) under the theme "Radical Transformation of the Economy”. This was at the halfway mark of this Fifth Administration’s term of office which saw 2017 being declared the Year of Oliver Reginald Tambo and the year of deepening unity.

President Jacob Zuma outlined progress we are making in realising our vision of a National Democratic Society and the key actions required to move us closer and faster to a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous society.

The President reflected on the implementation of Government’s programme and announced concrete actionable plans for effective implementation of the National Development Plan, which underpins the Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) 2014-2019. SoNA 2017 clearly demonstrated that consolidated efforts by government, business and labour in implementing the Nine Point Plan are beginning to have an impact. Cabinet reiterates the President’s call to intensify efforts aimed at driving radical economic transformation and efforts to fast-track implementation.

Cluster Ministers are in the process of post-SoNA media briefings to elaborate on Government’s 2017/18 Programme of Action. The 2017/18 Budget Speech will further map out the allocation of resources to the various government programmes as highlighted by the President.

1.2. The outcomes of the Investing in African Mining Conference that was held in Cape Town demonstrates the country’s competitive advantage in the areas of mining and related fields.

The mining sector remains the cornerstone of the South African economy contributing 8 per cent to the country’s GDP, employing around 460 000 people and earning foreign exchange. South Africa continues to be a productive and rewarding destination for investors in mining with an estimated $2.5 to 3 trillion in non-energy mineral reserves still in-situ.

The amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act by June 2017 and gazetting of the revised Mining Charter by March 2017 contribute to the creation of an enabling regulatory environment which encourages investment, trade and enterprise development in an equitable and socially responsible manner.

1.3. The Indaba was bolstered by Invest Africa which is a platform for business leaders, investors and entrepreneurs to gain insight and exposure to information and opportunities from Africa.

1.4. Cabinet welcomes the Settlement Agreement reached between the construction industry and Government, also known as the Voluntary Rebuilding Programme (VRP).

This Agreement sets company-level targets for transformation, either through the sale of a minimum of 40% of shares to black South Africans or through partnerships with smaller black-owned construction companies, to help increase their turnover to 25% of the listed company turnover, over a seven-year period.

This is the most far-reaching sector agreement on transformation reached with government to date and can help to give effect to Government's vision of radical economic transformation. It is also a model that can be drawn on for transformation in other sectors.

Cabinet congratulates the signatories to the agreement and urges all other construction companies in the sector who are not currently parties to the agreement, to follow this lead and join in the partnership that is being built, through making similar commitments in order to further boost the transformation of the sector.

1.5. Cabinet applauds all social partners at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (Nedlac) on the historic agreement on the introduction of a National Minimum Wage of R20 an hour with effect from no later than May 2018.

The agreement on a National Minimum Wage and other measures to strengthen labour stability and collective bargaining is an important step in creating a more equal, just and prosperous society as envisaged in the National Development Plan (NDP).

The national minimum wage, which is a floor below which no worker may be paid, will significantly improve the lives of millions of low paid workers and begin to address the challenge of wage inequality.

The wage has been set at an initial level that will make a real difference in the lives of ordinary South Africans while minimising any adverse effects on employment. Businesses that are unable to afford the national minimum wage may apply for a temporary exemption, while measures are being considered to assist fragile sectors of the economy.

1.6. The unemployment challenge remains a top government priority and all programmes and interventions are geared towards turning the situation around, especially in this tough economic environment. Cabinet welcomes the increase in jobs in the economy over the fourth quarter of 2016 when 235 000 jobs were created, according to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey. The increase was largely driven by employment in the country’s services sector, followed by transport and manufacturing.

The growth in jobs over the quarter resulted in a slight decrease in the unemployment rate to 26.5%.

1.7. Cabinet thanks all parents, teachers, lecturers and administrators on the successful start of the 2017 academic year. Education is one of our key priorities and central to achieving Vision 2030 of the National Development Plan (NDP).

1.8. Cabinet commends the dedication of the Class of 2016 as we celebrate the achievement rate increase from 70.7 per cent in 2015 to 72.5 per cent in 2016. Cabinet wishes all learners well and looks forward to further improvement in the achievement rate from the Class of 2017.

Cabinet also commends the learners who will be sitting for the supplementary matric examination between 11 February 2017 and 18 March 2017 for their perseverance.

1.9. As part of government efforts to galvanise society to protect the right to education, the Department of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation will convene the National Development Plan Back to School Izimbizo on 25 February 2017 in all provinces. Education is the foundation for all government programmes and all Members of the Executive will be participating.

Community members are invited to join members of Cabinet, Members of Parliament, Premiers and leaders in local government as they visit schools, tertiary institutions and other educational centres.

1.10. In line with the prescripts of the Freedom Charter that “higher education and technical training shall be opened to all by means of state allowances and scholarships awarded on the basis of merit”, Government through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme is funding more than 20 000 new students at 23 universities.

This is in addition to the 107 000 returning students from 25 universities and 737 747 returning students from 35 Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.

1.11. Our government continues to explore various models in finding sustainable solutions to funding and opening up opportunities for the poor and the middle-class to pursue post school education and training. The Ikusasa Student Financial Aid Programme (ISFAP) is an innovative public private partnership led by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) that assists the “missing middle”.

The project is being piloted with six universities and one technical and vocational education training (TVET) college and will be funding the studies of approximately 1 500 students studying in a number of general formative degrees, as well as seven professional qualifications and one artisan qualification for the duration of their studies.

They will also receive academic support, social support, life skills training, mentoring and medical support where required. More than R200 million will be needed to enable the pilot to succeed and will mainly be sourced from the private sector.

1.12. The second World Skills South Africa Competition which is being hosted by the Department of Higher Education and Training at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in Durban from 13 to 17 February 2017, celebrates the talent of young artisans and technicians in the country.

