Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of 29 November 2023

A. Issues in the Environment

1. Economy

1.1. Logistics

1.1.1. Cabinet welcomed measures and plans put in place by Transnet to resolve the backlog in the ports (Durban and Richard’s Bay). Transnet is making intensive efforts to mobilise equipment, such as cranes, from all over the world to ensure a successful execution of its implementation plan.

1.1.2. The progress made by Transnet in clearing most of the backlog at the Cape Town Container Terminal, with only one vessel at anchorage, is encouraging. Transnet remains committed to working with all role-players to address the challenges within the logistics sector.

1.2. Infrastructure development

1.2.1. Cabinet welcomed progress that is being achieved in the development and revitalisation of infrastructure for social development.

1.2.2. In this regard, Cabinet is pleased by the opening of Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. The hospital, which was opened by President Cyril Ramaphosa, will service the growing healthcare needs of the approximately 1.5 million residents of Inanda, Ntuzuma and Kwa-Mashu, and communities in adjacent areas.

1.2.3. In addition, Cabinet also welcomed the opening of the uMgungundlovu Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college (Msinga campus) in KwaZulu-Natal by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande. The TVET college campus that was built at a cost of R143.5 million offers training in areas such Farming Management and Mechatronics, amongst others.

1.2.4. This campus is part of government’s commitment to ensure that there is at least one TVET college per district, and more than one in districts with a larger geographic spread. It is part of government’s continued and intentional investment to improve access to post-matric education, as part of equipping the nation for the future.

1.3. Tourism

1.3.1. Cabinet also welcomed the opening of the Nelson Mandela cruise terminal by the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in a public-private partnership (PPP) contract with Transnet. MSC invested approximately R296.7 million in the construction of the new terminal, with an additional R30 million earmarked for expansion of the terminal.

1.3.2. Cabinet echoed the sentiments of President Ramaphosa when he said at the opening: “The multi-user terminal has made Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world”.

1.4. SA Connect starting to gain traction

1.4.1. Cabinet welcomed the launch of The Gigabit Mesh Network in Ward 1 of the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality in the Harry Gwala District of KwaZulu-Natal that is connecting 1 600 households and enabling at least 6 000 community members to access broadband services.

1.4.2. The first Gigabit Mesh Network Mzanzi Comnet, in the Harry Gwala District, is part of the government’s SA Connect programme that aims to achieve universal access to the internet funded through the Broadband Access Fund. This network renders Ward 1 of the Greater Kokstad Local Municipality to become the first wall-to-wall connected site in KwaZulu-Natal.

1.4.3. The Broadband Access Fund has empowered small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) internet service providers across the country to support the creation of direct and indirect job opportunities for designated groups such as youth, women and persons with disabilities.

1.4.4. In the Harry Gwala District Municipality more specifically, the Broadband Access Fund has been able to empower 12 SMMEs (sub-contracted) while creating 79 job opportunities for youth, women, men and persons with disabilities.

2. Fight against crime and corruption

2.1. Cooperation with international crime fighting efforts

2.1.1. Cabinet commended the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), which with the cooperation of Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), spearheaded an operation that arrested five suspects at the OR Tambo International Airport on 15 November 2023.

2.1.2. The suspects were arrested on allegations of drug trafficking, contravention of the Civil Aviation Act, 2009 (Act 13 of 2009) and contravention of the Customs and Excise Act, 1964 (Act 91 of 1964).

2.1.3. These arrests are linked to a consignment of drugs recently seized in Australia. The drug seizure abroad was positively linked to suspects in South Africa, resulting in the arrests of two suspects employed by ACSA, two suspects from Menzies Aviation and one from Swissport.

2.2. Rand/Dollar (ZAR/USD) currency exchange rate collusion

2.2.1. Cabinet received a briefing from the Competition Commission and National Treasury on the case of the ZAR/USD currency exchange rate collusion. In particular, the Competition Commission provided an update on the cases currently before courts as well as concluded settlements with Citibank N.A. and Standard Chartered Bank.

2.2.2. Cabinet supports the important work the Competition Commission is doing in this case. Noting actions in other jurisdictions on the cases involving the ZAR/USD currency trading collusion, Cabinet urges respondent banks currently facing prosecution in our courts to cooperate with local authorities as they did with our foreign counterparts.

2.3. Dealing with gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a pandemic

2.3.1. Cabinet has reaffirmed the need to prioritise the implementation of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) of dealing with the second pandemic of GBVF.

