SA "to continue working with US" despite terror alert spat
Government has reiterated its position on the terror alert issued by the US Diplomatic Mission at the weekend, saying it will continue to work with US authorities to address the matter, despite the Department of International Relations (Dirco) condemning the announcement by the US.
The US said it received credible information that its citizens could be targeted at shopping centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
The warning subsequently lead to both Britain and Australia to issue travel advisories for its citizens living in South Africa.
Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe avoided answering questions on the marked difference in the statements by the Presidency and Dirco.
During a briefing on Cabinet's meeting on Wednesday, Radebe said he hadn't read Dirco's statement in which it accused the US foreign mission of attempting to manipulate the country's anti-terrorism operations.
After a wave of questions by the media, Radebe said, "there's nothing more I can add to what I've said… the United States Embassy issued a statement, which I'm sure you've seen it, that reiterates the same sentiment about cordial relations between the US and South African governments."
Meanwhile, ministers in the Security Cluster, which includes Police and State Security, yesterday held a meeting to discuss the issue. The meeting was, according to Radebe, aimed at ensuring South Africans' safety.
Economy and Election
Cabinet has also welcomed the decisions by the three major ratings agencies to affirm South Africa's credit rating above 'junk status.'
According to Radebe, Team South Africa - a group made up of government, business and labour is working hard to ensure South Africa is not downgraded to junk status at the end of the year. "South Africa is implementing programmes from the National Development Plan (NDP) which will ensure that the country remains an investment destination," said Radebe.
Government has also implemented a range of interventions in the sectors that have been worst affected in the first quarter of 2016. South Africa's Gross Domestic Product contracted by 1.2% in the first quarter, significantly increasing the risk of a recession.
Radebe said the interventions include Operation Phakisa in the mining industry, which shrunk by more than 18% - the main culprit to the weak growth.
Other industries include agriculture, transport and electricity.
The economic turbulence comes only months before the local government election, set to take place on 3 August. Radebe said government has also taken steps to address the ongoing political violence.
"Political parties and supporters must abide by the Constitution and those guilty of criminal activity will face the full might of law," he said.
The Minister of Police has also set up a multidisciplinary task team, which includes, among others, forensic services and the Hawks to ensure all South Africans' safety in the run up to the election.