It also serves as an advocacy programme to highlight the importance of the artisanal sector in the country’s economy. Winners go on to represent South Africa at the World Skills International Competition in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in October 2017.

1.13. President Jacob Zuma’s unannounced visit to Nyanga Police station in Cape Town coincided with the release of the 2015/16 Victims of Crime Survey by Statistics South Africa. The successful visit, as part of the Presidential Siyahlola Monitoring programme, gained first-hand account of work that is being done to fight crime in the area. Departments from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster are in the process of attending to challenges faced by the Police Station.

1.14. The Victims of Crime Survey is important as it guides government in formulating its policies in the fight against crime. This is in line with the government priority that All People in South Africa Are and Feel Safe. The results assist in guiding further work that needs to be done, to match the good news on achievements over the last five years, with perceptions and experiences of citizens.

2. Cabinet decisions

2.1. The Implementation Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Environmental Governance in the Mining Sector, included the management response and improvement plan by the Department of Environmental Affairs

The National Environmental Management Act, 1998 defines the environmental management approach that should be integrated across all sectors, including the mining sector. The objective is to ensure that the environmental impacts of mining activities are effectively mitigated or managed. The evaluation assessed the relevance and effectiveness of the legislation and its implementation to achieve this objective.

Cabinet supports the ‘One Environment System’ as proposed in the Improvement Plan with a mandate to consider additional streamlining measures such as further alignment of Specific Environmental Management Acts. Cabinet also supports a discussion on mine closures to ensure environmental protection and to reduce socio-economic risk to surrounding communities.

2.2. The 2015/16 Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentive Annual Report which is being submitted to Parliament, shows how the R&D Tax Incentive programme is promoting increased private sector R&D investment. This is required to increase the economy’s capacity to boost employment creation, as well as to increase positive spillovers through knowledge transfer and skills development.
From March 2015 to February 2016, the Department of Science and Technology received 189 R&D tax incentive applications from 147 companies.

This increased the total number of companies participating in the incentive programme since its inception in November 2006, to 962. In this period the National Treasury estimates that just over R6 billion in tax revenue was foregone as a result of the R&D tax incentive. Over the same period the incentive supported about R36.1 billion in R&D expenditure.

Of the 962 companies, 47% are Small and Medium Enterprises, 12% are large enterprises (turnover R41 million to R100 million); 32% are very large enterprises (R100 million and above); and 8% did not disclose their turnover size.

2.3. Cabinet approved the introduction of a process for the coordination of the government’s budget for Research & Development (R&D) activities.
The National Development Plan notes that R&D and innovation have a key role to play in improving the competitiveness of the South African economy and in supporting socio-economic development and employment.

South Africa’s critical national scientific infrastructure is obsolete and in urgent need of technological upgrading and modernising to sustain effective service delivery. Such infrastructure is large and expensive, and would require coordinated investment across departments.

The proposed budget coordination will be phased in over the medium term 2016/17 and 2019/20.

2.4. Cabinet was briefed on the progress made in the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) and MeerKAT projects, the planned establishment of the merged South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, and the hosting of the Hydrogen Epoch of Re-ionisation Array (HERA) telescope on the SKA site.

The SKA and MeerKAT constitute one of eighteen Strategic Infrastructure Projects of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission. These mega infrastructure projects contribute to the National Development Plan through their potential to promote economic development, unlock economic opportunities and promote job creation.

Good progress is being made on the preparations for SKA-1 in South Africa including the acquisition of land and negotiations on the international treaty and the procurement process. In its ten years the SKA SA Human Capital Development Programme awarded over 800 bursaries, with extensive support to schools in Carnarvon.

The MeerKAT “first light” image of the radio sky produced with only 16 antennae shows more than 13003 radio galaxies in the distant universe, demonstrating that it is the best radio telescope in the Southern Hemisphere and should be the world’s best telescope of its kind, once completed. The full complement of 64 antennae will be installed and operational by March 2018, and is being built with 75% local content so as to prepare the local industry for deeper participation.

HERA is a complementary scientific experiment to advance understanding of early galaxy formation and if funded mainly by the National Science Foundation of the United States in partnership with Cambridge University.

The concept of a single radio astronomy observatory, to be known as the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory will consolidate the different projects and activities of the South African radio astronomy landscape. There are efficiency gains to be made with a single new National Facility under the National Research Foundation.

2.5. The White Paper on National Civil Aviation Policy, which promotes and enhances civil aviation safety, security and environmental compliance, was approved. It also promotes the national interest of South Africa and facilitates the expansion of trade and tourism. Further it promotes the development of an efficient and productive aviation industry, which is capable of competing both locally and internationally.

2.6. Cabinet also approved the National Airports Development Plan which was initiated by the White Paper on National Civil Aviation Policy to address the gaps between the current airport network and the future desired state.

It will guide and support both overall network planning and the development of individual airports integrated within their broader spatial and transport contexts, in consultation with key airport stakeholders.

Airport infrastructure is an integral part of the South African transport system and contributes to the socio-economic development of the country by facilitating domestic and international tourism and trade.

2.7. The draft Comprehensive Maritime Transport Policy 2016, was approved, for public comments.

This provides a national framework to guide the integrated governance, growth, development and transformation of the maritime sector, with a view to unlock the maritime sectors’ full potential and enhance its contribution to the socio-economic development objectives of the country, while contributing to international trade.

This is in line with Government priorities relating to Operation Phakisa on growing the Oceans Economy and broader goals from the National Development Plan 2030 and the National Infrastructure Plan to promote economic growth and to boost job creation.

