STATEMENT ON THE CABINET MEETING OF 16 NOVEMBER 2016 1. Implementation of Government Programmes 1.1. The quarterly outcomes progress reports were presented to Cabinet for the period 1 July to 30 September 2016. These reports monitor the implementation of Government’s Programme of Action in line with the provisions of the Medium Term Strategic Framework and the National Development Plan. 1.2. Respective Cluster Ministers, through the GCIS, will coordinate cluster media briefings to present departmental milestones reached in the period, later this month. Some highlights from the Quarterly Outcomes Progress Reports in the period under review: Economy 1.3. The Department of Small Business Development supported 149 enterprises in the quarter under review. In addition, 104 cooperatives were supported through the Co-operative Incentive Scheme. These interventions are unlocking the potential of SMMEs, cooperatives, township and rural enterprises. 1.4. In the agricultural sector - 172 new agricultural enterprises and 23 non- agricultural enterprises were supported through various initiatives. An additional 337 existing SMMEs were identified and will be supported with training and market access. 1.5. The work of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Investment is starting to bear fruit. During the quarter under review, Invest SA facilitated an investment pipeline amounting to R18.2 billion mostly in large scale gas to power projects. The fight against crime and corruption Fighting crime and corruption remains a top priority of government. We are resolute to rid our communities of criminals and we will continue to work towards a safer South Africa where all citizens are and feel safe. 1.6. Partnerships between communities and government are needed to fight against crime and corruption. 98.9% police stations were reported to have functional Community Police Forums which contribute to a safe and secure environment for its citizens. 1.7. Progress is being continually made in the fight against corruption. Fifty- eight (58) persons were convicted in relation to reducing corruption amongst government officials in the reporting period. Land Substantial progress was made to restore the dignity of those who suffered during apartheid. 1.8. 54 400 hectares (ha) of strategically located land was acquired and allocated and 51 188 ha were allocated to smallholder producers. 6 530 ha of the acquired land was allocated to farm dwellers and labour tenants. Of the 112 land claims that were settled 57 were in the rural areas benefiting 2 553 people in 467 households. 1.9. The wheels of restitution are moving to restore the dignity of those who suffered during apartheid with the Chief Land Claims Commissioner approving the Phase 2 Submission for the settlement of the Masinenge Community land claim and the Mtshali Family claim through the payment of financial compensation. The total value of the Masinenge settlement is R7, 1 million for the benefit of 64 households who were verified as victims of land dispossession. The Commission on Restitution of Land Rights has, during the period 1 April 2016 to 31 October 2016 paid-out close to a billion rand in compensation to land claimants who were dispossessed of their rights in land. 1.10. The findings of the recent Institute of Race Relations report: “Life in South Africa: Reasons for Hope” shows that life in South Africa is better today compared to 20 years ago. In 2015 real per capita GDP was 33 per cent higher than in 1994; disposable income growth per capita increased from R23,686 in 1994 to R33,660 in 2015 (an increase of 42 per cent), the total number of people with jobs doubled from 7.9- million in 1994 to 15.6-million in 2015; access to formal housing increased by 131.3 per cent from 1996 to 2016; university enrolment rates increased by 281.4 per cent from 211,756 in 1985 to 807,663 in 2014; the number of new HIV infections dropped from 646,806 in 1999 to 321,497 in 2015; there has been a 62.5 per cent increase in healthcare professionals in the public sector between 2000 to 2015; and the murder rate has fallen by 49.3 per cent since 1994. These highlight that while there are challenges, life for South Africans has improved over the past two decades. Cabinet encourages all sectors of society to continue to build on the advances of our nation since the dawn of democracy. There remain more positives for the country than there are negatives. IMPLEMENTATION OF GOVERNMENTS PROGRAMME OF ACTION: 1.11. Government’s fifth National Imbizo Focus Week which was held from 7 to 13 November 2016 under the theme “Together we move South Africa forward: Our future – make it work “saw South Africans actively engaging with the executive at 24 izimbizo in communities across our country. This period of intense interaction further contributes to an informed and active citizenry; a critical element in delivering the National Development Plan (NDP) Vision 2030. President Jacob Zuma initiated the week during an Imbizo at Marhulana Primary School in Tembisa, Gauteng where a fully equipped computer laboratory was handed over. 1.12. The opening of the Swartkopfontein road and bridge between South Africa and Botswana unlocks a new chapter in linking the South African border posts at Swartkopfontein to Botswana’s border post at Ramotswa. 