1.1. Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the 12th BRICS Summit which was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Hosted by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, the summit deliberated on the BRICS partnership for global stability, shared security and innovative growth.

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MINISTRY IN THE PRESIDENCY
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Private Bag X860, Pretoria, 0001, Tel: 012 473 0164, Cape Town 8000, Tel: 021 464 2100
Statement on the virtual Cabinet meeting of Wednesday, 18 November 2020
A. ISSUES IN THE ENVIRONMENT
1. 12th Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) Summit
1.1. Cabinet welcomed the outcomes of the 12th BRICS Summit which was led by
President Cyril Ramaphosa. Hosted by President Vladimir Putin of the Russian
Federation, the summit deliberated on the BRICS partnership for global stability,
shared security and innovative growth.
1.2. The outcomes included the adoption of a revised Strategy for BRICS Economic
Partnership (2020-2025) and the adoption of the BRICS Counter-Terrorism
Strategy. The Moscow Declaration adopted at the end of the summit expressed,
among other issues, support for the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the
efforts towards intensified integration and development in the continent, including
implementation of the Agreement on the African Continental Free Trade Area.
1.3. The summit also noted progress achieved by the AU in addressing infrastructure
gaps, particularly within the framework of the New Partnership for Africa’s
Development, and the importance of promoting investments to support industrial
development, create jobs, ensure food security, fight poverty and provide for
Africa’s sustainable development.

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2. Working Visit by the President of Malawi
2.1. Cabinet welcomed the recent successful Working Visit to South Africa by
members of the Malawian Government led by President Lazarus Chakwera. The
meeting between Presidents Chakwera and Ramaphosa discussed bilateral,
regional and continental matters of mutual interest.
2.2. South Africa remains committed to deepening and strengthening relations with
Malawi through expanded trade and investment with a goal of achieving decent
livelihoods in both countries. The two countries have cordial relations dating back
many decades.
2.3. Cabinet was also briefed on the issue of Mr Shepherd and Mrs Mary Bushiri, who
fled to Malawi while out on bail of R200 000 each following charges of fraud and
money-laundering.
2.4. Cabinet was satisfied with the manner in which the Justice, Crime Prevention and
Safety Cluster has handled the matter and the cluster will update the public on the
developments regarding this matter.
3. Municipal by-elections
3.1. Cabinet commends the Independent Electoral Commission for the successful by-
elections, held in 95 wards across 55 municipalities on Wednesday, 11 November
2020. Municipal elections remain a pillar of sharpening our democracy at district
and municipal levels.
3.2. Cabinet thanked all South Africans who took part in the by-elections, which were
the first time after election activities were suspended in March owing to the
Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

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4. Five national days of mourning
4.1. Cabinet has urged South Africans to take part in the five days of mourning to
remember those who have lost their lives to COVID-19 and gender-based violence
and femicide (GBVF). All national flags will fly at half-mast during five days of
mourning starting from Wednesday, 25 November to Sunday, 29 November 2020.
4.2. In a united move to honour and remember all those who have succumbed to
COVID-19 and GBVF, all citizens are encouraged to wear attires and ornaments
which symbolise mourning based on their culture, tradition and religious belief.
5. Signing of Sugar Master Plan
5.1. Cabinet welcomed the signed Sugar Industry Master Plan by Agriculture, Land
Reform and Rural Development Minister Thoko Didiza and the sugar industry
sector. The Sugar Master Plan seeks to take urgent action to protect thousands of
jobs, rural livelihoods and businesses, and at the same time create a bold new
ambition for the future, which seeks to create diversified revenue streams for
sugar producers, and deliver significant new job opportunities.
5.2. The sugar industry is a critical employer of workers and a source of livelihood for
large numbers of rural communities
B. CABINET DECISIONS
1. National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS)
1.1. Cabinet approved the NACS which provides a nationwide intervention framework.
The strategy is the culmination of a countrywide consultation with various sectors,
including business, government and civil society. The NACS Reference Group,
comprising civil society, academia, business and government representatives,
supported the compilation of this strategy.
1.2. The NACS covers six pillars, which include promoting and encouraging active
citizenry, whistle-blowing, integrity and transparency; advancing the

