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8 August 2006

In view of tomorrow being National Women's Day, Cabinet will not be meeting this week. However a Ministers' meeting was held to consider urgent matters and prepare for the next Cabinet meeting.

The meeting noted preparations for the commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the women's anti-pass march to the Union Buildings. The celebrations are a reminder of the challenges women faced in the fight for a free country and a non-sexist society. The celebrations are also an affirmation that South African women today enjoy human rights enshrined in our democratic constitution.

The re-enactment of the historic march is intended to help ensure that all South Africans, men and women, continue to take an active part in building a country free of women abuse, and gender violence. President Thabo Mbeki will be addressing the celebrations at the Union Building where Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka will receive a memorandum from the march.

Government calls on all South Africans in this anniversary year to rededicate themselves to ensuring that all women enjoy the rights and opportunities of freedom; that they are protected by the country’s laws; and that they benefit from the programmes designed to improve their lives.

The meeting noted the proposals to strengthen the national response to crime, through a campaign which is being developed in a partnership amongst Business Against Crime, the International Marketing Council and the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster, as well as other stakeholders. It will focus on community mobilisation and strengthening partnership between communities and the police service. A presentation will be made to the JCPS Ministers before the next Cabinet meeting.

The meeting noted progress in the counting of votes of the historic Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) elections and the commitment of South Africa to contribute to the successful conclusion of the process. South Africa will continue to work with the international community and the people of the DRC in their efforts towards stability and prosperity.

Enquiries: Themba Maseko, Government Spokesperson
Cell:083 645 0810

Issued by: Government Communications (GCIS)
8 August 2006