Mlambo-Ngcuka and Gulf States ambassadors
21 May 2007
Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka met with the Gulf States Ambassadors
over breakfast on 21 May 2007 at Eskom, Megawatt Park.
The purpose of the meeting was to familiarise the Ambassadors with the
Accelerated and Growth Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) and the Joint
initiative on Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) and to propose trade and
investment initiatives between South Africa and the Gulf States.
The Deputy President also briefed the Ambassadors on South Africa's target
of 6% economic growth by 2010, which she admitted, was not ambitious but could
be reached before the targeted period. She cited the entry-level working class
and emerging black middle class as some of the reasons for the country's rapid
economic growth.
The Deputy President mentioned that some of the key interventions government
has undertaken are geared towards responding to this booming economy.
Education improvement, the government has taken measures to ensure that
every child is accommodated in a school. This has led to the expanding
education system which has led to a need for more teachers, especially in key
fields such as mathematics, science etc. The need for quality education was
emphasised by the Deputy President.
Healthcare facilities, the government has ensured free healthcare facilities
for children and pensioners. Citizens now have access to dentists, optometrists
and other specialists.
Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka stressed that due to the services government
is taking to the people it is important not to overlook the importance of civil
servants and the work they do.
Focusing on JIPSA, the Deputy President reiterated the need for skills in
the engineering, hospitality, artisan sectors. At the same time, she pointed
out great strides were made since JIPSA was launched a year ago.
She went on to say that looking at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, public transport
infrastructure will be the lasting legacy for South Africa. This infrastructure
that is being put up should change the way South Africans commute after 2010.
To facilitate this infrastructure investment, the Deputy President invited
suppliers of capital and other goods. Furthermore, the World Cup would also
assist in improving sporting facilities as well as increasing tourism in
African counties.
The Deputy President identified Information and Communication Technology
(ICT), biofuels, forestry, chemicals and mineral beneficiation as some of the
other major areas she sees as investment opportunities for Gulf States.
The Ambassadors welcomed the Deputy President's initiatives and expressed
interest in engaging in training projects and related investment opportunities.
The Ambassadors also recommended that if there is to be more investment
opportunities in South Africa then some of the visa procedures should be
relaxed to make it easier for them to enter the country.
There was a request for the ambassadors that trade delegations to the region
be encouraged and to be provided with specific projects for investment. Another
important area that they requested be looked into was the transfer of
technology between the Gulf States and South Africa. The meeting also noted the
efforts that the South African government was making in improving security for
citizens and visitors alike.
Enquiries:
Thabang Chiloane
Cell: 082 888 8783
Issued by The Presidency
21 May 2007
Source: SAPA