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professionalization of employees, enhancing governance in institutions, and
strengthening resourcing and coordination of performance and accountability.
1.3. The strategy also proposes and interim National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council as
a structural arrangement to ensure greater monitoring, accountability and
transparency. This interim structure will commence a process to set up an
independent overarching statutory structure that will report directly to Parliament.
2. National Protected Areas Expansion Strategy (NPAES)
2.1. Cabinet approved the revised NPAES for implementation. The strategy was
approved for public consultation in November 2018. These consultations resulted in
a number of revised inputs being added in the nine chapters of this strategy.
2.2. South Africa is one of the richest countries in terms of plants and animal diversity. It
is listed as one of the world’s top three mega diverse nations. Managing and
conserving these essential biodiverse elements also contributes to creating jobs
through tourism and nature conservation programmes, and also serves as places of
scientific research.
3. Revised National Biodiversity Framework (NBF)
3.1. Cabinet approved the publication of the NBF for public comment. This is a sectoral
plan of action to address the biodiversity threats identified during the scientific
assessment of the state of biodiversity and ecosystems in South Africa done by
the South African National Biodiversity Institute in 2019.
3.2. The most critical areas in the assessment report relates to fresh water
ecosystems, rivers and estuaries with fresh water fish being the most vulnerable of
all the species.
4. Commercial Forestry Sector (CFS) Master Plan for South Africa (2020-2025)

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4.1. Cabinet approved the implementation of CFS Master Plan, which has been agreed
upon by the industry, government and labour. The plan balances environmental,
economic and social benefit from the forestry resources.
4.2. It captures seven key focus areas: (a) expansion of the forestry resource and
maintenance/protection, (b) transformation of the sector, (c) value addition and
processing, (d) timber theft and illegal activities, (e) research, development,
innovation and skills development, (f) key inhibitors to the growth of the sector and
(g) institutional development.
5. A national implementation framework towards the professionalization of the
Public Service
5.1. Cabinet approved publication of the draft national implementation framework
towards the professionalization of the Public Service. This is in line with the
commitment made by the sixth administration to create a capable, ethical and
developmental Public Service.
5.2. The framework proposes five critical professionalization pillars which will be led by
the National School of Government (NSG), in partnership with various institutions
of learning. The five pillars include pre-entry recruitment and selection within the
Public service; induction and onboarding; planning and performance management;
continuous learning and professional development, and career progression and
career incidents.
6. Policy proposals to amend Public Service Administration Management Act
(PAMA) of 2014 and Public Service Act (PSA) of 1994
6.1. Cabinet has approved policy proposals that seek to amend the PAMA, 2014 (Act
11 of 2014) and the PSA, 1994 (Act 103 of 1994). Among other things, they
propose a move towards a single Public Service, retention of the status of the
NSG as a national department and clarify the role of the Office of Health

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Standards Compliance in respect of mechanisms for the coordination of norms
and standards in the public administration.
6.2. The policy proposals for the PSA include clarifying the heads of department in the
Office of the Premier and The Presidency, and also correct some of the issues
occasioned by the court judgements.
6.3. The amendments are premised on furthering the Single Public Administration
initiative and also give effect to the policy reforms envisaged in the National
Development Plan to build a professional public service.
6.4. The Single Public Administration initiative is underpinned by the principle to
ensure efficient, quality, collaborative and accountable service delivery.
7. Official Identity Management Policy
7.1. Cabinet approved the Official Identity Management Policy to be released for public
comment. The policy proposes a number of changes, including amending the
Identification Act, 1997 (Act 68 of 1997) and Alteration of Sex Description and Sex
Status Act, Act 40 of 2003) to align them with the Constitution of the Republic of
South Africa Act of 1996 and the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (Act 4
of 2013.
7.2. It also proposes the integration of the National Population Register to enable a single
view of a person with features to interface with other government and private sector
identity management systems. It will integrate the current systems into a biometric-
enabled National Identity System. The new proposed population register will form
the basis of an official e-identity which will serve as the backbone of state and private
digital platforms.
8. Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the AU Relating to the Pan-African
Parliament (PAP)
8.1. Cabinet approved the submission of the Protocol to the Constitutive Act of the AU to
the PAP for ratification. To give effect to this protocol, member states need to ratify

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them through their respective parliaments. South Africa hosts the PAP, which is the
legislative arm of the AU.
C. BILLS
1. National Small Enterprise Amendment (NSEA) Bill of 2020
1.1. Cabinet approved the publishing of the NSEA for public comment, which seeks to
amend the National Small Enterprise Act, 1996 (Act 102 of 1996). The
amendments provide for the Office of the Small Enterprises Ombud Service and
repeal the provision for the establishment of an Advisory Body.
1.2. The Bill broadens access to justice for small enterprises through the Ombud
Service, which will be tasked with considering and disposing of complaints by
small enterprises.
1.3. Implementation of the amendments will realise greater stability to the sector and
advance economic opportunity through the creation of job opportunities by small,
medium and micro enterprises.
2. National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) Amendment Bill
2.1. Cabinet approved the submission of the NYDA Amendment Bill for public
comment. The amendments enhance the operational effectiveness of the NYDA in
expanding its reach and increasing responsiveness to young people’s needs.
2.2. Youth constitute nearly a third of South Africa’s population and implementation of
this Bill will go further in contributing towards building a highly skilled labour force
and also increasing support for entrepreneurship. This will contribute towards
addressing the triple developmental challenges of poverty, inequality and
unemployment.
D. UPCOMING EVENTS
1. 16 Days of Activism