3. Bills

3.1. Submission of the Draft Marine Spatial Planning Bill, 2016 to Parliament. The Bill provides a legal framework for the development of a marine spatial planning system that promotes economic growth; and is facilitated by coordinating planning across multiple sectors.

It will promote good ocean governance by ensuring involvement of all sectors in joint management and planning in the ocean space. It will also facilitate: conflict resolution (amongst the users of space and regulatory authorities); enhancement of information; knowledge and management in South African ocean space.

The Bill will work towards sustainable development, rather than only conservation or environmental protection, with a view to contribute to more general social and economic objectives. It is also a key initiative of the first Operation Phakisa (Ocean Economy) to unlock our economic potential.

3.2. Submission of the Agricultural Products Standards Amendment Bill to Parliament. The Bill amends the Agricultural Products Standards Act, 1990 (Act No. 119 of 1990)

The Bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for agricultural production, health and food safety of certain agricultural products. Such a regulatory framework promotes food safety and creates an enabling environment for increased and sustainable production. This will increase fair trade practices and consumer protection.

3.3. Publication of the Draft Electronic Deeds Registration Systems Bill, 2016, for public comment.

The Bill facilitates the development, establishment and maintenance of an electronic deeds registration system that will provide, amongst other things, for the effective registration of large volumes of deeds as a result of our Government’s land reform measures, improved turn-around times for providing registered deeds and documents to clients; provide country-wide access to deeds registration services; enhanced accuracy of examination and registration; availability of information to the public; and security features including confidentiality.

This also supports the National Development Plan call for measures to be implemented in all government departments and sectors that effectively manage information and technology to ensure that South Africa does not fall victim to a ‘digital divide’.

4. Issues in the Environment

4.1. Cabinet joins President Jacob Zuma in extending condolences to the families and friends of mentally ill patients who died in Gauteng. Government, and society at large, has a responsibility to protect and care for the vulnerable. Cabinet commends the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi for appointing the Health Ombudsman to investigate all wrong doings committed by health institutions and health practitioners.

Further, the action being taken by the Premier of Gauteng, David Makhura, based on the report of the Health Ombudsman, is welcomed. Cabinet further calls on Premier Makhura to ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken against all who may have conducted themselves improperly or negligently.

4.2. Cabinet was concerned about the disorderly behaviour displayed at the Opening of Parliament which not only infringe on the rights of others in Parliament, but on the rights of all South Africans. Parliament is one of South Africa’s founding democratic institutions, established by the Constitution, to uphold the Bill of Rights and account to the people of South Africa – all of whom have entrusted us with the responsibility of leading them towards a better life. Members of Parliament, as representatives of the people must put the interests of all South Africans first and reassert the role of this important institution.

4.3. Cabinet was apprised on Tropical Cyclone Dineo, with South Africa set to experience severe storms and heavy rains starting from today, Thursday, 16 February 2017 until the weekend - Sunday 19 February 2017. The Cyclone will affect Mpumalanga, the extreme northern parts of Kwa Zulu Natal and Limpopo. This will mostly affect – Kruger National Park, Enhlanzeni, Vhembe, Mopani and Waterberg district Municipalities. The eastern parts of Limpopo may also experience high levels of rainfall on Friday, estimated at 200 mm over a 24-hour period.

The National Disaster Management Centre (NDMC) and the National Joint Operations Centre (NATJOC) comprising of various government departments and institutions have assessed the situation and activated three Provincial Joint Operations Centres (PROVJOC) in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. This multi-sectoral approach will assist where the need arises to ensure safety of communities and to minimise the impact.

Government is appealing to all affected communities to take extra care ahead of this coming cyclone. Communities are discouraged from crossing flooded roads, bridges and rivers. We also urge parents, care givers and guardians to ensure the safety of their children during the storms. Communities must work together to ensure the safety of people. Please listen for warnings and information on Tropical Cyclone Dineo which is being broadcast across all local radio stations.

4.4. Cabinet fully supports the intervention and community engagement by the government delegation, being led by Minister of Home Affairs, Malusi Gigaba, and the Gauteng Community Safety MEC Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane to engage on issues affecting communities in the area, in particular matters around policing and the alleged illegal activities of migrants.

Cabinet supports the Minister’s call for “a whole of state approach” to these legitimate issues raised by communities, which will be addressed through: the establishment of a Border Management Authority that will help in better managing our borders, documentation of all people living in South Africa, effective policing and ensuring compliance to the laws and the Constitution of the Republic by citizens and foreign nationals.

Cabinet gives full support to the security cluster, to ensure that these matters are resolved to the satisfaction of the South African public. This will require better dialogue around policing between communities and the authorities. Cabinet further wishes to call for responsible public comments by all leaders and representatives, issues must be handled in a responsible manner.

4.5. In a separate incident, Cabinet condemns the attacks on fans, players and officials during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Loftus Versfeld which left 13 people injured.

Such behaviour and acts of hooliganism brings the sport into disrepute, reflects negatively on the country and requires stringent action from soccer authorities that must act swiftly to ensure such acts are not repeated.

5. Sympathy and congratulatory messages

5.1. Cabinet expresses its condolences to family, friends and the rugby fraternity on the passing of former Springbok captain Joost van der Westhuizen. President Jacob Zuma had also declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral to commemorate the South African rugby legend.

5.2. Cabinet welcomes the election of Chad's Foreign Minister, Moussa Faki Mahamat, as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission, replacing South Africa's Dr Nkosazana-Dlamini Zuma.

5.3. Cabinet welcomes the appointment of Minister Jeff Radebe, as a South African ambassador for Global Citizens, and will form part of a movement of eight million Global Citizens across the world. This is a network of top celebrities, policymakers, business leaders, activists and stakeholders committed to tackling the world's biggest challenges and ending extreme poverty. It’s work is aligned to the National Development Plan goals of ending poverty and reducing inequality, and benefits the development framework for the continent - Agenda 2063.