1.13. The Revitalisation of Industrial Parks Programme, under the Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies is creating jobs in and around townships and rural communities. The Department of Trade and Industry has so far invested R22.5m in the revitalisation of the Komani Industrial Park. The Black Industrialist programme, with an objective to increase role-players in the manufacturing sector, has to date supported 22 Black Industrialists and 1500 jobs have been created. R1.5 billion has been injected to support these industrialists. 1.14. The Global Entrepreneurship Week was launched in Johannesburg last Friday by Deputy President, Cyril Ramaphosa, supported by Minister Lindiwe Zulu. It is taking place from 14 to 20 November 2016, and is the largest gathering of innovators and entrepreneurs who launch start-ups by bringing ideas to life, driving economic growth and stimulating socio-economic development. The Global Entrepreneurship Congress will be hosted for the first time on the African continent in Johannesburg during March 2017, where over 5 000 delegates from 160 countries are expected to attend. 1.15. Minister Nomvula Mokonyane on 14 November 2016 launched the Drakenstein Waste Water Treatment Plant and handed it over to the Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape. The provision of a basic water service to the community contributes to the improvement of the quality of water in the Berg River and alleviates the negative impact of poor quality irrigation water. 1.16. Water and sanitation are at the very core of sustainable development. The Department of Water and Sanitation is embarking on a Sanitation Campaign which will culminate with World Toilet Day on 19 November 2016, which is used to create awareness, to educate and apply efforts to ensure that everyone has access to decent sanitation services. South Africa has committed itself to accelerate the provision of water and sanitation services, and as such restore the dignity particularly of those people from previously disadvantaged communities. The Bucket Eradication Programme is aimed at addressing the legacy of bucket toilets as a form of sanitation system in four provinces, namely the Eastern Cape, Free State, North West and the Northern Cape. A total of 25 091 buckets have been eradicated to date and a total of 27 147 buckets remain to be completed. 1.17. The graduation of young people from the four-year National Rural Youth Corps (NARYSEC) programme on 17 November 2016 complements government's job creation programmes and initiatives. The programme, which was launched in 2010, is a youth skills development and employment programme that helps to transform young people in the rural areas from being job seekers to creators of jobs. 1.18. The Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) Municipal Summit is underway from 15 to 17 November 2016 under the theme “See, Feel and Experience Public Employment Programmes”, at St George Conference Centre in Gauteng. EPWP is a key government initiative, which contributes to decent work and sustainable livelihoods, education, health, rural development, food security and land reform, including the fight against crime and corruption. More than 7 million work opportunities have been created through EPWP from 2004 to 2016. This indicates successful implementation of the programme by all spheres of government, municipalities and civil society. 1.19. The successful migration from analogue to digital broadcasting for residents within the Square Kilometre Array area in the Northern Cape, means that these residents are among the first to experience the full range of benefits of improved sound and picture quality associated with digital television. Poor households who qualify for the government subsidy are urged to register for free STBs at their local Post Office branches. 1.20. Cabinet was also briefed on the plan to exhume the remains of political activists who were hanged during apartheid. There were at least 130 political prisoners who were hanged for politically-related offences between 1960 and 1990, after which the death penalty was suspended. These patriots will be properly buried in their places of origin. This process follows the public launch of the Gallows Exhumation Project on 23 March 2016 at the Kgosi Mampuru II Correctional Centre, to commence with the exhumation of the remains of 83 political activists over a period of six months before the end of 2016/17. 1.21. Cabinet welcomed the successful conclusion of the 3rd Session of the Bi- National Commission between Botswana and South Africa led by President Jacob Zuma and his counterpart President Seretse Khama Ian Khama to further deepen economic cooperation between the two countries.