2.3.2. Cabinet further noted progress that has been made on interventions of the NSP that are driven through the following six pillars:

• Extensive legal reform
• Support for survivors through the provision of evidence toolkits at police stations
• Psychology and social services
• The establishment of the GBVF Response Fund which commits both government and the private sector to fund the fight against GBVF
• Support for Thuthuzela and Khuseleka Care centres, which provide vital services for GBV survivors
• The economic empowerment of women.

2.3.3. Government will continue with consultations with various sectors to mobilise a whole of societal approach to dealing with GBVF, including localising the NSP using the District Development Model (DDM) approach for implementation at a ward level.

2.3.4. In this regard, Cabinet applauded the successful co-hosting of the 3rd African Union (AU) Men’s Conference on Positive Masculinity in Leadership to End Violence Against Women and Girls with the Republic of Comoros in Pretoria from 27 to 28 November 2023.

2.3.5. The Men’s Conference provided an opportunity to consolidate the bold efforts that the Heads of State and Government, and other sectors have taken towards ending violence against women and girls on the continent. These efforts include accountability for the implementation of the Kinshasa Declaration and the decisions made at the 2023 February Heads of State and Government Conference on negotiating an AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls.

3. International Agenda

3.1. Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation.

3.1.1. Cabinet welcomed the convening by President Ramaphosa, as Chair of the BRICS group of nations, of an Extraordinary Joint Meeting on the Middle East Situation.

3.1.2. As a prominent voice for the Global South, the outcome from the Extraordinary Meeting bolsters the international call for solidarity, tolerance and dialogue for the people of Palestine and Israel.

3.1.3. The BRICS leaders unanimously called for accountability in the conflict, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people and left many displaced.

3.1.4. Cabinet reaffirms the call by BRICS nations for a comprehensive ceasefire and an end to the violence, including the deplorable killings of civilians and indiscriminate attacks that also target civilian infrastructure.

3.1.5. Cabinet is hopeful that the exchange of hostages and the temporary pause in the hostilities for humanitarian assistance to reach Gaza provides an opportunity to negotiate a comprehensive ceasefire and a more permanent solution to the plight of Palestinians and the security concerns of the people of Israel.

3.2. 28th Conference of Parties (COP28) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

3.2.1. South Africa is participating at the COP28 to the UNFCCC in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 30 November to 12 December 2023. The conference will see the first Global Stocktake, which will provide a comprehensive assessment of progress since the adoption of the Paris Agreement in 2015 and help inform parties to prepare for their next nationally determined contributions.

3.2.2. The South African delegation has a mandate to negotiate for the full implementation of the UNFCCC and the Paris Agreement, including the global goals on mitigation, adaptation and means of implementation for climate action. The focus for South Africa is on:

3.2.2.1. the urgent need to enhance international cooperation for climate action across all spheres of the economy and society

3.2.2.2. the need for a scaled up and new quantified long-term goal for finance that is based on the needs of developing countries and backed up with a collectively negotiated implementation road map

3.2.2.3. the need to build momentum for reform of the global financial system so that multilateral development banks and other financial institutions can offer the scope of finances required for the climate transition, particularly in developing countries

3.2.2.4. progress on establishing a global goal on adaptation with appropriate new and predictable financing.

3.3. The country will also launch the South African Pavilion on 6 December 2023, at COP28 in Dubai, UAE. The South African Pavilion will provide the global community with evidence that multi-sector collaboration in Africa is working to mitigate the effects of climate change and showcase work in transforming economies and building resilient societies in a just and equitable manner.

B. Cabinet Decisions

1. Final Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum

1.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the final Next Generation Radio Frequency Spectrum Policy.

1.2. The purpose of the policy is to address gaps and limitations that were identified in the 2016 National Information and Communications Technology White Paper and prepares for the amendment of relevant sections of the Electronic Communications Act, 2005 (Act 36 of 2005), which include:

• unclear roles and responsibilities between Minister and the authority (ICASA) which contributed to inefficiencies
• gaps in the spectrum management regime
• an exclusive spectrum regime that benefits a few and bigger player
• inefficiencies towards extending broadband access to rural, remote and underserved areas.

2. Draft White Paper on Electric Vehicles (EVs)

2.1. Cabinet has approved the White Paper on EVs that aims to ensure South Africa becomes part of the global shift from internal combustion engines to new technology vehicles (electric vehicles).

2.2. The policy supports investments in the development and expansion of new and existing manufacturing plants to support the production of electric vehicles in the country.