5.4. The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor, is also being honoured by the American Association for the Advancement of Science for her role in science diplomacy in Boston, United States, today.

5.5. Cabinet congratulates the winners of the annual Ubuntu Awards, hosted by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to celebrate South African citizens who play an active role in projecting a positive image of South Africa internationally. These included: Winnie Madikizela-Mandela; Siyabulela Xuza; Pretty Yende; Esther Mahlangu; Gertrude Shope; and Chinese Ambassador Tian Xuejun. Sasol, Babies Behind Bars and the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation were also recognised.

5.6. Cabinet also congratulates the South African Sevens team also known as the Blitzboks for winning the Sydney Rugby Sevens World Series tournament. This is their second win since the beginning of the year after the Blitzboks won the HSBC Wellington Sevens in January.

6. Appointments

All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the relevant clearance.
6.1. Ms. Claire Busetti to the National Research Foundation Board.
6.2. Mr. KW Vukela as the Deputy Director-General: Service Delivery at the Department of Public Service and Administration.
6.3. Ms. JL Meyer as the Chief Financial Officer at Government Printing Works.

Enquiries: 
Donald Liphoko
Cell: 082 901 0766

1. Implementation of Government Programmes

1.1. Cabinet supports the commitments made in the 2017 National Budget to advance radical economic transformation and draw more South Africans into the economy towards inclusive growth. In the main the budget acknowledges that growth without transformation would only reinforce the inequitable patterns from the past.

Redistribution in support of education, health services and municipal functions in rural areas remains the central thrust of our spending programmes. Procurement reforms continue to improve the effectiveness of public spending and opening opportunities for small business participation.

Budget allocations support economic growth and development: R3.9 billion for small, medium and micro enterprises and cooperatives; R4.2 billion for industrial infrastructure in special economic zones and industrial parks; R1.9 billion for broadband implementation, R3.9 billion for the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, an additional R494 million for tourism promotion, an additional R266m to support the aquaculture sector and realise the goals of the Oceans Economy Phakisa Operation, and spending on agriculture, rural development and land reform amounting to nearly R30 billion by 2019/20.

The budget plays a central role in transformation by promoting redistribution and directing scarce resources towards catalytic investments in human and physical capital.

1.2. In recognition of our need to invest in the future of youth, the budget ensures that financially needy students can access tertiary education. The National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) has provided funding to over 300 000 new and returning students to study at universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges across the country in 2017. The fund expects to add a further 100 000 students this year. The R15 billion allocated to NSFAS by government will assist in alleviating the financial burden faced by financially needy and missing middle students.

1.3. Following the successful launch of Operation Phakisa in sectors such as the Oceans Economy, Health and Basic Education, President Jacob Zuma launched the Operation Phakisa for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development on 24 February 2017. Operation Phakisa is derived from Malaysia’s Big Fast Results methodology which Malaysia used successfully to achieve rapid economic transformation; and having been successfully adapted to South African conditions, it now forms part of our Nine Point Plan Implementation toolkit.

Operation Phakisa for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development seeks to achieve inclusive growth, as prescribed by the vision of the NDP and aims at contributing to stimulating economic growth, fostering job creation, and transforming the agricultural value chain. It further seeks to ensure equitable access to land, both towards economic development and agrarian transformation.

The programme will review existing producer support models and develop finance models aimed at fast tracking land reform, given the urgent need for government to make progress in food security. Furthermore, the programme seeks to address constraints in ensuring equitable access to land, both towards economic development and agrarian transformation. These include land reform, rural development, labour, grains, livestock, horticulture and producer support.

1.4. In 2016, over 10 million tourist arrivals were recorded in South Africa, a 13 per cent increase from 2015. Our thriving tourism industry is testament to the close collaboration between government, organised labour and business led by the Department of Tourism together with South African Tourism to unlock the full economic benefits of our tourism assets. We call on all industry partners to continue developing and promoting tourism so that it may benefit local communities through jobs and infrastructure development.

1.5. As part of Government focus to unlock the potential of SMME’s and township enterprises, South Africa will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress between the 13 and16 March 2017 in Johannesburg. The congress is an inter-disciplinary gathering of start-up champions that attracts 4 000 delegates from more than 150 countries.  Thought-leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers and policymakers who have become part of a global movement that advances entrepreneurship as a means to build economies and improve human welfare, will attend.

This is the first time the congress will be hosted in Africa and provides an opportunity for South Africa and the rest of the continent to ignite its entrepreneurial spirit.  

1.6. South Africa commemorated the start of Human Rights Month on 1 March 2017 under the theme: “The Year of OR Tambo: Unity in Action in Advancing Human Rights” to raise awareness and promote respect for basic human rights.

Human Rights Month will be celebrated across the country leading to the national celebrations on Human Rights Day on 21 March 2017 in Ginsberg, King William’s Town in the Eastern Cape.

On the day, President Jacob Zuma will officially handover the memorial grave site of Steve Bantu Biko to the Biko-family. This is part of celebrating and promoting unity in line with the vision of OR Tambo.

1.7. Cabinet also noted the outcome of the Competition Commission investigation into alleged foreign exchange collusion and awaits the conclusion of the Competition Tribunal proceedings, including its findings and decision on the appropriate sanction.

1.8. As we commemorate National Water Month in March 2017 under the theme: “Human Rights for Water and Sanitation”, all South Africans are reminded to conserve water to ensure sustainability of future supply.

Cabinet was briefed on the proposal by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to host World Water Day in South Africa on 22 March 2017 under the theme: “Waste Water the untapped resource”.

President Jacob Zuma who is a member of the United Nations High Level Panel on Water Action Plan will open the event, by launching the World Water Development Report 2017 on wastewater and related activities.

