MINISTRY IN THE PRESIDENCY

REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: 012 473 0164, Cape Town 8000, Tel:
021 464 2100

Statement on the Cabinet Meeting of Wednesday, 01 November 2023.

A. ISSUES IN THE ENVIRONMENT

1. 2023 Rugby World Cup Champions

1.1. Cabinet congratulated the Springboks on their 2023 Rugby World Cup
victory that made South Africa the only country to win the Rugby World
Cup four (4) times and second to win the title back-to-back.
1.2. In the history of rugby in South Africa, this Springboks team is the most
diverse in terms of the demographics representation of South Africa.
The composition of such a diverse team was not an act of coincidence,
but a deliberate effort by the management and coaching staff of the
Springboks to select an inclusive team. That bold decision by then
coach Rassie Erasmus and his team continues to demonstrate to
South Africans and the rest of the world, that everyone with skill, if
given a chance and support, can become great – an affirmation that
we are Stronger Together.
1.3. Most importantly, the resilience and determination of the Springboks
in the field of play is an embodiment of a true essence of being South
African, that which makes this great nation rise against all odds and

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 adversities to emerge victorious. Some of the best players of this
Springboks team have had to overcome personal adversities on their
path to greatness.
1.4. Cabinet expressed its congratulations to Siyamtanda “Siya” Kolisi, the
Springboks double World Cup-winning captain for leading the team to
the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) status and the celebrations must go-
on.

2. AGOA Forum
2.1. Cabinet had welcomed the confirmation by both the United States
administration and congress on the intention to extend AGOA, which
brings certainty to the investment community in the AGOA-eligible
countries.
2.2. Cabinet had also welcomed the hosting of the 2023 AGOA Forum in
Johannesburg from the 2nd – 4th November 2023 with participants from
32 Africa countries from government, Business, civil society and
organised labour for the first time and representatives of the United
States government.
2.3. Cabinet has always asserted that AGOA provides an opportunity for
the United States of America to strengthen its economic relationship
with Africa and thus it must be extended for a meaningful period,
enhanced to make it impactful and attractive.

3. BRICS Tourism Ministers’ Meeting

3.1. Cabinet welcomed the successful conclusion of the 2023 BRICS
Tourism Ministers’ Meeting held in Cape Town, which committed
member nations to deeper cooperation and to promote intra-BRICS
tourism, develop routes for better tourism mobility and connectivity
among the member countries.

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 3.2. This will further strengthen South Africa’s tourism sector which is
already showing signs of recovery. For the first 8 months of 2023, the
country saw 5.5 million arrivals which represented a 63.4% increase
from the same period in 2022.

4. Voter Registration
4.1. The IEC has announced the 18th and 19th of November 2023 as a first
voter registration weekend for the 2024 General Elections.
4.2. Cabinet is calling on all eligible voters to register to vote for the 2024
General Elections at your nearest voting stations.
4.3. Online voter registration has been opened since February 2023 and
citizens are urged to use the facility to register or update their details.
4.4. South Africans who have applied for their IDs are encouraged to visit
their local Home Affairs office to collect them. There are more than 500
000 smart ID cards still to be collected atHome Affairs offices across
the country.

5. Electricity
5.1. The Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity has provided
a comprehensive briefing on electricity situation in the country.
5.2. Cabinet applauded efforts by the Gauteng Provincial Government
working with Eskom to restore electricity to areas in Gauteng that have
been hit by black-outs due to the theft or damage to transformers.
5.3. Last night, six new electrical transformers were switched in Kagiso, in
the West Rand area after communities were left without power for
more than 3 years.
5.4. Cabinet calls on these communities to protect the critical infrastructure
from theft, vandalism and damage that is caused by illegal
connections.

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6. Food Poisoning
6.1. Cabinet is concerned by the spate of food poisoning of children from
eating expired and contaminated foodstuff from spaza shops and
street vendors.
6.2. Cabinet is encouraged by the law enforcement efforts to enforce food
safety compliance.

7. International Migration Workshop with Mayors and Traditional leaders

7.1. Cabinet was briefed about the international migration workshop hosted
by the Department of Home Affairs with the participation of the DSBD,
COGTA, Human Settlements and traditional leaders and mayors from
metro and district municipalities that focused on curbing effects of
illegal immigration, including the operations of spazashops.
7.2. Key outcomes include the introduction of omnibus by-laws to address
challenges relating to the enforcement of business by-laws by
municipalities and traditional authorities. There will be immediate joint
inspections of businesses, in particular spaza shops by the
departments of labour, health, small business development and the
Home Affairs immigration inspectorate teams, to enforce compliance
with applicable laws
7.3. An audit of spaza shops in villages and townships, and mechanisms
to register them by both traditional leaders and municipalities will be
undertaken. There are also efforts to support traditional authorities to
keep a record of foreign nationals in their communities.
7.4. Business licencing legislation is being amended to support all those
who wish to trade in the informal sector.

