President Jacob Zuma has arrived in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, leading a South African delegation to the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 June to 1 July 2011, under the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”. The President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister in the Presidency, Mr Collins Chabane, Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and Minister of State Security, Dr. Siyabonga Cwele. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will lead the South African delegation to the 19th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 June 2011.
The theme of the summit is of particular importance to South Africa, more-so as it coincides with our Youth Month celebration, the month dedicated to youth development. It was exactly 35 years ago that on 16 June 1976, the young students in Soweto braved all odds to fight for equal and quality education for all. This theme is therefore consistent with South Africa’s commitment to working towards advancing youth development.
Our participation in this regard further confirms the AU’s commitment to accelerating youth development i.e. through the African Youth Charter and the African Youth Decade, 2009-2018 Plan of Action. In this regard, the President will be supported by Minister Chabane during the discussion on the theme in the first day of the summit. The African Union (AU resolution CM/Res.1290 (XL)) has also adopted June 16 to be the African Child Day and celebrated this day under the theme “All together for urgent action in favour of street children”.
The Executive Council meetings will afford Ministers of Foreign/International Relations an opportunity to deliberate on a wide range of issues prior to the Assembly meeting. These issues include promotion of peace and security in the Continent; regional integration, development and cooperation; shared values; women as a resource for sustainable development; strengthening of institutions; accelerating youth empowerment; and issues relating to the African Diaspora. The 24th New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee will be held on 29 June 2011 at Heads of State and Government level.
President Zuma will also host a meeting of the AU Nepad Heads of State Infrastructure subcommittee tomorrow 28 June 2011. The President is the champion of the North South road and rail infrastructure corridor assisted by Minister in the Presidency for the National Planning Commission, Mr Trevor Manuel.
South Africa continues to be involved in the Conference of Africa Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) which will take place in the Margins of the Summit. Given the importance which South Africa attaches to the work of CAHOSCC, especially in the run up to COP17/CMP7, the President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Nkoana-Mashabane, in her capacity as incoming President of the COP17/CMP7.
The President and the Ministers are expected to return to the Republic on 1 July 2011.
Enquiries:
Zizi Kodwa
Cell: 082 330 4910
Clayson Monyela
Cell: 082 884 5974
Source: The Presidency
