28 MARCH 2000
The government's agenda of building 'a nation at work for a better life' took a new interesting turn in the Province of the Eastern Cape today when Premier Makhenkesi Stofile met the Executive of the Afrikanerbond in Bisho.
The Provincial government and the leadership of the Afrikanerbond agreed in principle to join hands in addressing a number of challenges facing the people of the Eastern Cape. These included development of agriculture, education, health, welfare and the economy. The meeting also agreed to maximally use the available expertise and the wealth of experience the Afrikaner group has in these areas as well as on leadership development.
Afrikanerbond delegation was led by its Provincial Chairman Professor Attie Coetser and included its secretary Mr. Richard Jute and other members of the Executive Committee Messrs Bennie Venter and Frikkie Sutherland. Premier Stofile was accompanied by his MEC for Agriculture and Land Affairs Mr. Max Mamase.
Premier Stofile welcomed the willingness of the Afrikanerbond to make their skills available to assist in the development of the Eastern Cape.
He expressed hope that the developing cooperation will lead to concrete results that the government had been asking for across the populace of the province nationally and internationally. He said the delegations will report to their respective governing structures and then pursue the issues highlighted in the meeting. Professor Coetser said the Afrikanerbond is undergoing transformation to an open organisation and the one that no longer represents narrowly focused interests of the Afrikaner people.
The meeting is a sequel to an understanding reached by President Thabo Mbeki and the national leadership of Afrikanerbond regarding cooperation in ensuring the development and prosperity of South Africa. A number of provincial meetings have been held and Eastern Cape is fifth on the list of provincial government meetings already held with Afrikanerbond.
Issued by: GCIS - Office of the Premier (Eastern Cape)
Inquiries: Manelisi Wolela - 040-6392070 / 082-4147768
E-mail: manelisi@otpmleg1.ecape.gov.za