Issued by: Ministry: Social Development
20 March 2001
The Minister of Social Development Dr. Zola Skweyiya is leading a high -powered delegation on three - day official visit to the Feral Republic of Germany (FRG) this evening (20 March, 2001) to discuss ways and means of development co-operation between the peoples of the two countries.
"This is a very important visit that is aimed at reviving and further strengthening the good relations we have had for many years with the people of Germany, especially the religious formations during the struggle against apartheid."
The visit was initiated by the Bishop of the Lutheran Evanglical Church of Braunschweig Dr. Christian Krause and the SA Ambassador in the FRG, Professor Sibusiso Bengu.
Bishop Krause said: "Ties between the people of the RSA and Federal Republic of Germany span across generations and cuts across social, political, economic and cultural life. Our interest is to find appropriate ways of harnessing the resources within the people and assets of these two countries to fight the scourge of poverty and to contribute towards the process of reconstruction, development and reconciliation."
Some of the areas for co-operation to be discussed include co-operation of Poverty Alleviation; HIV/AIDS; and Social Security and other developmental matters.
The South African delegation is composed of representatives from the religious fraternity, the private sector, trade unions, non-Governmental Organisations and government officials.
The SA delegation will have meetings with representatives of civil society, industry, the government, churches, trade unions and development agencies.
Both parties are also expected to discuss holding a major conference in the RSA later this year to focus on Co-operative Development.
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