Issued by: Office of the President
3 November 1999
In the spirit of Children's Day (6th November), 20 South African children will interview President Thabo Mbeki. The children - from various communities - will come to the Union Buildings to meet the President and talk to him about the issues that affect them.
The children will have the opportunity to ask the President a question of their choice, and President Mbeki will respond.
The children will be given a light finger lunch in the courtyard of the Union Buildings before the President arrives. There will be a photo opportunity in the courtyard when the President arrives to meet the children at 13h20. Members of the media who would like to attend the photo opportunity should please ensure that they arrive at the Union Buildings at 13h00.
The children will then accompany the President into the Cabinet room for a private meeting. The gathering is in support of the upcoming Children's Day, and the launch of the National Programme of Action for Children in South Africa (NPA) - a programme that will see government departments working to promote the rights of children.
"The National Programme of Action for Children of South Africa is the beginning of an intensive campaign that aims to promote the rights and responsibilities of children," says Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, Director of the Office on the Status of the Child in the Office.
The NPA will be officially launched this Saturday at a day-long children'sfestival at Zoo Lake, Johannesburg.
The fun will begin early morning on 6th November, when a spectacular procession of floats will travel from Johannesburg's Rissik Street, through Braamfontein for arrival at Zoo Lake.
Then, at the carnival, called "the Promise Land," celebrities; cartoon characters, musicians, acrobats, clowns, and the MTN Gladiators will appear. Events continue all day at "Promise Land" with main stage acts featuring superheroes, a special performance by the Xmas pantomime, "Cinders and her Fella.' There will be music by Family Factory, Zenzi and Mdu.
Sponsored by Telkom Foundation, "Promise Land" will have something for everyone - from young toddlers to parents. The Office of the Presidency is inviting families to come and take part in the flea market stalls, children's art, karaoke tent, jumping castles, and sports area (complete with mini world cup rugby and sack races).
"Promise Land" is FREE.
On: Saturday 6th November 1999
9 am - 4 pm
At: Zoo Lake, Johannesburg
Please note: On the 6th, entrance to the Zoo will be free for children 12 and under. Also, that day, Jan Smuts Avenue, around Zoo Lake, will be closed at certain times to allow the float procession and to enable people to cross freely from the Lake to the Zoo.
For further information: Ms Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva
Telephone: 012 337-5216
Fax: 011 321-4566
Cell Phone: 083 7311 504
0r Tasneem Carrim 083 650 7119
Communications
The Presidency
Private Bag X1000
Pretoria
0001
Tel: 012 319 1500
Fax: 012 323 8246
e-mail: tasneem@po.gov.za