Gauteng, as part of the Presidential Imbizo
10 April 2007
The President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by
Cabinet Ministers, the Premier of Gauteng Province, Mbhazima Shilowa, the
Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo and senior government
officials will visit the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality,
Gauteng, on Saturday, 14 April and Sunday, 15 April 2007 as part of the
Presidential Imbizo programme.
The Presidential Imbizo is part of a programme of direct interaction with
residents in communities across the country. It also includes a process of
engagement involving national, provincial and local government and state-owned
enterprises to accelerate the implementation of government's programme of
action in a particular locality.
During his two-day visit to Johannesburg, the President will interact with
local business stakeholders, visit key projects in the Johannesburg inner city
and Soweto and interact directly with city residents at a community imbizo in
Soweto.
The programme will start on Saturday with a meeting with business
stakeholders in Johannesburg. This will be followed by a visit to Soweto, where
the President and his delegation will attend a graduation ceremony for June 16
veterans who have been involved in Expanded Public Works Programme initiatives.
He will also visit Orlando Stadium, which is currently under construction.
Saturday afternoon will be devoted to a community imbizo for the residents
of Soweto and surrounding areas at Simba Stadium in Klipspruit, Soweto. Here
residents will have an opportunity to raise issues directly with the President;
thereafter the President will conduct an Imbizo-on-Air.
On Sunday the President will visit the Johannesburg inner city including a
housing project and the Gautrain Park Station portal, which is currently under
construction.
A meeting between the President and provincial and local government leaders
to deliberate on progress, challenges and priorities in implementing
government's programme in Johannesburg is scheduled to take place at midday on
Sunday. This will include a presentation by the Premier on intergovernmental
priorities in building Gauteng as a globally competitive city region.
Johannesburg's executive mayor will make a presentation on the state of the
city.
Given the position of Johannesburg and Gauteng as the country's economic
hub, discussions are expected to focus on deepening shared economic growth,
eradication of poverty and service delivery challenges.
The Presidential Imbizo coincides with the Imbizo Focus Week, which will see
Ministers, deputy ministers, Premiers, MECs, Mayors, Municipal Managers and
councillors visiting and interacting with communities across the country on a
wide range of issues relating to government's programme of action.
Media accreditation:
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Presidential
Imbizo. Please RSVP by 13h00 Tuesday, 10 April to qualify for accreditation.
Please send your name, the media organisation you represent, your ID number and
contact details to Gugu Makhaya at guguma@joburg.org.za or call (011) 407
7162.
Accreditation will be provided on Friday, 13 April. Transport will be
provided to members of the media to follow the Presidential delegation.
For more information, please contact:
Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
Annette Griessel
Tel: (011) 355 6859
Cell: 082 563 3614
City of Johannesburg
Gabu Tugwana
Tel: (011) 407 7162
Cell: 082 495 5673
Presidency
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082 338 6707
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
10 April 2007
