South Africa

A dedicated and innovative public servant who looked beyond the perimeters of his work is how the late government communicator Ronnie Mamoepa has been remembered by his former colleagues.

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize says the department will deal with staff shortages for frontline services in the year ahead.

Police Minister Bheki Cele says to deal with the proliferation of illegal firearms - which are a major contributor to crime levels – the department is in the process of approaching Cabinet to consider another firearm amnesty period.

The employment of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the South African Police Service (SAPS) to the worst-affected crime areas in the Western Cape for a period of no less than three months has been authorised.

Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan says a special bill on Eskom -- aimed at finding a roadmap of the power utility’s recovery -- is currently being drafted.

Trade, Industry and Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel says government will over the next five years invest R40 billion to create an additional 400 black industrialists.

Eskom is appealing to communities to stop illegal connections as it continues to experience an increasing number of repeated equipment failures in most areas.

Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy says the second draft of the Climate Change Bill, aimed at reducing carbon emissions, is currently being debated at Nedlac.

Telecommunications network provider MTN’s Zakhele-Futhi’s scheme has been found to be inconsistent with South Africa’s Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) Act.

Cabinet has joined the rest of South Africa in congratulating Caster Semenya for her victory in the 800m event at the Prefontaine Classic in California, in the USA.

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Dr Naledi Pandor says she intends to hold talks with President Cyril Ramaphosa on whether any action needs to be taken against the Ambassador to the Netherlands, Bruce Koloane.

Cabinet has approved the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill of 2018 for tabling in Parliament, following its release for public consultation last year.

Cabinet says a united response across government is required on issues such as e-tolling to ensure South Africans have confidence in the work of government.

Cabinet has condemned the recent burning of Katlehong Primary School in Gauteng, where two classrooms were set alight during service delivery protests in the Ekurhuleni township.

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to lead government’s delegation at the “25 Years of Democracy – The Next 25 Years” Conference at the University of Johannesburg, scheduled for later this month.