The Cabinet meeting of 21 August 2024 addressed several key issues and decisions:
Environmental and Social Issues
1. **Crime and Safety**
– Welcomed the arrest of a major suspect in kidnapping and drug trafficking.
– Supported deploying multidisciplinary teams to combat high crime rates in the Eastern Cape.
– Noted the arrest of a suspect with multiple passports, highlighting efforts against illegal immigration.
– Emphasized community cooperation in crime fighting.
2. **Gender-Based Violence (GBV)**
– Urged men to take a stand against GBV by signing a virtual pledge.
– Welcomed the opening of a new support center for GBV victims and called for societal action against adolescent pregnancies.
3. **Disaster Management**
– Acknowledged efforts to assist families affected by dam collapses in Western Cape and urged municipalities to maintain storm-water infrastructure.
### **Economic Issues**
1. **Labour Statistics**
– Reported a rise in unemployment to 33.5% and a decrease in employment in various sectors.
– Noted growth in manufacturing and social services employment.
2. **Inflation**
– Reported a decrease in annual inflation to 4.6% with significant contributions from housing and transport costs.
3. **Energy**
– Announced new legislation to enhance the electricity sector and additional power capacity.
– Noted the withdrawal of nuclear energy procurement plans for further consultation, while reaffirming nuclear’s role in energy security.
4. **Ports Infrastructure**
– Celebrated the launch of new tugboats to improve port efficiency and reduce congestion.
### **Health Matters**
1. **Mpox**
– Reassured the public about the control of Mpox outbreaks and encouraged preventive measures.
2. **Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)**
– Reported progress in managing FMD with ongoing vaccinations and monitoring of affected areas.
3. **School Nutrition**
– Supported modernization of the National School Nutrition Programme to benefit 9.7 million learners.
Women’s Month Commemorations
1. **National Aviation Gender Summit**
– Hosted to promote women’s participation in aviation.
2. **Regional Webinar**
– Discussed economic empowerment of women in Southern Africa.
International Affairs
1. **SADC Summit**
– Discussed regional humanitarian appeals, free trade agreements, and the situation in Palestine.
2. **Railway Conference**
– Addressed the need for investment and collaboration in the SADC rail sector.
Cabinet Decisions
1. **Advisory Body**
– Approved the establishment of an advisory body within the Department of Small Business Development to support small enterprises.
Updates
1. **Montreal Protocol and Minamata Convention**
– Briefed on international meetings regarding ozone layer protection and mercury control.
2. **COP28**
– Reviewed outcomes related to climate change and the Loss and Damage Fund.
Legislation
1. **AMSAR Bill**
– Approved the publication of the Aeronautical and Marine Search and Rescue Bill for public comments.
Appointments
– Announced appointments to the board of the Small Enterprise Development Agency.
Upcoming Events
1. **Presidential Imbizo**
– Scheduled for 23 August in Ekurhuleni to address service delivery.
2. **Aviation Africa Summit**
– Set for 16-17 September in Johannesburg.
3. **Migration Conference**
– Held from 20-23 August in Johannesburg.
4. **Tourism Month**
– Running from 1-30 September to promote South African tourism.
5. **State Visit to China**
– President Ramaphosa to visit China from 2-5 September to strengthen bilateral relations.
Messages
1. **Sports Achievements**
– Celebrated recent victories by South African athletes and teams.
2. **Congratulations**
– Extended to various individuals and groups for their achievements.
3. **Condolences**
– Offered condolences to the families of notable figures who recently passed away.
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