On Tuesday, Minister in the Presidency, Jackson Mthembu, addressed the media to provide an update on the outcomes of the latest Cabinet meeting. The briefing was held at the Union Buildings in Pretoria and was attended by various government officials, members of the press, and other stakeholders.
Minister Mthembu began the briefing by highlighting the key decisions made during the Cabinet meeting. He emphasized that the Cabinet remains committed to implementing the policies and programs of the government in order to improve the lives of all South Africans.
One of the main decisions made during the meeting was the approval of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. This plan aims to address the high levels of gender-based violence in the country and provide support to victims. Minister Mthembu stated that the government is determined to end the cycle of violence against women and children and will work closely with civil society to achieve this goal.
The Cabinet also approved the establishment of a Presidential Employment Stimulus to create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth. This program will focus on job creation in key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and social services. Minister Mthembu expressed his belief that this stimulus will play a crucial role in reducing the high unemployment rate in the country.
In addition, the Cabinet discussed the progress made in the implementation of the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. This plan was introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in October 2020 to revitalize the economy and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Mthembu stated that the government is pleased with the progress made thus far and will continue to work tirelessly to achieve the goals set out in the plan.
Furthermore, the Cabinet approved the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, which aims to provide universal healthcare to all South Africans. This bill has been a long-standing goal of the government and its approval is seen as a significant step towards achieving quality and affordable healthcare for all citizens.
Another important decision made during the Cabinet meeting was the approval of the National Integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy White Paper. This policy seeks to address the digital divide in the country and promote the development of the ICT sector. Minister Mthembu emphasized the importance of ICT in driving economic growth and improving access to services for all South Africans.
The Cabinet also discussed the progress made in the implementation of the District Development Model, which aims to improve service delivery and promote local economic development. Minister Mthembu highlighted the success of this model in various pilot districts and stated that it will be rolled out to all municipalities in the country.
In conclusion, Minister Mthembu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to serving the people of South Africa and improving their lives. He stated that the decisions made during the Cabinet meeting will have a positive impact on the country and urged all stakeholders to work together towards the successful implementation of these policies and programs.
The media briefing was a demonstration of the government’s transparency and accountability to the public. It provided an opportunity for the media and other stakeholders to engage with the government on important issues and to ensure that the government’s actions align with the needs and aspirations of the people.
The outcomes of the Cabinet meeting reflect the government’s determination to address the key challenges facing the country and to build a better South Africa for all. As Minister Mthembu stated, “We are a government that listens, that cares, and that takes action.” The decisions made during the Cabinet meeting are a testament to this and serve as a reminder of the government’s unwavering commitment to the people of South Africa.