2.3. South Africa’s automobile industry plays a critical role in economic growth and supports thousands of jobs, and the country is also endowed with mineral resources that position it to become a key and strategic player in EV value chains.

3. Update on the development of a Comprehensive Student Funding Model for post-school education and training

3.1. Cabinet approved the Comprehensive Student Funding Model for post-school education and training that seeks to provide funding to children, commonly known as the missing middle.

3.2. The funding model will cater for students whose families do not qualify for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme funding, by up to the maximum of R600 000 per year.

3.3. The funding will focus on promoting the acquisition of skills and qualifications for the future, with 70% of eligible applicants funded for critical skills and 30% for humanities.

4. Draft Human Settlements White Paper

4.1. Cabinet has approved the publication of the draft Human Settlements White Paper for public comments.

4.2. It is intended to strengthen the department’s approach of providing sustainable human settlements. The White Paper informs the government approach to use tailor-made subsidy instruments that target poor households and vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities.

4.3. The policy promotes coordination between the three spheres of government for effective and efficient delivery of human settlements. It will enhance the realisation of the rights for South Africans to adequate housing and sustainable spaces, including supporting economic opportunities and social cohesion.

5. Draft Policy on Water and Sanitation Services on privately owned land

5.1. Cabinet approved the draft Policy on Provision of Water and Sanitation Services on privately owned land. The draft policy seeks to explore ways to redress the provision of water services to residents on privately owned land by ensuring that there is access to a safe and potable water supply and sanitation.

5.2. This will be supported by appropriate health and hygiene practices for the people living on those lands that are currently out of municipal distributing network as envisaged in the Water Services Act, 1997 (Act 108 of 1997).

6. Revised White Paper on Families (WPF)

6.1. Cabinet has approved the Revised WPF for implementation. The policy seeks to foster well-functioning families which are loving, peaceful, safe, stable and economically self-sustaining.

6.2. The policy views the family as a key development imperative and seeks to mainstream family issues into government-wide, policy-making initiatives to foster positive family well-being and overall socio-economic development in the country.

6.3. The WPF emphasises the point that healthy families are the foundation of strong communities and societies. It notes that families are best placed to fulfill their role in society when they function in an enabling and supportive environment. Government will implement the WPF in collaboration with civil society, non-governmental organisations, research institutions and other social partners. Then policy is available on www.gov.za 

C. BILLS

1. Bill on the Repeal of the South African Airways (SAA) Act

1.1. Cabinet approved the submission of the draft Bill for the Repeal of the SAA Act, 2007 (Act 5 of 2007) to Parliament.

1.2. The purpose of the Bill is to repeal the SAA Act of 2007, which will enable the complete the acquisition of a strategic partner. It will give effect to the 2019 Cabinet decision to reposition the SAA and bring in a strategic partner to the state-owned company.

1.3. Although the SAA is acquiring a strategic partner who will take majority shareholding, government will remain a significant shareholder in the company.

2. Revised Gas Amendment Bill

2.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the revised Gas Amendment Bill for public comments. The Bill seeks to align the gas industry to, amongst others, new transportation technologies of natural and unconventional gases that are not catered for in the current Gas Act, 2001 (Act 48 of 2001).

2.2. The amendments will also align South Africa’s gas sector with international best practices and developments in the gas industry. The Bill was initially introduced to Parliament in 2021 but was withdrawn in 2022 to address inputs received from stakeholders.

3. Draft Marriage Bill of 2022

3.1. Cabinet approved the amendment of the draft Marriage Bill to Parliament.  The Bill gives effect to the White Paper on Marriages in South Africa, which was approved by Cabinet in March 2022.

3.2. The Bill sets South Africa on a path of a single Marriage Act that also respects religious and traditional belief systems.  The Bill seeks to ensure that all marriages are concluded in accordance with the principles of equality, non-discrimination and human dignity as provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.

3.3. The Bill outlines measures to prevent unions such as child marriages and those done without the consent of the other party.

4. Draft One Stop Border Post (OSBP) Bill

4.1. Cabinet has approved the OSBP Bill for submission to Parliament.

4.2. The Bill seeks to give effect to the relevant international legal instruments relating to trade facilitation, movement of persons and goods, and the establishment of OSBPs.

4.3. The Bill also authorises agreements on OSBP arrangements.

5. Pension Funds Amendment Bill

5.1 Cabinet approved the submission of the Pension Funds amendment Bill to Parliament.

5.2 The Bill proposes amendments to the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act 24 of 1956) to provide for the implementation of the “two-pots” retirement system that would restructure retirement contributions to flow into “two-pots”, with one pot being preserved until retirement and the other pot enabling pre-retirement access.

