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At its ordinary meeting today, Cabinet confirmed decisions of the Ministers' Meeting of 4 November 1998.

Cabinet approved the licensing of two additional national mobile cellular telecommunication services, details of which will be announced by the Minister of Communications tomorrow.

Cabinet also noted reports on developments in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and People's Republic of Angola, and it reaffirmed South Africa's commitment to the search for a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in both countries.

The meeting approved the White Paper on Disaster Management subject to further inter-ministerial consultations on some aspects of the paper. It also expressed its support for the initiatives of the Department of Correctional Services in its quest for an appropriate balance regarding rights and privileges of prisoners.

The meeting approved the following appointments:

SS Ntsaluba - Executive Director on the Board of Transnet;

MV Sisulu - Deputy Chief Executive Officer and member of the Denel Board of Directors.

IM Phillips - Member of the Board of Directors of Denel.

Cabinet also adopted the Military Veterans Affairs Bill for submission to Parliament.

The meeting received a report on the investigation by the Heath Unit regarding Sarafina II; and it reiterated government's recognition of the right of the Unit to conduct the tribunal, as well as the commitment of government to defend the Minister within the context of her responsibility to carry out government policy.

The meeting also welcomed the initiative to mobilise public servants to render their services as voter registration officials.

Cabinet dedicated much of its deliberations today on matters pertaining to the budget for the next financial year and the rest of the MTEF period. Provincial Premiers and Finance MEC's attended part of this session.

The meeting unanimously approved recommendations on preferred suppliers for strategic defence equipment, subject to further negotiations regarding such matters as affordability.

18 November 1998

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Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)

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