Presidency, Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and the Deputy Minister of Arts and
Culture, Ntombazana Botha in Bamako, Mali
25 April 2009
The President of the Republic of Mali, HE Amadou Toumani Toure has
yesterday, 24 April 2009 conferred orders on the Minister in the Presidency, Dr
Manto Tshabalala-Msimang and Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture, Ms Ntombazana
Botha in recognition of their contribution to the advancement of the bilateral
relations between South Africa and Mali.
The orders conferred are:
* To Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang: Officier de lâorde National du Mali
(Officer of the National Order of Mali).
* To Deputy Minister Ntombazana Botha: Chevalier de lâ ordre National du Mali
(Knight of the National Order of Mali).
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang, accompanied by Deputy Minister Botha, was
leading a delegation of senior officials to Mali in the context of the
bilateral cooperation on South Africa-Mali Timbuktu Manuscripts Project that
was inaugurated by President Motlanthe and President Toure in January 2009.
The purpose of the visit was to discuss technical matters relating to the
hand-over of the project to the Malian government as well as to discuss areas
of co-operation in the field of youth development.
With regard to youth development, a team of senior officials had a
meeting.
Following discussions and reports to the ministers, it was agreed that the
two countries should collaborate on the following areas:
* Education and skills development
* Economic empowerment
* Sports and recreation
* Arts and culture
* Information, communication, and technology
* Peace and security
* Any other area on youth development which the two parties will agree
upon.
A Memorandum of Understanding, in this context, will be signed soon.
Issued By: The Presidency
25 April 2009
Source: The Presidency (http://www.thepresidency.gov.za/)