5.3 Some of the provisions contained in the Bill are that it will enable pension fund members to access a percentage of their pension fund before retirement.

6. Electoral Matters Amendment Bill of 2023

6.1. Cabinet approved the Electoral Matters Amendment Bill of 2023 for submission to Parliament. The Bill amends the Electoral, 1998 (Act 73 of 1998), the Electoral Commission Act, 1996 (Act 51 of 1996), the Electronic Communications Act of 2005 and the Financial Management of Parliament and Provincial Legislatures Act of 2009.

6.2. This is done to make provision for the election of independent candidates to the National Assembly and provincial legislatures. The Bill also amends the Political Party Funding Act, 2018 (Act 6 of 2018) to provide for the regulation of the private and public funding of political parties and independent candidates who are contesting elections, amongst others.

D. Appointments

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

1. Ms Ntsoaki “Shoeshoe” Qhu as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Media Development and Diversity Agency.
2. Mr Sifiso Mdakane as the Director-General (DG) in the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure.
3. Dr Mokoditloa Eliakim Moemi as DG at the Department of Human Settlements.

E. Upcoming events

1. World AIDS Day

1.1. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the global commemoration of World AIDS Day under the theme: “Let Communities Lead”. Deputy President Paul Mashatile, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council will lead the official commemoration in Mandeni, Ilembe District in KwaZulu-Natal.

2. Free State DDM Presidential Imbizo

2.1 President Ramaphosa, accompanied by members of the executive from the three spheres of government, will undertake a follow-up DDM Presidential Imbizo to the Lejweleputswa District, Free State, on 7 December 2023.

2.2. This is the 11th DDM Presidential Imbizo of the Sixth Administration. The aim is to provide feedback and reflect on the achievements and commitments from the first round of the Presidential Izimbizo.

2.3 The DDM Presidential Imbizo is an important public participation platform that ensures the voices and perspectives of communities are heard. It empowers communities with information to drive the change they want.

3. International Anti-Corruption Day

3.1. South Africa will join the world in commemorating International Anti-Corruption Day on 9 December 2023. The fight against corruption is a major priority of government, which is dependent on the involvement of all citizens and all sectors of society.

3.2. Cabinet called on everyone to join the fight to ensure a corruption-free society. By working together, we can ensure that those who are corrupt have no place to hide.

4. 2024 International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s under-19 (U19) Cricket World Cup

4.1. South Africa will host the 2024 ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup from 20 January to 11 February 2024. This comes after the ICC shifted the world cup from Sri Lanka to South Africa, a move taken on a very short notice before the event. This is another vote of confidence to South Africa on its ability to host seamless world-class big events.

5. Human settlements NGO and Civil Society summit

5.1 Government will convene Human Settlements NGO/CSO summit for collaborative and accelerated service delivery on 30 November to 1 December 2023 at Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference centre under the theme “Strengthening Partnership to Deliver Better, Safer and Secure Sustainable Human Settlements”.

F. Messages

1. Congratulations

Cabinet extended its congratulations and well-wishes to:

1.1. Ms Nomsa Chabeli on her appointment as the new Group CEO of the SABC.

1.2. the winners of the various categories in the country’s 2nd National Presidential SMMEs and Cooperatives Awards 2023, which celebrates excellence among SMMEs and cooperatives by giving them national exposure and recognition.

1.3. Banyana, as they fly our flag high at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burkina Faso at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, on 4 December 2023.

2. Condolences

Cabinet expressed condolences to the family and friends of:

2.1. Legendary Springbok Hannes Strydom, who was an integral part of the 1995 Rugby World Cup winning team.

2.2. Commissioner Lindiwe Octavia Ntuli-Tloubatla, who was a committed gender activist who served on various committees in the Commission for Gender Equality.

2.3. the Khomane family, and the football community at large on the passing of former Orlando Pirates Football Club Captain Papi Khomane, his mother Mrs Rita Khomane and another family member, who lost their lives in an accident. Khomane was also part of the Bafana Bafana squad that won the bronze medal in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000.

2.4. the 12 miners who tragically lost their lives in an accident at Impala Platinum (Implats) and wishes the 88 injured a speedy recovery. The mining sector plays an important role in the economy and Cabinet called on the mining industry to prioritise the safest possible working conditions in mines.

Enquiries:

Ms Nomonde Mnukwa

Acting Government Spokesperson

Mobile: 083 653 7485

Issued by: Government Communications

30 November 2023