1.9. Cabinet welcomes the progress made on the distribution of animal feeds to support farmers in the country’s drought affected areas. The initiative is part of the R212 million in support, which government has made available in 2016/17 to assist affected farmers across the country.

Provinces have also made R198 million available through equitable share funding, and funds from the Prevention and Mitigation of Disaster Risk programme were used to drill boreholes and construct fire breaks.

1.10. In order to assist with the difficulties with regard to water availability in the Western Cape, attempts need to be instituted to provide greater comfort in the form of additional alternate water supply sources that must be on standby should inadequate water be received for this season.

To further curb excessive water use, the Department of Water and Sanitation has informed the agricultural sector of 10% additional water restrictions.  The water restrictions will remain until the dams fill up to 85% of their capacity.

1.11. As the country welcomes the much needed rains which will go a long way in relieving the country from the effects of drought, dams and rivers are showing signs of increasing volumes. The possibility of flash flooding remains high. We call on communities to remain vigilant of flash flooding which could lead to the loss of life, destruction to property and infrastructure. Government and its agencies are actively monitoring the situation and are ready to act where necessary.

1.12. President Jacob Zuma will deliver his annual address to the National House of Traditional Leaders on 3 March 2017.

Emanating from the Address a Programme of Action will be developed and implemented by the House and the Department of Traditional Affairs. The official opening of the house will also celebrate 20 years since it was constituted.

1.13. President Jacob Zuma will lead a South African government delegation to the SADC Extraordinary Summit on 18 March 2017, in the Kingdom of Swaziland. SADC continues to serve as the primary vehicle for South Africa’s foreign policy to achieve regional development and integration within our region.

It is expected that the Summit will deliberate on, amongst other things, the state of peace and security in the region, with particular focus on the developments in the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Democratic Republic of Congo and the implementation of the Revised Regional Indicative Strategic Plan.

South Africa as the incoming Chair of SADC is scheduled to host the next SADC Ordinary Summit in August 2017.

1.14. On 8 March President Jacob Zuma will undertake an official State Visit to Indonesia. Both South Africa and Indonesia are one of the largest economies in their respective regions, and endowed with rich natural and maritime resources.

1.15. This will be preceded by the Leaders' Summit of the Indian Ocean RIM Association (IORA) from 6 to 7 March 2017, which will also commemorate IORA's 20th anniversary. At that Summit, President Widodo will hand over the chairship of IORA to South Africa.

South Africa and Indonesia are both founding members of IORA, which comprises 21 coastal states of the Indian Ocean. South Africa served as Vice Chair from 2015 to early 2017 and will serve as Chair from 2017 to 2019.

2. Cabinet decisions

2.1. Cabinet approved the gazetting of the draft Mine Water Management Policy for public comment. Mine Water Management, including Acid Mine Drainage, remains a major environmental challenge.

The Policy provides the basis for holding parties potentially liable for negative effects and damages of Acid Mine Drainage related pollution and/or any other negative impacts that can be related to it. The policy also seeks to propose mechanisms that mining houses should explore to better manage their water.

2.2. Cabinet was briefed on the progress report of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the Revitalisation of Distressed Mining Communities’ implementation of relevant findings from its Australian Mining Industry Benchmarking Study tour of 24 to 28 August 2015.

The study tour was premised on the Rapid Appraisal of the Policy and Regulatory Systems Governing the Mining Sector which compared the policy and legislative frameworks governing the mining sector as well as the practices of mining companies in Australia, Chile, South Africa and Zambia.

Highlights of progress include partnerships between government and mining companies in delivering decent housing and living conditions for mine workers and community members; A review of mining companies water treatment plants is being conducted to assess the possibility of infrastructure partnerships. The development of mining towns spatial transformation plans has been finalised for five municipalities. Catalytic economic development projects are being implemented in labour sending areas, with an emphasis on the advancement of the agriculture sector in mining communities; and fast tracking of increased access to medical assessments for ex-mineworkers, community members and current mineworkers.

Cabinet approved for the Departments of Labour and Mineral Resources to study the different Australian mine commuting models to assist long haul South African migrant mineworkers to commute home more frequently.

Cabinet also approved for the Department of Health work closely with the Department of Mineral Resources and other partners in the provision of supportive services to ex-mineworkers in dealing with occupational diseases, with a view to reducing and preventing mine related occupational health challenges.

A request was made for the Department of Human Settlements to fast track the implementation of integrated human settlements projects in collaboration with mining companies.

2.3. Cabinet approved the improvement plan based on the findings and recommendations of the synthesis evaluation of whether the provision of state subsidised housing has addressed asset poverty for households and local municipalities.

Over 3 million houses have been provided through the government housing programme. 2.8 million of the houses are delivered through the capital subsidy which confers individual ownership of a free standing house to households earning less than R3500 per month. Evidence affirms housing as an important component of the social wage package and households’ safety net.

2.4. Cabinet approved the report on the Implementation Evaluation of the Funza Lushaka Bursary Programme as well as the Management Response and Improvement from the Department of Basic Education. This was part of the 2014/15 National Evaluation Plan.

Cabinet approved that the Department of Basic Education retains the Programme which was established in 2007 to increase the supply of competent teachers specialising in priority areas. The Department will also consider the expansion and supplementation of the Programme.

Empirical evidence shows that the design of the Programme is relevant in terms of its political, economic and social context. It is also largely appropriate in terms of the complex environment in which it is implemented. The Programme has implemented continuous improvements in its strategy, including the introduction of a district-based recruitment system in 2012. It has made an important contribution to a substantial increase in enrolment in initial teacher education

2.5. Cabinet was briefed on the Disability Index Framework and approved the piloting of the Disability Inequality Index. Cabinet also supports the government-wide disaggregation of all data sets in terms of gender, disability and age.

