6 June 2006
The media is invited to a media briefing after the conclusion of the two-day
meeting of Ministers from the Eastern and Southern African region responsible
for Information Communication Technology (ICT) at the Sandton Inter-Continental
Hotel in Johannesburg today.
Details of the media briefing:
Venue: Sandton Inter-Continental Hotel, Johannesburg
Date: Tuesday, 6 June 2006
Time: 15h00 until 15h30
The New Partnership for Africaâs Development (NEPAD) e-Africa Commission
Ministerial meeting was opened yesterday by the Minister of Communications, Dr
Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri.
The last day of the meeting is expected to facilitate the process of
approval of protocol by the Ministers to enable the speedy implementation of
NEPAD broadband ICT network, including the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable
System (EASSy).
The EASSy cable will ensure that all African countries are connected to one
another by the broadband fibre optic cable systems that will in turn link them
to the rest of the world through existing or planned sub-marine cable
systems.
The cable will cover about 9 900 km connecting the port city of Durban,
South Africa, to Port Sudan in Sudan and is expected to significantly bring
down the costs of telecommunications on the continent.
The objective of the project is to integrate the continent by harmonising
ICT infrastructure initiatives across the continent and bridge the digital
divide.
For enquiries contact:
Samuel Mikenga
Cell: 072 5296 769
Zodumo Mbuli
Cell: 084 777 2077
Albi Modise
Cell: 083 490 2871
Issued by: Ministry of Communication
6 June 2006