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1.1. Cabinet approved the theme: “Women’s Economic Justice towards a non-violent
and non-sexist South Africa” for the 16 Days of Activism campaign, which is the
high-point of the 365 Days against GBVF campaign. President Ramaphosa will
launch the campaign on Wednesday, 25 November 2020 at the Sarah Baartman
District Municipality in the Eastern Cape.
1.2. The Emergency Response Action Plan to combat GBVF that was approved in
2019 commenced to give effect to support survivors; uplift awareness and
prevention campaigns; improve laws and policies; promote the economic
empowerment of women, and strengthen the criminal justice system.
1.3. The adopted National Strategic Plan (NSP), which was received by President
Ramaphosa early this year, takes forward the emergency response intervention
that were started in 2019. The Inter-Ministerial Committee on GBVF led by the
Minister in The Presidency for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities, Ms
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, continues to oversee the mainstream
operationalisation of the programmes of the NSP.
2. World Aids Day – 1 December 2020
2.1. The theme for World AIDS Day on 1 December 2020: “We’re in this together,
Cheka Impilo!” underscores individual responsibility to ensure that the gains made
thus far in responding to the HIV and tuberculosis (TB) epidemics are not lost.
2.2. South Africa has the biggest HIV epidemic in the world, with about 7.7 million
people living with HIV, and accounts for a third of all new infections in Southern
Africa. More people are now testing for HIV. South Africa has the world’s largest
antiretroviral therapy programme. It is the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to
fully approve Pre-exposure Prophylaxis, which is now being made available to
those at high risk of infection.
2.3. Cabinet urges South Africans to follow the Cheka Impilo three steps: First, get
your health checked, get tested for HIV and TB for free at any clinic near you.
Second, take action once you know your results, begin treatment immediately or

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stay on treatment. Lastly, live smart, live healthy by avoiding risky sexual
behaviour, avoiding unhealthy habits, and maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.
3. Group of Twenty (G20) Leaders’ Summit
3.1 President Ramaphosa will lead the South African delegation to the virtual G20
Leaders’ Summit on Saturday, 21 November and Sunday, 22 November.
3.2 The G20 Leaders’ Summit is convened by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a
focus on deepening global cooperation around the theme of “Realising
Opportunities of the 21st Century for All”. The summit is set out to lead
international efforts to develop a robust coordinated global response to fight the
COVID-19 pandemic, safeguard the global economy and enhance international
cooperation.
3.3 Discussions will centre on empowering people, protecting the planet and the
resolution of global challenges through solutions that benefit all of humanity.
A. MESSAGES
1. CONGRATULATIONS
Cabinet extends its congratulations and well wishes to:
 President Ramaphosa for celebrating his 68th birthday on Tuesday, 17
November 2020.
 President Alassane Ouattara and the people of Cote d’Ivoire for conducting
successful elections.
 United States of America (USA) President-elect Joseph R. Biden, and the people
of the USA, following a successful election.
 Master KG for winning the Best African Act Award at the MTV EMA’s following the
hit song Jerusalema that featured Nomcebo Zikode, which became one of the
biggest songs on the planet.
 Banyana Banyana who earned a fourth successive COSAFA Women's
Championship title with a 2-1 victory over Botswana.

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 Bafana Bafana who completed a double over Sao Tome and Principe to stay on
course for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
2. CONDOLENCES
Cabinet sent condolences to the:
 people of Ghana and the family and friends of Ghana’s former President Jerry
Rawlings.
 family, friends and colleagues of the outgoing Auditor-General Mr Kimi Makwetu
who served our country with distinction and contributed towards inculcating a
culture of accountability in the use of state resources. Mr Makwetu's death was a
huge loss to the auditing profession and the ongoing task of building an
accountable administration. Cabinet expressed pride that Mr Makwetu was elected
by acclamation to the United Nations’ Independent Audit Advisory Committee, a
task he would, without a doubt, have executed with distinction.
 government and people of the State of Palestine following the passing of Dr Saeb
Erekat. Dr Erekat was the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the
Palestine Liberation Organisation, member of the Fatah Central Committee and
prominent academic, the lead Palestinian peace negotiator and a close friend of
South Africa.
E. APPOINTMENTS
All appointments are subject to the verification of qualifications and the
relevant clearance.
1. Governing Body of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and
Arbitration:
a. Mr Enos Ngutshane (Chairperson);
b. Mr Siobhan Leyden;