The Disability Inequality Index is a key tool for tracking inequality between persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities, and provides a strategic high level quick scan on the measurement of the inequality gap. This assists in targeting government interventions more inclusively.

The process of disaggregation will enable timeous responses by government to the experiences of compounded vulnerabilities. The Policy alignments and improvements on their own, cannot reduce these inequalities, without a systematic and consistent measurement of the inequality gap.

2.6. Cabinet approved the Policy for Social Service Practitioners, 2016. The overarching outcome is delivery of responsive and quality developmental social services, through the regulation of social service practitioners. This creates an enabling framework that will broaden the human resource profile of the social development sector, so as to improve the care and protection services provided to vulnerable groups.

There is a need for a diverse cadres of social service practitioners including community development practitioner, care givers, and Early Childhood Development practitioners; to respond to legislative reforms, the changing needs of communities, and socio-economic conditions in the social welfare services sector.

2.7. Cabinet approved The Directive on the Determination of other Categories of Designated Employees Required to Disclose Their Financial Interests, which will be implemented with effect from 1 April 2017.

The risks to good governance arising from conflict of interest situations do not only face employees in senior management positions. The eDisclosure system is being reconfigured to enable other categories of employees to disclose their financial interests on-line and for the verification process to take place at the departmental level.

2.8. Cabinet approved South Africa’s Phase 3 Written Follow-up Country Report regarding the implementation of the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery and Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions (Anti-Bribery Convention).

The report outlines the concerted efforts of government to detect, investigate and prosecute foreign bribery cases. This Convention focuses on the use of domestic law to criminalise bribery of foreign officials. It applies to active and passive bribery, but excludes bribery that is purely domestic and bribery where the direct or indirect recipient of a benefit is not a public official.

Phase 1 focussed on identification of legal instruments and mechanisms that countries have adopted to combat foreign bribery. Phase 2 focussed on the application and effectiveness of such instruments and mechanisms. Phase 3 sought to determine the impact of the country’s adoption of the Convention. Phase 4, which commenced in 2016, is focussing on key group-wide cross-cutting issues related to enforcement efforts and changes in the domestic legislation or institutional framework of the Parties.

2.9. Cabinet approved the proposed measures set out in the Business Case to reposition the Department of Home Affairs. The Department must be positioned within the security system of the state so that it contributes to national security and is able to protect its people, systems and data.

This will better enable the department to deliver against its full mandate as a critical enabler of inclusive economic development, national security, effective service delivery and efficient administration.

2.10. Cabinet approved that the South African Police Service release the national crime statistics report for the trimester of 2016/17. As is the case of the annual crime report, this report will cover the provincial and national incidence of crime. The crime statistics are generated from crime data recorded at station level.

The quarterly releases will enable government to monitor key targets, in particular the reduction of reported serious crimes, as set out in the Medium Term Strategic Framework and could also be utilised as early warning to strengthen the crime prevention operations and strategies of Government.

2.11. Cabinet was briefed on the Minister of Police’s intention to declare an amnesty in terms of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000), for a period of six months to maximise the participation of the community, and will commence on 1 April 2017 and end on 30 September 2017.

The amnesty will reduce the circulation of illegally possessed firearms which will in turn result in the reduction of contact crimes.

The amnesty will focus on the following holders of firearms and/or ammunition in South Africa:
a) Persons in possession of illegal firearms and/or ammunition in circulation, including those involved in one or more criminal activities; and
b) Persons who inherited firearms and/ or ammunition and failed to comply with the provisions of the Firearms Controls Act.

2.12. Cabinet approved the National Anti-gangsterism Strategy to address gangsterism in all its manifestations by way of an all-government approach. This is aligned to the National Development Plan to ensure that people living in South Africa feel safe at home, schools and work, and enjoy community life free of fear. This also recognises that crime and violence are not just a security issue, but have deep social and economic roots and consequences.

2.13. Cabinet approved South Africa’s 3rd cycle Universal Periodic Review country report, to be presented for review by the Universal Periodic Review Working Group, at the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council in May 2017.

The report reflects on the progress made by South Africa in realising the human rights and fundamental freedoms contained in the Constitution.

The Universal Periodic Review is a unique process which involves a review of human rights records of all 193 UN Member States once every four years. It provides an opportunity for all States to declare what actions they have taken to improve the human rights situations in their countries and to overcome challenges to the enjoyment of human rights. It also includes a sharing of best human rights practices around the globe.

2.14.      Cabinet approved submission of the 1st Quadrennial Country Report on the 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, to UNESCO.

The Convention recognises that cultural goods and services convey identity, values and meaning. Culture has the potential to become one of the strongest contributors to the economy, to social cohesion and to poverty alleviation.

Success indicators are the adoption of four complementary strategies: The Mzansi Golden Economy Strategy; the Social Cohesion Strategy; the National Development Plan and the New Growth Path Strategy; and fully established Department of Arts and Culture agencies with Boards. South Africa has also made substantive progress in recognising the importance of indigenous languages in policy and legislation.

3. Bills

3.1. Cabinet approved the National Public Health Institutes of South Africa Bill for tabling in Parliament. It provides for the establishment of the National Public Health Institutes of South Africa (NAPHISA), its functions, powers and duties.

NAPHISA aims to provide integrated and coordinated disease and injury surveillance, research, monitoring and evaluation of services and intervention directed towards the major public health problems affecting persons in South Africa. This will increase the capacity to monitor communicable, non-communicable diseases and injuries, which will aid in the early detection, prevention, and response to these conditions. This will ultimately contribute to the control of diseases and reduction of morbidity and mortality.

