MBEKI MET A GROUP OF 15 BRITISH BUSINESS PEOPLE

Issued by: Office of the Executive Deputy President T.M. Mbeki

07 July 1998

Today Deputy president Thabo Mbeki met with a group of 15 prominent British business people called the `D Group', which is visiting South Africa.

The purpose of the visit is to look for new business and commercial opportunities for participating D Group members with the assistance and encouragement of the South African Government.

Deputy President Thabo Mbeki briefed the group about the process of transformation in the country. Among other challenges the country is facing, Mr Mbeki outlines:

• The state of administration in the local government.
• Debate about affirmative action
• Large budget deficit inherited from the previous government
• Corruption
• Crime

At the end of the meeting the D Group expressed its satisfaction in all of the above mentioned issues.

Nthabiseng Rantao