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8. Integrated Crime Fighting
8.1. Cabinet commends the SAPS for dealing a massive blow to
international drug syndicates following the discovery of cocaine valued
at R80 million which were seized on 20 October 2023 at a warehouse
at the Dube Trade Port within the King Shaka International Airport.
Two days prior the seizure, another R70 million worth of cocaine was
also seized from a container at the Durban Harbour.
8.2. Cabinet applauds the SAPS for their work in disrupting and dismantling
transnational organised crime that poses a significant threat to our
communities and the nation.
8.3. Operation Safer Festive Season is already yielding results with police
arresting over 140 suspects, including an alleged illegal mining
kingpin, and seizing unlicensed firearms.

9. Presidential Oversight Visit

9.1. Cabinet welcomed the Presidential Oversight Visit to the Emfuleni
Municipality, which followed-up on engagements with the community
during the District Development Model visit of 2022.
9.2. The 2022 visit to Emfuleni identified issues of poor infrastructure
maintenance by the municipality
9.3. Through the intervention of the Department of Water and Sanitation,
there has been notable progress in addressing water and sanitation
infrastructure challenges that had resulted in the collapse of the Vaal
Waste Water system.
9.4. Work has been undertaken to improve water supply, the proper
functioning of the waste water infrastructure and thus eliminating the
problem of the sewer effluent that run running on the streets and
people’s yards.

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 9.5. Noted progress during the visit include improvements in critical bulk
pipelines and water pump stations, resurfacing and resealing of roads,
and a massive rollout of streetlights to improve lighting and safety.

10. Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System in South Africa

10.1. The Department of Transport has commenced consultations on the
Roadmap for the Freight Logistics System in South Africa, as part of
measures to address the challenges facing the freight and logistics
sector and the strengthening of South Africa’s economic recovery
efforts.

11. Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

11.1. Cabinet welcomed the progress being made with infrastructure
development and maintenance with the completion of 36 rural bridges
under the Welisizwe Rural Bridges, and the construction underway on
20 projects in human settlements, roads, and water.

12. Relaunch of South African Airways (SAA) international routes

12.1. Cabinet welcomed the relaunch of SAA international routes with the
re-introduction of its intercontinental flight to São Paulo, Brazil, which
also marked the return of the long-haul service out of Cape Town and
Johannesburg.
12.2. The return of SAA in the international routes will contribute directly in
driving growth in international travel to the country, and growth of the
tourism sector after the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic.

13. South Africa launches the largest drone in Africa

13.1. Cabinet congratulated the Defence and aerospace company Milkor on
their successful launch of the Milkor 380 unmanned aerial vehicle

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 (UAV), which places South Africa among the countries that continue
to make strides in drone technology.
13.2. The Milkor 380 is the largest drone built in Africa and it will be used by
the defence industry for combat, border control, conservation efforts
including to combat poaching.

14. Matric and Year-end schools examinations

14.1. Cabinet welcomed the smooth start to the 2023 National Senior
Certificate (matric) exams, which commenced on 30 October 2023.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to continue to support learners
during this critical period.
14.2. Cabinet also sends its well wishes to all the learners who will be sitting
for their year-end exams.

B. CABINET DECISIONS

1. The Situation in Palestine

1.1. Cabinet is disappointed by the refusal of the Israeli government to respect

international law and its continued undermining of the United Nations
resolutions for the implementation of a ceasefire with impunity.

1.2. The humanitarian corridors for the people of Palestine remain closed with
dire consequences for children, women and innocent civilians.

1.3. The genocidal airstrikes by the government of Israel on the people of

Palestine, continue with rising death toll that include women and children.
In the last two days, the world have sat helplessly and watched as
intensifying airstrikes on Gaza and the West Bank have destroyed

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 schools, health facilities, ambulances and civilian infrastructure and
supposedly safe roads travelling to the South of Gaza.

1.4. For these, the Cabinet has decided to recall all South African diplomats
from Tel Aviv for consultation.

1.5. Cabinet has also noted with disquiet the continuing disparaging remarks
of the Israeli’s ambassador to South Africa, Mr. Eliav Belotsercovsky,
against South Africans, the leadership of South Africa both in and outside
government including civil society who are speaking against the
holocaust being committed by the Israeli government against the
Palestinians.

1.6. The disparaging remarks of Ambassador Belotsercovsky are contrasted

by the statements of two former Israeli ambassadors to South Africa (Illan
Baruch and Dr. Alon Liel) who have been consistent in describing the
actions of their government against Palestinians as Apartheid.

1.7. The disparaging remarks against those speaking up against the atrocities
and the country’s leaders make ambassador Belotsercovsky position
more and more untenable. As such Cabinet has directed the Department
of International Relations and Cooperation to convey the South African
government displeasure with the ambassador formally through diplomatic
channels.

2. Medium Term Budget Policy Statement

2.1. Cabinet welcomed the 2023 Medium Term Budget Policy Statement
(MTBPS), which provided a frank assessment of the current economic
climate and demonstrated government’s firm hold on our nation’s
finances amid tough revenue constraints.

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 2.2. The decisions in the MTBPS improve our fiscal framework; stimulate
economic growth while balancing our social commitments that support
the vulnerable in our nation.
2.3. The Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan has contributed to
many green shoots in our economy.