NAPHISA will be a national resource that serves public health interest and is intended to provide for a system of health protection that focuses on access, equity, efficiency and quality.

3.2. Cabinet approved for the National Health Laboratory Service Amendment Bill to be tabled in Parliament. This amends the National Health Laboratory Service Act, 2000 (Act No 37 of 2000).

The proposed amendments seek to improve the governance, accountability, and financial sustainability of the National Health Laboratory Service. This will enable the national service to provide diagnostic health laboratory services more cost effectively and with greater efficiency, so as to increase the quality of clinical care provided to patients through timely and judicious clinical management.

3.3. Cabinet approved that the Older Persons Amendment Bill, 2016 be published for public comment. The Bill amends the Older Persons Act 13 of 2006. The amendments make specific reference to protection and compliance measures which will contribute in provide a safe and protective environment for older persons.

The Bills aims to strengthen the monitoring and evaluation measures on services to older persons by putting in place effective enforcement measures for non-compliance which includes the imposition of penalties. This will ensure that older persons have access to quality services such as social, health, community based, and residential care.

3.4. Cabinet approved the publication of the Fund Raising Amendment Bill, 2016 for public comment. Further, Cabinet approved for the repeal of the existing funds and the consolidation of their assets and liabilities to one Fund. The Bill amends the Fund Raising Act, 1978 which is outdated.

The Bill streamlines responses to disasters and allows for the deployment of risk mitigation and developmental strategies through the consolidation of the existing funds including their respective assets and liabilities into one National Social Development and Relief Fund. The fund raising capabilities of the Act will be restored and the fund will not only be able to react when social relief is needed, but will act to mitigate risks and develop communities.

3.5. Cabinet approved the submission of the National Environmental Management Laws Amendment Bill, 2016 to Parliament. This amends the National Environmental Act, 1998 (Act No. 107 of 1998) as well as a number of Specific Environmental Management Acts.

This will strengthen: integrated environmental management; one environmental management system; compliance and enforcement measures; biodiversity and conservation; air quality management; waste management; and integrated coastal management.

3.6. Cabinet approved for the Draft Regulation of Agricultural Land Holdings Bill, 2017 to be published for public comment. Land Reform is necessary to unlock the potential for a dynamic, growing and employment-creating agricultural sector.

Amongst others, the Bill gives effect to the establishment of the Land Commission which will ensure a transparent and more conducive regulatory environment for the generation and utilisation of policy-relevant information on ownership and usage of agricultural land.

This will improve the state’s ability to monitor and evaluate its compliance with the constitutional directive to ensure land tenure and related reforms, with the intent of taking measures to redress the results of past racial discrimination.

This contributes to the National Development Plan’s vision for rural revitalisation, inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction which also rests on creating more equitable access to land and tenure security for all South Africans.

3.7. Cabinet approved for the publication of the Property Practitioners Bill, 2016 in the Government Gazette for public comment. The Bill repeals the current Estate Agency Affairs Act, 1976 (Act No. 112 of 1976).

The Bill responds to the changing market conditions and dynamics, and strives to create an enabling environment to enhance economic activity within the real estate market.

It also addresses the need to enhance compliance and enforcement, as well as to ensure transformation in the sector and to regulate the conduct and behaviour of property practitioners.

This is aligned to the National Development Plan which calls for the transformation of human settlements and the national space economy through, amongst others, a review of housing policies and legislative frameworks to better realise constitutional rights. This will ensure that the delivery of housing is used to restructure towns and cities and strengthen the livelihood prospects of households.

3.8. Cabinet approved the Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Amendment Bill, 2016 to be published for public comment. The Bill amends the Home Loan and Mortgage Disclosure Act, 2000 (Act No. 63 of 2000).

The Bill addresses human settlements challenges identified in the National Development Plan. This includes: dysfunctional settlement patterns across the country; challenges facing towns and cities; weak spatial planning and governance capabilities.

The Bill seeks to provide for housing finance which is in line with section 26 of the Constitution, which stipulates that “everyone has a right to adequate housing”. It further empowers the Office of Disclosure to receive and investigate complaints regarding home loans. This will encourage compliance by financial institutions and will contribute to improved lending patterns and trends of financial institutions regarding home loans.

3.9. Cabinet approved for the publication of the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Amendment Bill, 2016, in the Government Gazette for public comment. This amends the Traditional Leadership and Governance Framework Act, 2003 (Act No. 41 of 2003).

The amendments deal with the challenges being experienced with the constitution and reconstitution of traditional leadership structures and, where applicable, the disestablishment of certain structures.

The aim is to ensure proper reconstitution of tribal authorities as traditional councils; establishment of kingship and queenship councils; and disestablishment of community authorities.

3.10. Cabinet approved for the International Arbitration Bill to be introduced into Parliament. The aim of the Bill is to improve access to justice services and to ensure the realisation of the National Development Plan target of expanding trade and investment and positioning South Africa in the world.

The Bill incorporates the Model Law on International Commercial Arbitration, as adopted by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law.  This can be used by business to resolve their international commercial disputes and in terms of which parties can obtain arbitral awards that are legally enforceable. Such a move could contribute to increased economic growth and investment as well as ensure that South Africa is an attractive venue for parties around the world to resolve their commercial disputes.

4. Issues in the Environment

4.1. Cabinet joins President Jacob Zuma in calling for restraint amidst tensions between some South Africans and foreign nationals. The violence which accompanied recent community protests in Tshwane is unacceptable and has no place in our democracy. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is prepared to provide a speedy response to incidents of violence and looting. 

Crime is our common enemy and by working together we can address the issues that concern our communities. There is however no room for acts of violence or intimidation.  No grievance can ever justify members of the community taking the law into their own hands.

By acting within the law we can make our communities safer and more secure. Citizens must work with the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies to root out crime in our communities.

