Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS RELEASE : ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN/SWISS DEVELOPMENT AID CONSULTATIONS
The first annual South African/Swiss consultations to discuss Swiss development aid to South Africa are being held on 2 and 3 November 1995. The objective of these consultations are to review the development-related activities of Switzerland in South Africa (both at national and provincial level) and to discuss future activities.
This follows the singing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 1994 between South Africa and Switzerland according to which the Swiss government pledged 80 million Swiss Franc to support the RDP on a bilateral as well as NGO-level. A branch of the Swiss Development Cooperation has been established in South Africa in 1995 and the Swiss has since then been involved in the IBhayi Presidential Lead Programme in the Eastern Cape. Agreements will also be signed with the Department of Education concerning a grant of 2 million Swiss Francs to the Tertiary Education Fund (TEFSA), and with the Constitutional Assembly concerning the Public Participation Programme.
A press conference will be held at the Diplomatic Guest House, Matroosbergweg 210, Pretoria at 12H00 on 3 November 1995 to further reveal the areas of Swiss involvement in South Africa and formally conclude the consultations by the signing of the written record of the negotiations by both parties. All members of the media are welcome to attend. Please bring valid press cards.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 2 NOVEMBER 1995