THE APPOINTMENT OF JAYENDRA NAIDOO AS CO-ORDINATOR

Issued by: Office of the Deputy President

STATEMENT ON THE APPOINTMENT OF JAYENDRA NAIDOO AS CO-ORDINATOR OF THE SPECIAL DEFENCE PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME

The Office of Deputy President Thabo Mbeki wishes to announce the appointment by the Defence Ministry of Jayendra Naidoo, (formerly with Nedlac), on contract to the position of Co-Ordinator of the government's Special Defence Procurement Programme.

Naidoo's responsibilities will include among others:

• heading the South African government negotiations team to extract the best possible solution to the financing and industrial benefits accruing from the Special Defence Programme.
• preparation and guidance of the teams and key decisions on the route to be followed in pursuing the objectives of obtaining a financing package acceptable to the cabinet.
• conclusion of firm contracts relating to the envisaged flows of foreign exchange from the investments and potential exports from South Africa contained in the Industrial Participation offers received from bidders.

Since his tasks will involve activities that relate to the Department of Defence, Finance, Public Enterprises and Trade and Industry, Naidoo will be accountable to and report to Deputy President Thabo Mbeki.

The Office of the Deputy President congratulates Naidoo on his appointment and expresses its conviction that his extensive experience in negotiations will help him meet the challenges that lie ahead for him in the defence ministry.

For more info contact Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853 or (012) 337-5205. For audio clip of the statement contact Deputy President Thabo Mbeki's information line at (012) 324-2219 or 328-3626.

Issued by Office of Deputy president T.M. Mbeki Communications Division P/Bag X955 Pretoria 0001