4.2. Government notes the concerns of contracted coal transporters regarding the impact that renewable energy projects may have on the supply of coal to Eskom, which may affect jobs in their industry. Government is open to constructive engagement with the legitimate leaders of the coal trucking industry to address issues.

Government must act responsibly in its energy planning to ensure sustainable and affordable energy supply. The system relies on a combination of base load (coal and nuclear) and intermittent supply of electricity (renewables and gas). It is clear from the draft 2016 Integrated Resource Plan that South Africa will continue to deploy coal electricity in the energy mix.

4.3. Cabinet notes the ruling by the North Gauteng High Court on South Africa's decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC). Cabinet is aware that Parliament is considering an appropriate course of action.

Cabinet abides by the ruling and has established a technical task team to develop a compliance road map.

4.4. Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force President Jacob Zuma officiated at the 5th Armed Forces Day celebrations which was held in Durban in conjunction the 100 years commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi which was held in the United Kingdom respectively. Cabinet honours and remembers members of the South African Native Labour Corps who lost their lives during the worst ever maritime accident in the military history of South Africa. These were brave men who had responded to a call by the Imperial power at that time to serve.

4.5. Following the positive identification of the Fall Army Worm infestation, government led by the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries is continuing with the assessment of spread and damage, as well as awareness actions to provide farmers with accurate technical information and control options as well as to ensure the responsible emergency registration of agricultural chemicals.

The department has also initiated a pest action group, which meets regularly to evaluate progress and results with all provincial departments of agriculture, industry members and research organisations. The South African Emergency Plant Pest Response Plan, which deals with new pest detections, is already in motion to fight Fall Army Worm. Government will continue with its engagement with the Southern African Development Community to ensure that early warnings of these biological threats are in place.

4.6. Cabinet wishes commuters who were injured when two trains collided at the Rosslyn train station north of Pretoria a speedy recovery and conveys its gratitude to emergency services for their quick response in assisting the injured. 

The work by the board of inquiry in conducting a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the accident and circumstances around it must be prioritised in order to prevent future occurrences.

5. Condolences and Sympathy

5.1. Cabinet joins President Jacob Zuma in conveying its condolences to the family of Judge Essa Moosa, who was a shining light of the judiciary who served South Africa with distinction before retiring as a judge of the Western Cape High Court in 2011. He will remembered for his dedication to promoting and protecting human rights, as well as his selfless dedication to the rule of law. Before ascending to the judiciary he served as a human rights lawyer and was at the forefront of challenging apartheid violations such as detention without trial. He was also a founding member of the National Association of Democratic Lawyers

5.2. President Jacob Zuma has declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral for the late struggle veteran and a former Robben Island prisoner, Mr Collen Monde Mkunqwana who passed on last week on 21 February 2017. Mr Mkunqwana was a descendent of Mr Makhanda Nxele, a warrior who led the attack against the British in Grahamstown, the municipality is now named after Makana.

Details of the funeral will be communicated by the Eastern Cape Provincial Government.

5.3. Cabinet also conveyed its condolences to the family of Mirriam Tladi, South Africa’s mother of literature and first woman novelist. Mme Tladi who was awarded the order of Ikhamanga broke through literacy bounds despite being barred from Witwatersrand University on discriminating apartheid ground.

5.4. Cabinet joins President Jacob Zuma in conveying its condolences to the families of the three South African Navy members and three construction workers from the Department of Public Works who died while working in a sewer pit at Naval Base in Durban. The three soldiers were trying to assist workers of the Department of Public Works who were struggling to breathe underground.

5.5. Cabinet conveys its condolences to the families of the seven people who died in a multi-vehicle accident on the R34 between Vryheid and Dundee when a truck and two light vehicles collided.

5.6. The country’s thoughts and prayers are with the family of young Richard Thole who allegedly fell down an abandoned mine shaft in Boksburg, on Saturday. Cabinet thanks the rescue team who are making every effort to ensure that Richard is returned to his mother.

5.7. Cabinet sends it condolences to the family and friends who lost loved ones during the flooding in North West, Rustenburg area.

6. Congratulations

6.1. Cabinet congratulates Ambassador Xawier Carrim on his assumption of office as Chair of the General Council of the World Trade Organisation on 28 February 2017. This is the first time a South African has been elected to this position and only the fourth time this office has been held by an African.

6.2. Cabinet congratulates the Airports Company South Africa for ranking within the top ten companies which manage the most punctual airports in the world, according to OAG Aviation Worldwide. OR Tambo International Airport achieved 8th place in the large airports category, Cape Town International Airport ranked 6th in the medium airports category while the King Shaka International Airport ranked 10th in the small airports category.

6.3. Cabinet congratulates Mamelodi Sundowns for winning the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Super Cup. Sundowns proved that they are the best team in the Continent after beating TP Mazembe 1-0. We are hopeful this win will go a long way towards inspiring other teams to follow in the footsteps of Mamelodi Sundowns.

7. Appointments

All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the relevant clearance.

7.1. Ms. Zanele Monnakgotla as a Non-Executive Member to the South African Bureau of Standards Board.

7.2. Non-Executive Directors to the South African Special Risk Insurance Association State Owned Company (SOC) Limited:
a) Ms Tando Mbatsha (re-appointment); and
b) Ms Tshwarelo Moutlane (re-appointment).

7.3. Non-Executive Directors to the Land and Agricultural Development Bank Board:
a) Ms Dumo Motau (re-appointment);
b) Ms Thembekile Thelma Ngcobo (re-appointment); and
c) Ms Gugu Mtetwa.

7.4. Mr. TS Mokoena as the Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources.

Enquiries:
Donald Liphoko
Cell: 082 901 0766