26 April 2000
The Minister of Labour, Mr MMS Mdladlana will be visiting the Federal Republic of Germany, from 26th to 29th April 2000.
The purpose of his visit is to participate in the SAFRI (Southern Africa Initiative of German Business)/Afrika Verein Economic Forum that will take place in Berlin from 27 -- 28 April 2000. DaimlerChrysler within the framework of the engagement in SAFRI will be hosting the event. The Afrika Verein, Germany's business association dealing with Africa, will focus its traditional annual Africa Day on 27 April, this year, on the countries of the Southern Africa Development Community, in particular to draw the attention of the German Business Community to the opportunities existing in Southern Africa. Heads of State from Botswana, Lesotho, Mauritius, Mozambique and Swaziland will attend the meeting and the other SADC members participating in the Forum will be represented on Ministerial level.
The conference will concentrate on the Spatial Development Initiatives (SDI's) within SADC. In line with the aims of SAFRI of which the Africa Association, together with the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHT) and the Federation of German Industry (BDI), is one of the supporting organizations, it is hoped that the conference will be able to promote a stronger German participation in trade and investment in SDI's.
Minister Mdladlana will also attend the South African Freedom Day celebrations in Berlin, which among others will be attended by SADC Heads of State participating in the Economic Forum. In addition, Minister Mdladlana will hold bilateral talks with his counterpart, Mr Walter Riester, the Minister of Labour and Social Affairs.
For more information contact Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell no 082 9904 853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
PRIVATE BAG X152
Pretoria 0001