Outcomes of Regular Meeting of the Western Cape Government Cabinet

On Wednesday, 6 November 2024, Premier Alan Winde chaired a regular meeting of the Western Cape Government (WCG) Cabinet.

“This week, the world is looking at us, the Western Cape and Cape Town, as we host  Earthshot Week 2024. The opportunity to host this prestigious event has given us a platform, not just as a province but the entire country and African continent, from where we can demonstrate our collective commitment towards addressing the climate change crisis,” said Premier Winde at the opening of the meeting.

He added, “Africa is disproportionately affected by this growing crisis. Our province too is bearing the brunt. Through events such as Earthshot, we must learn from other regions and stakeholders and highlight what we as a government are doing to halt the impact of climate change. The climate crisis is not just about the future of the environment, it is about building a society and economy that enables our residents to live lives of dignity and opportunity.”

Update on the impact of budget cuts on the Western Cape health system

Following the tabling of the Medium-Term Budget Policy Framework on Wednesday, 30 October, Cabinet received an update on the impact of the ongoing budget cuts on the province’s health system. This follows earlier presentations on the impact of these cuts have had on the Western Cape Education Department.

Frontline services in healthcare, education, and social development have been the hardest hit by budget cuts that have been forced on provinces.

Cabinet reiterated its concerns over the impact on healthcare and noted that urgent financial governance measures have been implemented by the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness, which is working incredibly hard to protect services, healthcare workers, and residents’ health needs.

The Premier stated that the WCG is facing very difficult decisions, in preparing its own Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement at the end of this month, but its decisions will be guided by its commitment to protecting frontline services and growing the economy and more jobs.

Cabinet resolved that it would continue to hold National Treasury accountable for putting the Western Cape and other provinces in this untenable position.

Visa reform research

Cabinet welcomed the recently announced steps to implement long-awaited visa reforms.

Cabinet also approved the findings and recommendations of a visa research report, authored by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The report outlined how beneficial visa reforms will be to boost economic growth and job creation.

Among the key findings were:

• South Africa can potentially generate R17.8 billion by 2030 if it grants visa exemption to tourists from China, India, and Nigeria. This will result in the creation of 118 487 jobs by 2030.
• South Africa can potentially generate R668 million by 2030 if it implements a visa on arrival for tourists from China, India, Nigeria, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Philippines, Taiwan, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, and Uganda. This will result in the creation of 2 642 jobs by 2030.

Cabinet resolved to share the report with the Department of Home Affairs and other stakeholders, and to continue lobbying for the implementation of further reforms that will grow the Western Cape economy.

Status of municipalities

Cabinet resolved to implement measures to stabilise the Theewaterskloof Local Municipality in terms of Section 139 (5) of the Constitution. This will involve putting in place a recovery plan aimed at securing the municipality’s finances and executive obligations towards serving its residents.

Premier Winde emphasised, “This process will take time. But we are committed to seeing it through to a favourable conclusion that is in the interests of the residents. This intervention is not a tool of last resort, but a measure aimed at preventing the municipality from collapsing entirely.”

Establishment of Cabinet Committee on Food and Nutrition

Cabinet resolved to begin the process of establishing a Cabinet Committee on Food Security and Nutrition, comprising the provincial ministers of Health and Wellness, Social Development, Education and Agriculture.

The committee will aim to implement measures to improve nutritional programmes that will benefit the health and well-being of the province’s most vulnerable residents

“Improving access to food to address food insecurity, reduce the rate of stunting and improve child and adult malnutrition is of utmost importance to our government. We have a lot of work to do in this space and I welcome the Committee getting down to work,” concluded Premier Winde.