UN accepts South Africa
For the first time in 20 years, the credentials of South Africa's delegation to the United Nations have been accepted. The decision was made by a UN committee on June 17. South Africa's return to the General Assembly marks the end of the last UN penalty imposed against apartheid.
South Africa was suspended from the UN General Assembly on November 12, 1974. Despite the suspension, Pretoria remained a member, but refused to pay its dues. The ANC-led government is now saddled with a US$100 million debt as a result.
Humanitarian assistance for Rwanda
President Nelson Mandela announced on June 17 that South Africa would join a church-sponsored initiative to send humanitarian aid to civil war-ravaged Rwanda. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would transport food, clothing and medical supplies. Deputy foreign affairs minister Aziz Pahad said that a South African team just returned from Rwanda had identified as priorities, vitamin and protein-enriched foods, water purification tablets, vaccines and blankets. The new government has also pledged R1 million (A$400,000) for aid to Rwanda. It ruled out sending troops.
Clean drinking water within three years
The government of national unity has promised every South African access to clean drinking water and sanitation "within one to three years". Water affairs and forestry minister Kadar Asmal estimates the program will cost up to R13 billion (A$5.2 billion). Asmal's department says 16 million people do not have access to "safe and secure" water. Between 21 and 25 million people do not have adequate sanitation. "The policy of the department is to treat water security as a basic human right", Asmal said.
The government's "minimum program" is to ensure that every household has access to at least 20 litres of clean water per person per day, within a 200-metre walk. More than 30,000 children died last year from illnesses linked to a lack of clean water and poor sanitation.
ANC caucus complains
The ANC caucus has complained that MPs and senators are being sidelined by cabinet on important decisions. A caucus meeting in Cape Town on June 21 formed a special committee to "re-examine" the relationship between the government, the cabinet and the ANC.
The ANC is also discussing a constituency system to ensure that ANC MPs and senators work effectively and are directly accountable to the public. The committee will be headed by ANC secretary general Cyril Ramaphosa.
The caucus is also considering whether to accept recommended salary levels for MPs and ministers. An independent committee has proposed that MPs earn an annual net salary of R137,000 (A$55,000) and ministers R300,000. President Nelson Mandela takes home over R410,000.
These levels have been severely criticised by the ANC Youth League, the SACP and COSATU. Whatever is finally decided, all SACP MPs and ministers must donate 15% of their pay to the party. ANC MPs are required to contribute R750 a month to the ANC, and ministers R2000 a month.
Privatisation rejected
The new government has ruled out the privatisation of public enterprises. Public enterprises minister Stella Sigcau said on June 15 that state-owned bodies have a vital role to play in the reconstruction and development of South Africa. They also create foreign exchange and will be an important vehicle for affirmative action.
Violence drops
Political violence dropped to an 18-month low in May, with only 195 deaths, compared to 487 deaths in April. Natal/KwaZulu remains worst hit. The Human Rights Committee says the province's toll of 104 deaths in May was the lowest since January 1993. Attacks on police continue; 55 police have been killed in 600 attacks so far this year, most of them in the PWV region. For the first time since 1963, there were no people being held in detention without trial.
ANC criticises defence minister
The ANC has firmly rebuked the former Umkhonto we Sizwe head, now minister for defence, Joe Modise, for his court action against the Weekly Mail. Modise sought to prevent the newspaper publishing the names of agents who spied on the liberation movements and remain in the new government's security apparatus. Modise was also criticised by the SACP, COSATU and the national civic body, SANCO. Many of the agents are believed to have been part of the notorious "third force" responsible for hundreds of deaths.