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c. Mr Kaizer Moyane;
d. Mr Sifiso Lukhele;
e. Ms Riefdah Ajam;
f. Mr Narius Moloto;
g. Mr Bheki Ntshalintshali;
h. Mr Thembinkosi Mkalipi;
i. Ms Thabitha Constance Mametja; and
j. Ms Tshepo Mahlaela.
2. Non-executive members to the Board of Directors of the Armaments
Corporation of South Africa:
a. Ambassador Jeanette Thokozile Ndhlovu (reappointment);
b. Dr Reginald Cassius Lubisi;
c. Dr Phillip David Dexter;
d. Ms Refilwe Matenche;
e. Maj Gen (ret) Lungile Christian Pepani;
f. Ms Fundiswa Skweyiya-Gushu;
g. Mr Timothy Mandla Sukazi; and
h. Ms Peta Nonceba Mashinini.
3. 6th-Term on the Council of the Engineering Council of South Africa:
1. Ms Refilwe Buthelezi;
2. Ms Prudence Madiba;
3. Ms Tshwaraganang Ramagofu;
4. Mr John Daniels;
5. Mr Mashao Lawrence Lebea;
6. Mr Kasango Nyembwe;
7. Mr Simphiwe Nathaniel Zimu;
8. Mr Thembinkosi Cedric Madikane;

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9. Mr Sipo Mkhize;
10. Ms Nirvanna Rampersad;
11. Ms Liezl Smith Smith;
12. Ms Refilwe Lesufi;
13. Ms Sarah Skorpen;
14. Ms Abimbola Olukunle;
15. Mr Sandiswa Jekwa;
16. Ms Linda Njomane;
17. Mr Mpho Ramuhulu;
18. Ms Philile Precious Mdletshe;
19. Mr Lesetja Boshomane;
20. Ms Amelia Mtshali;
21. Mr Thulebona Memela;
22. Ms Simangele Mngomezulu;
23. Ms Otilia Mthethwa;
24. Mr Thembinkosi Gamedze;
25. Ms Phumza Zweni;
26. Mr Bhekinkosi Williamson Mvovo;
27. Ms Patronella Fikile Sibiya;
28. Ms Cingisa Mbola;
29. Ms Thulisile Mwelase;
30. Mr Kemraj Ramgobind Ojageer;
31. Mr Enson Muranganwa Mangwengwende;
32. Ms Thandeka Chili;
33. Mr Sifiso Keswa;
34. Ms Sejako Morejwane;
35. Ms Nirasha Sampson;
36. Ms Sewela Mutileni;
37. Ms Nokhana Moerane;

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38. Mr Mamadi Isau Mailula;
39. Ms Natalie Skeepers;
40. Mr Matome Edmund Modipa;
41. Dr Reginald Sethole Legoabe.
42. Mr Carlo Van Zyl;
43. Mr Ranthekeng Moloisane;
44. Mr Njabulo Nhleko;
45. Ms Elizabeth Theron;
46. Mr Arnold Heinz Sommer;
47. Ms Rachel Ledwaba;
48. Mr Nic Smit; and
49. Mr Sekete Zachia David Botsane;
4. Commission for Employment Equity
a. Ms Tabea Kabinde (Chairperson);
b. Mr Bhabhali kaMaPhikela Nhlapho;
c. Ms Lebogang Mulaisi;
d. Mr Puleng Tsebe;
e. Mr Mpho Vuma;
f. Thembi Chagonda;
g. Ms Zinzisa Pearl Mgobondela;
h. Ms Stieneke Jensma; and
i. Ms Dineo Mmako.
5. Mr Mashwahle Joseph Diphofa – Extension of five-year contract as Director-
General (DG) of the Department of Traditional Affairs.
6. Dr Phil Mjwara – Extension of two-year contract as DG of the Department of
Science and Innovation.

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7. Dr Duncan Ettienne Pieterse – Deputy DG (DDG): Economic Policy, Department
of National Treasury.
8. Dr Thuli Nomsa Khumalo – DDG: Climate Change and Air Quality Management,
Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
Enquiries: Ms Phumla Williams – Cabinet Spokesperson
Mobile: 083 501 0139
Date: Thursday, 19 November 2020
Issued by: Government Communication and Information System (GCIS)
www.gcis.gov.za; www.gov.za