Issued by Ministry of Trade and Industry
11 September 2001
A high-powered South African delegation leaves for Hong Kong today to attend the Global Summit of Women. The delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mrs Lindiwe Hendricks, includes some of the most prominent women politicians in the country, among them Minerals and Energy minister, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka; Communications minister, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri; Deputy Minister of Defence, Ms Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge; Deputy Minister of Arts, Culture Science and Technology, Ms Brigitte Mabandla; and Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms Cheryl Gillwald.
For eleven years, the Global Summit for Women has celebrated women's leadership world-wide by bringing together professional women, business women and government leaders from around the world for three days of stimulating sessions, led by opinion leaders and influential women.
This year's summit will continue the focus on fostering women's economic development by giving participants the opportunity to engage in cross-border business and professional relationships. An impressive roster of women leaders will present at sessions aimed at enhancing women's economic literacy as well as imparting practical strategies developed in different parts of the world.
DTI's deputy minister, Ms Lindiwe Hendricks, will give a presentation on the challenges and opportunities presented by the World Trade Organisation and other trade pacts. Minister Mlambo-Ngcuka will speak on the nature of women's leadership, while Deputy Minister Mabandla will speak on protecting women's products and ideas. Deputy Minister Gillwald will lead a discussion on strengthening women's organisations.
Having hosted last year's summit, the South African government is conscious of its benefits and will be using this opportunity to expose a group of entrepreneurs to this invaluable networking and marketing opportunity. The Department of Trade and Industry is sponsoring twenty-six women entrepreneurs from different parts of South Africa and different sectors of business who will be accompanying the government delegation. Among them is well-known musician and entrepreneur, Ms Yvonne Mhinga - more popularly known as Yvonne Chaka Chaka - who will be performing at the summit. In total, the South African delegation is made up of 69 participants.
Contact: Manana Makhanya at 012 310 9581 / 082 772 1704