Cabinet makes four key approvals following virtual meeting

Cabinet has released a statement following a virtual meeting on Wednesday 23 September, stating that significant decisions have been made for a prosperous South Africa. This also comes just after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced a nationwide move to Level 1 lockdown in the best interest of the battered economy. 

CABINET APPROVES PUBLICATION OF FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION REPORT 

According to Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), Cabinet approved the publication of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (PC4IR) Report in the Government Gazette. The   report   makes   proposals   to   reinvigorate   the   country’s industrialisation aspirations and improve global and continental economic competitiveness to enhance inclusive growth.

“Key   drivers   of   the   PC4IR   Strategy   include   economic   competitiveness, responding to service delivery challenges, human capacity investment and responding to COVID-19,” Cabinet said. 

This gives effect to the 2018 State of the Nation Address, which directed that a Digital Industrial Revolution Commission would respond to rapid technological advances and ensure the nation’s prosperity.

TRANSPORT MONTH 2020 CAMPAIGN 

Cabinet also approved the 2020 October Transport Month campaign programme under   the  theme:  “Together Shaping the Future of Transport”. Cabinet approved in 2005 that October be dedicated to raising awareness on transport as one of the critical economic enablers. 

This year’s programmes will focus on three areas namely; developments in the transport sector, in reopening of the economy in the face of COVID-19; safety in all modes of transport, and transformation, empowerment and formalisation of the taxi industry.

The national month-long programme will focus on the various sectors of the transport industry. It will culminate in the National Taxi Lekgotla at the end of October 2020, which will consolidate inputs from the Provincial Taxi Makgotla.

CABINET APPROVES SUBMISSION AND PUBLICATION OF BILLS 

Cabinet also approved the submission of the Correctional Services Amendment Bill of 2020 to Parliament. The amendments are primarily in response to the Constitutional Court judgement handed down in the Phaahla Judgement on 3 May 2019.

The amendments entrench the right to a fair trial as contemplated in Section 35(3)(n) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 in the application of the Section 136 (1) of the Correctional Services Act, 1998 (Act 111 of 1998). 

Cabinet also approved the publication of the Bill in the Government Gazette for public comments. The Bill amends the SAPS Act, 1995 (Act 68 of 1995), to bring it in line with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996 and to ensure optimal policing. 

It provides, amongst others, a legal framework in the governance of the police service and the establishment of community-based neighbourhood forums. The Bill also takes into consideration the recommendations that came out of the Marikana Commission of Inquiry led by retired Judge Ian Farlam.