[ Home ] [ Speeches & statements ]

At its meeting today, Cabinet formally adopted decisions of the lekgotla which was held in January. These decisions will inform the content of the State of the Nation Address by President Mbeki on Friday and subsequent briefings by Ministers.

The meeting was briefed on the rail accident in KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, where more than 20 lives have been lost. The Ministers of Transport and Public Enterprises have today gone to the province to get further detailed briefings, and directly to express government's sympathy with families of the deceased and the injured. An inquiry will be conducted immediately.

Cabinet expressed its concern at the fact that a number of such incidents had taken place in the past few months. It urged Transnet to ensure that firm action is taken to prevent a recurrence of such tragedies. As soon as possible, a Rail Safety Agency will be set up to ensure independent assessment of safety standards in our rail network.

The meeting agreed that the FAO Agreement to Promote Compliance with International Conservation and Management Measures for Fishing Vessels on the High Seas be submitted to Parliament for approval.

Cabinet re-affirmed an earlier decision on the need for a nationally co-ordinated programme on the changing of geographical and place-names, and a report on the matter will be presented to Cabinet as a matter of urgency.

Cabinet approved the Collective Investment Schemes Control Bill providing for regulation and supervision of all varieties of collective investment schemes including unit trust and foreign schemes which operate in SA.

Cabinet resolved to continue with consultations on the Bills pertaining to the right of members of legislatures and local government councils to change their membership of political parties without losing their seats.

The following appointments were approved:

* Extension of contract of Director-General in the Department of Agriculture, Ms BN Njobe, for a period of three years; and
* Two DDGs (Deputy CEOs) in Government Communications (GCIS).

Cabinet approved the draft Memorandum and Articles of Association of ESKOM Holdings dealing with practical issues on the conversion of ESKOM into an "incorporated" company wholly owned by the state. All stakeholders will be afforded an opportunity to comment on the document before formal registration of the company.

Contact: Joel Netshitenzhe at 082-900-0083

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS), 6 February 2002