1 September 2000
The International Marketing Council held its inaugural meeting yesterday (Wednesday, 30 August) in Pretoria. Whilst the meeting dealt mainly with 'housekeeping' matters a number of exciting medium and longer term proposals were tabled, firstly, for a sustained international marketing drive for South Africa and, secondly, to bring the whole country behind this ambitious project. Preparations are underway for a major launch early next year.
The International Marketing Council has its roots in two government audits into international marketing spending by national and provincial departments and international perceptions about South Africa. The results indicated that numerous, though unco-ordinated, marketing initiatives were being undertaken or planned within and across the different spheres of government and, furthermore, that a combination of continued international goodwill exists towards South Africa tempered by concerns on some socio-economic issues.
In December last year, Cabinet agreed to develop a more co-ordinated and coherent set of responses to the challenge of successfully marketing South Africa abroad.
Cabinet also agreed in principle that, while the international marketing of the country is a government initiative, it should be rooted in a firm country partnership, including business and broader civil society and should be underpinned by support from the broader South African public.
The International Marketing Council, therefore, brings together the government, corporate and non-government sectors. It will provide strategic advice to Government on a broad range of international marketing initiatives including investment, export and tourism promotion. The Council also has the power to take decisions, within its mandate and to ensure implementation. The Council reports to the Cabinet Committee on International Relations and will normally meet quarterly although more frequently before next year's launch.
The Directors-General of eight government departments, the CEOs of the GCIS, Investment South Africa and SATOUR as well as 19 individuals from outside government make up the Council that is chaired by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma. The Ministers of the eight departments represented are ex-officio members of the International Marketing Council.
The International Marketing Council is serviced by an inter-departmental project team co-ordinated by the GCIS.
Chairing the meeting, in the absence of Minister Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Trade and Industry, Alec Erwin said: "An audit of government departments revealed a plethora of separate international marketing activities taking place or being planned. It makes sense to bring these initiatives under one umbrella to improve co-ordination, coherence and consistency in how we project our country abroad. As Government we are excited at the wealth of expertise being offered by some of the best minds this country has produced. The make-up of the Council reflects the degree of pride, commitment and consensus that exists in this country. I am very excited about the enthusiasm the Council members displayed and am confident that we will take this initiative forward with great success."
Ministers from Trade and Industry, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Communications and Sport and Recreation also attended yesterday's meeting.
The Terms of Reference of the International Marketing Committee a full list of members are included as annexures.
Issued by the Government Information and Communication System.
For more information pls contact: Nad Pillay, Director:
International Liaison, 082 553 7980 or 012 314 2162 or
nad@gcis.pwv.gov.za
ANNEXURE 2 INTERNATIONAL MARKETING COUNCIL MEMBERSHIP LIST
CHAIRPERSON
Dr Nkosazana Zuma
Minister of Foreign Affairs
CORPORATE AND NON-GOVERNMENT
Mr Paul Bannister
Consultant
Mr Koos Bekker
Managing Director: Naspers
Ms Irene Charnely
Executive Director of Telecommunications: Johnnic
Ms Salukazi Dakile-Hlongwane
Executive Chairperson: Nozala Investments
Mr Marinus Daling
Chairman: SANLAM
Ms Pam Golding
Chairman: Pam Golding Properties
Mr Steve Griessel
CEO: Tourism Investment Corporation
Mr Hugh Herman
Chairman: Investec Building
Mr Danny Jordaan
SAFA
Ms Sbongile Khumalo
Artiste
Ms Wendy Luhabe
Chairperson: Bridging the Gap
Dr Nana Makaula
CEO: Films and Publications Board
Ms Barbara Masekela
Director of Public Affairs: De Beers
Mr James Motlatsi
Executive Chairperson: Mineworkers Investment Trust
Dr Sam Motsoenyane
South African Ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Mr Mavuso Msimang
CEO: South African Parks
Mr Anant Singh
Managing Director: Video Vision Entertainment
Mr Michael Spicer
Executive Director: Corporate Affairs
Dr Frederick van Zyl Slabbert
Chairman: Adcorp Holdings
GOVERNMENT
Mr Rob Adam
Director-General: Department of Arts, Culture, Science and
Technology
Mr Andile Ngcaba
Director-General: Department of Communications
Dr Crispian Olver
Director-General: Department of Environmental Affairs and
Tourism
Mr Sipho Pityana
Director-General: Department of Foreign Affairs
Ms Maria Ramos
Director-General: Department of Finance
Prof Denver Hendricks
Director-General: Sport and Recreation
Dr Alistair Ruiters
Director-General: Department of Trade and Industry
Rev Frank Chikane
Director-General: Department of The Presidency
Mr Joel Netshitenzhe
CEO: Government Communication and Information System
Mr Rafiq Bagus
CEO: Investment South Africa
Mr Moss Mashishi
CEO: South African Tourism Board
ANNEXURE 2 INTERNATIONAL MARKETING COUNCIL - TERMS OF REFERENCE
The International Marketing Council will be responsible for: