African economic integration is a critical driver for shared economic prosperity and job creation.

Recent xenophobic sentiments that are fueled by fears of job losses and economic exclusion do not take account of the enormous benefits that South Africa (and our neighbours) derives from the growing integration of economies.

In this context, I would like to invite you on behalf of Minister Patel to cover the Symposium.

The Symposium will take place on Africa Day, Monday, 25 May from 3 to 6pm, at the Sol Kerzner Hospitality Suite, Bunting Rd Campus, University of Johannesburg, to be followed by a reception and light buffet dinner.

It is convened jointly by the University of Johannesburg, the Industrial Development Corporation and the Economic Development Department and I extend the invitation on behalf Minister Patel as well as that of Professor Rensburg, Vice Chancellor of UJ and Geoffrey Qhena, CEO of the IDC.

The Symposium will identify and discuss the positive economic impact of Africa on the South African economy and ways in which this can be strengthened and better communicated to the broader South African public. This will look at trade flows, investment, tourism and infrastructure development, among others.

We have invited a small number of people drawn from the business, labour, community, government and academic sectors. I hope you will be able to join us.

For more information please call:
Thembinkosi Gamlashe
Cell: 072 031 6870