INTERDEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE

Issued by: SA Communication Service

22 September 1997

PRESS RELEASE - INTERDEPARTMENTAL CONFERENCE

In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa government is constituted, on National, Provincial and Local levels. The three spheres of government are distinctive, interdependent and interrelated.

One of the principles of co-operative government and intergovernmental relations provides that each sphere of government must co-operate with one another in mutual trust and good faith by:

• Fostering friendly relations
• Assisting and supporting one another
• Informing and consulting one another on matters of common interest
• Co-ordinating their actions and legislation

To give meaning to this aim of the constitution officials from the National, Provincial and Local spheres of government decided on a two day Interdepartmental Conference to be held in Johannesburg on October 8 and 9, 1997.

Representatives from the three spheres of government and various government departments will give a 20 minute presentation outlining the aims, objectives, services rendered and projects undertaken by the various departments.

The aim is:

• to work out a practical method of networking between the various departments on matters of common interest.
• give access to government information in accordance with the Open Democracy Act.

The Interdepartmental Conference is the initial step towards organising Community Awareness Days in the Gauteng Region from October 1997 onwards.

Issued by: Conference Task Committee For further information contact Gulam Majam Telephone (011) 337 3120 Fax: (011) 333 2028

PS Programme details to follow in due course.