"There will be heightened police visibility across the
country aimed at preventing, combating and at the same time, countering serious
and violent crime during the holiday period and beyond," said Minister in
the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni.
Ntshavheni addressed the media on Thursday on the outcomes
of the last official Cabinet meeting of the sixth administration held
yesterday.
She also took the time to extend Cabinet's best wishes to
the Christian and Jewish communities as they observe the religious Easter and
Passover holidays this weekend.
"During this time, many South Africans will travel
around the country to visit their families and friends, resulting in increased
traffic volumes," said Ntshavheni.
She used the platform to appeal to those travelling during
this holiday period to exercise caution on the road, adhere to traffic rules,
and respect other road users.
"Law enforcement has adopted a zero tolerance for road
users who drive recklessly and are negligent and those who use excessive
speeds."
She also reminded parents and caregivers to always be aware
of their children's whereabouts and ensure that their children are only left
with responsible adults.
The Minister also advised them to be extra vigilant while
supervising children around swimming pools or anywhere near water.
Shifting her focus to border security management, the
Minister said the Executive further welcomed the Border Management Authority's
(BMA) efforts to increase security control measures and reduce congestion.
She also announced that the BMA would extend the operating
hours at critical ports of entry and deploy an additional 400 border guards to
deal with the expected increase of travellers this Easter weekend.
The South African Police Service (SAPS), South African
Revenue Service (SARS), South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and
Cross-Border Road Transport Agency (C-BRTA) are supporting this Easter
operational plan.
The Executive applauded the work of the BMA, which will on 1
April 2024, mark one year since it was established.
The agency has intercepted over 270 000 people who tried to
enter South Africa illegally and helped curb illegal migration, human
smuggling, trafficking and cross-border crime.
Gaza conflict
Cabinet has also welcomed the United Nations Security
Council (UNSC) resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza
Strip for the Holy month of Ramadan and the unconditional release of all
hostages.
The resolution also notes the urgent need to expand the flow
of humanitarian assistance.
"This resolution is the affirmation of the correctness
of South Africa's position on the need to prevent genocide and the violation of
human rights of the people of Palestine and the release of hostages by
Hamas."
According to the Minister, these resolutions are binding and
the UNSC should ensure compliance.
"Therefore, adoption of this resolution is a critical
step to also enable the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza area,"
she said.
30 Years of Freedom
Meanwhile, on 5 April 2024, South Africa will launch the 30
Years of Freedom commemoration which also coincides with Freedom Month in
April.
"The occasion forever reverberates in the history of
our nation as a month that gave birth to our freedom and constitutional
democracy. The commemoration of 30 Years of Freedom is an opportunity to
celebrate the remarkable journey we have traversed to create a vibrant
democracy where the lives of all people are valued and people treated with
respect," said the Minister.
Other matters
Meanwhile, Cabinet said the signing of the agreement between
South Africa and Zimbabwe to transfer treated water from Beitbridge Water
Treatment Works in Zimbabwe to Musina, Limpopo, will alleviate water supply
challenges in Musina.
"There will be further socio-economic benefits from the
construction of a 20km pipeline and pump stations to transfer this 41 mega
litres of water per/day to ensure Musina has sufficient water supply for the
medium term."
In addition, she said South Africa aims to promote
industrialisation, competition, and job creation through seven master plans in
different sectors.
The seven master plans are being implemented through the
deployment of industrial policy tools, to develop capacity, increase investment
and localisation, expand exports, and preserve and grow jobs.
In addition, she stated that Cabinet received an update on
progress towards digital migration, with the final analogue switch set for
December 2024.
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