T Mbeki and A Pahad to witness promulgation of DRC Constitution and
unveiling of national symbols

17 February 2006

Tshwane - South African President Thabo Mbeki supported by Deputy Minister
Aziz Pahad and South Africa’s Special Envoy to the Great Lakes, Ambassador
Kingsley Mamabolo, will on Saturday depart South Africa for a one day visit to
Kinshasa to witness the promulgation of the DRC’s constitution. This follows
the successful referendum held last year in which the majority of the people of
DRC voted in favour of the new Constitution

President Thabo Mbeki’s visit to the DRC, during which he will also witness
the introduction of the national symbol including the flag and the national
anthem, comes within the context of South Africa’s commitment to supporting the
implementation of the current peace process as part of efforts towards Africa’s
renewal.

In this regard, South Africa working in conjunction with the facilitator
President Sir Keitumile Masire played a major role in assisting the people of
DRC find a common solution to the political challenges that faced the country
for decades.

The promulgation of the new constitution will lay a basis for the
formulation of the electoral law that will regulate the conduct of presidential
and parliamentary elections scheduled for April 2006.

Enquiries:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853

Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 February 2006