Relevant document
Media briefing of Minister Essop Pahad [available shortly]

A new approach to decision making has been launched concerning cabinet clusters of director generals. The aim is to ensure and enhance the power of cabinet commissions and to encourage strategic and political discussions. Mr Pahad stressed that these reforms were not intended to promote the power of the president and the presidency, but that the cabinet works in a collegial spirit. Pahad claimed that the clusters have reduced inconclusive commissions and have given greater efficiency, coherence and integration in decision making.

The GCIS is busy implementing so-called multi-purpose communication centres where citizens can receive and gather government information.

Regarding women, children and disabled the following remarks were made:
- There has been an amendment to the Youth Commission Act.
- There is now a 3-year program, with donor funding from Telkom.
- Focus is on a public awareness campaign on childrens rights.
- There are more disabled people in SA’s government than in any other government in the world.
- Some self-sustaining workgroups are being installed to help disabled people throughout SA.
- A policy document and an audit on gender equality is forthcoming.

Questions from the media
Q: Does HIV cause AIDS?
A: Rephrase; does the President believe HIV causes AIDS. The President believes there are several causes of AIDS and that we must continue to search for a more comprehensive approach towards AIDS. An interim report from a panel of experts including several cabinet ministers will be forthcoming.

Q: The previous president was more accessible. Is it a deliberate policy of Mbeki to stay remote?
A: There is no policy of non-availability going on.

Q: What is your reaction to the national and international public relations disaster of the Presidency regarding AIDS?
A: There is no disaster. However, the GCIS and communication in the Presidency could have acted in a better way (more open and efficient) on this issue.

Q: What is the future of Mr Parks Mankahlana?
A: He has been put on sick leave until October. He is still in office.

Q: Is government ready to implement the Promotion of Access to Information Act?
A: Yes, but no one knows how many requests will come and this will have to be assessed when the time comes.

Q: To what extent has the public awareness campaign regarding AIDS changed the mentality of the people and are we getting the message across?
A: It is important to get community radio stations to collaborate and to use the indigenous languages more in getting the message across.

Q: Is there enough capacity in the Presidency now?
A: The Presidency was reorganized for effectiveness and efficiency purposes. Capacity has been created in that process. In some areas, not enough capacity seems to have been created. However, this has nothing to do with increasing the power of the Presidency.

Q: Should Mr Pahad, as chief of the GCIS, be the champion of the Promotion of Access to Information Act ?
A: No, he is too old to be that. Everyone should be a champion of open access to information, not one person or institution.

Q: What is the Presidency’s stance on reparations in the light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission?
A: Almost everybody has been affected by Apartheid, so then almost everybody could apply for reparations. Reparations should not be reduced to individuals, but should be looked at in a broad manner.