3. High Speed Rail Development

3.1. Cabinet approved the High Speed Rail Development Framework and the
financial implications for implementation will be discussed between the
Ministers of Transport and Finance
3.2. Cabinet approved the prioritisation of the Johannesburg to Durban
corridor for a detailed feasibility study, and the Johannesburg-Polokwane
to Musina, and the Johannesburg to Mbombela will be put to the market.

4. Draft White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection

4.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the White Paper on Citizenship,
Immigration and Refugee Protection for public comments.
4.2. The draft Policy aims to provide a framework to guide the granting of
residency and citizenship to foreign nationals, as well as the protection of
refugees and asylum seekers in South Africa, cognisant of the Republic’s
national security interests and in compliance with international
agreements and protocols on migration that South Africa is party to.

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5. The 6th Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the White
Paper on the Rights of People with Disabilities
5.1. Cabinet has approved for publication in the government gazette the 6th
Annual Progress Report on the implementation of the White Paper on the
Rights of People with Disabilities.
5.2. The publication of the progress report will coincide with the international
commemoration of the Disability Rights Awareness Month from 3
November to 3 December.
5.3. The progress report also signals an increase of the minimum employment
equity target from 2% to 3% for persons with disabilities as from the
2024/2025 financial year, towards a minimum 7% employment equity
target for persons with disabilities by 2030.

C. BILLS

1. Draft African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund (ARF)

Bill

1.1 Cabinet approved the submission of the ARF Amendment Bill to

Parliament.
1.2 The Bill seeks to amend the ARF Act (Act 51 of 2000) and establish
the South African Development Partnership Agency, that will serve as
a mechanism to support South Africa’s development and cooperation
with sister countries through the promotion of democracy, good
governance, the prevention and resolution of conflict, socio-economic
development and integration.

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

1. Appointment of Mr Ebrahim Rasool as Chairperson of the Development

Bank of Southern Africa.
2. Appointment of Ms Margaret Mosibudi Phiri as a member to the National
Nuclear Regulator Board

E. UPCOMING EVENTS

1 Anti-Corruption Dialogue
1.1 The Anti-Corruption Dialogue will be held on 8 and 9 November 2023
at Birchwood Hotel in Ekurhuleni to mobilise society in the fight against
corruption in line with the country’s National Anti-Corruption Strategy
1.2 Cabinet, in November 2020, approved the National Anti-Corruption
Strategy (NACS 2020-2030). This is a country strategy that is aimed
at creating a corruption-free society while also encouraging citizens to
have zero-tolerance for corruption and abide by the rule of law.

2 16 Days of Activism Campaign for No Violence Against Women and

Children 2023
2.1 This year marks the 25th anniversary of South Africa’s participation in
the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children
Campaign which will be observed under the theme: “Accelerating
actions to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF): Leaving
no one behind”.

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 2.2 This global campaign runs from 25 November, the International Day
for the Elimination of Violence against Women to 10 December,
International Human Rights Day. It aims to combat violence against
women whilst upholding human rights.

3 14th Policy Dialogue Forum

3.1 South Africa will co-host the 14th Policy Dialogue Forum in
collaboration with the UNESCO International Teacher Task Force for
Education (TTF) in January 2024 under the theme “Addressing
teacher shortages and making the profession more attractive”.
3.2 The forum will bring together government officials, NGOs, teachers
and education experts to discuss critical issues pertaining to the
conditions of service for teachers, issues of teacher autonomy and
accountability as well as how to make teaching an attractive
profession.

F. MESSAGES

1. CONGRATULATIONS
Cabinet extended its congratulations and well wishes to:
• The Proteas for securing a place in the semi-finals of the the ICC World
Cup 2023 in India. Despite the setback in their match against India
yesterday, the country remains firmly behind the team and is confident
they will continue to build and make us proud.
• Moto GP racing star Brad Binder who is now the outright premier class
podium record holder for South Africa after his top three finish at the
Thailand Grand Prix.

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 • South Africa’s first pro-wheelchair bodybuilder Macethandile Kulati for
defending his title at the 2023 International Federation of Body Builders
and Fitness World Championship in Slovenia.
• South African Chartered Accountants for earning the top position in the
Edelman global professional trust survey.
• Dr Claude Mashego for winning the inaugural Miss World South Africa
and she will now represent South Africa at the Miss World in New Delhi,
India in December this year.
• Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka following her appointment as the new Public
Protector for a term of seven years with effect from 1 November 2023.

2. CONDOLENCES
Cabinet expressed condolences to the family and friends of:
• Paralympic gold medallist Zanele Situ who was the first black South
African female athlete to win a gold medal at the Paralympic Games in
Sydney in 2000.
• Former Bafana-Bafana assistant coach and football legend Phil “Mr
Jones” Setshedi.
• Warrant Officer Sthembiso Mazibuko of the National Intervention Unit
who was killed during a shootout with criminals in Ntuzuma, KwaZulu-
Natal.

Enquiries: Ms Nomonde Mnukwa – Acting Government Spokesperson

Mobile: 083 653 7485
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
Date: Monday, 6 November 2023
www.gcis.gov.za; www.gov.za

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