The Department Public Works (DPW) Minister Hon. Thulas Nxesi has met with the visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, Mr Chen Dawei and his delegation in Cape Town where the two sides discussed matters relating to the development of infrastructure.
The purpose of the visit on 18 and 19 June 2013 by the Chinese delegation was to engage with DPW and other stakeholders with the view of understanding applicable regulations and laws that guide the development of infrastructure in South Africa, and the role of other stakeholders in the construction industry.
The Chinese delegation’s two-day visit to South Africa started with an appointment at the department’s headquarters in Pretoria where the team met with the Deputy Director-General (DDG): Regional Co-ordination, Mr Butcher Matutle as well as DDG: Projects & Professional Services, Mr Mfezeko Gwazube for a briefing on the construction projects of the department which was later followed by a visit to the Agrivaal construction site.
On the second day, the delegation visited the Cape Town Regional Office where Regional Manager, Mr Fred Johnson and his management team briefed the visiting delegation on departmental projects that are carried out by the Regional Office. The delegation was also taken to Iziko Museum construction site for a presentation on the project.
Wrapping up the Chinese delegation’s visit, Hon. Minister of Public Works TW Nxesi thanked Vice Minister Dawei for the interest he has shown in the department and its work. Minister Nxesi urged Vice Minister Dawei and his delegation to engage further with DPW officials towards formalising cooperation on issues related to infrastructure development, including the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). He also encouraged the sharing of ideas by the respective professional bodies.
In his response, Hon. Vice Minister Dawei thanked the Minister and the department for giving his delegation a good experience, and for ensuring that they get valuable information about the work of the department and the country at large. Vice Minister Chen Dawei also wished former South African President Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery in hospital. The Vice Minister also extended an invitation to a delegation of DPW officials and its entities to visit China later in the year.
