Cabinet approves various bills

2009-08-13 14:13

Cape Town – Cabinet approved a number of bills and other programmes at its regular Cabinet meeting.

Mining assets

The moratorium on the disposal of mining assets currently held by state entities was approved.

Government spokesperson Themba Maseko said on Thursday that the moratorium was intended to provide Mineral Resources Minister Susan Shabangu with adequate time to conduct and finalise an audit of mining interests held by the state.

"This audit will enable the state to decide whether to consolidate, retain or dispose of such interests," Maseko said.

"Any exceptions to this moratorium will require discussions with the minister of mineral resources and final approval from Cabinet before finalisation."

The government has said it is looking at the possibility of starting a state-owned mining company.

The ANC Youth League and the Congress of South African Trade Unions recently called on the government to nationalise South Africa's mines.

Right to privacy

Cabinet also approved a bill to protect the constitutional right to privacy.

Maseko said the Protection of Personal Information Bill would be tabled in Parliament soon.

"The Bill was drafted by the South African Law Commission and seeks to protect the constitutional right to privacy as far as processing of personal information is concerned," he said at a press conference after the Cabinet's weekly meeting.

"The right to privacy should be balanced against other rights such as the right of access to information."

Rural development

Cabinet also approved a Comprehensive Rural Development Programme (CRDP) to achieve social cohesion and development in rural communities.

Maseko said the programme was based on three key pillars.

These included co-ordinated and integrated broad-based agrarian transformation, an improved land reform programme and strategic investments in economic and social infrastructure in rural areas.

The CRDP will be launched by President Jacob Zuma in Giyani, Limpopo on August 17.

Madagascar peace process

Maseko also said former safety and security Minister Charles Nqakula will represent South Africa in the facilitation of Madagascar's peace process.

"Cabinet approved South Africa's participation in the facilitation of the peace process in Madagascar.

 "South Africa will be represented by Mr Charles Nqakula in the facilitation process."

Madagascar's rival political leaders agreed on Sunday to set up a transitional government and work towards new elections.

Marc Ravalomanana was ousted in a coup in March by his army-backed rival Andry Rajoelina. Bloody riots after the coup left 100 dead and forced Ravalomanana to flee the country.

Springboks congratulated

Maseko also said the Cabinet congratulated the Springbok rugby team on its "convincing victory" over Australia in the Tri-Nations tournament at the weekend.

"This victory has consolidated our position at the top of the Tri-Nations log and places 'die Bokke' in a better position to win the Tri-Nations Cup," he said.

"The meeting took the opportunity to the wish "die Bokke" well in the away leg of the tournament."

- SAPA