President Jacob Zuma is to visit Houston, Texas from this evening 22 September to 23 September as part of strengthening economic and educational ties with the United States of America.
President Zuma will meet with the business community to promote trade and investments and also boost educational ties with Texas Southern University (TSU).
The President will tomorrow, 23 September, address the Greater Houston Partnership (GHP) which was founded in 1989 as a result of the merger of the Houston Chamber of Commerce, the Houston Economic Development Council and the Houston World Trade Centre Association.
The GHP is the primary advocate of Houston’s business community. Many Houston companies are interested in exploring investments in the South African economy. To date, more than 354 Houston companies report doing business with South Africa.
The highlight of the visit will be the formalisation of education ties with the TSU, and the awarding of to the President, of an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters by Texas Southern University.
The President is being recognised for his leadership, his support of education and the new partnership he has facilitated between South Africa, CAMAC International, University of Houston, Texas Southern University and the Jacob G Zuma RDP Education Trust. The degree will be awarded during the University’s Founder’s Day celebration.
The partnership with the Jacob Zuma RDP Educational Trust which will also be launched tomorrow, 23 September, will benefit students in South Africa from poor households.
President Zuma would like this partnership with the Trust to be the beginning of formal linkages at a higher education level, between tertiary institutions in South Africa and the United States, to promote government’s number one priority, education and skills development.
The President ends his visit to New York today, where he is attending the 66th United Nations General Assembly debate and side events.
Enquiries:
Zanele Mngadi
Cell: 082 330 1148
