Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
17 January 2002
The President of the Federal Republic of Germany, President Johannes Rau and Mrs Christina Rau, will arrive in South Africa on 21 January 2002 on his first official visit. This visit will begin with a meeting with President Thabo Mbeki, during which issues of mutual concern will be discussed.
This official visit follows the highly successful visits to Germany by President Mbeki in 2000 and 2001 and the equally successful 3rd South Africa/Germany Binational Commission in Germany in 2001.
In addition, the visit underscores the excellent relations between the two countries, and reflects Germany’s special interest in the South African transformation process. President Rau’s personal commitment to the South African cause is also documented by his longstanding membership of the ANC.
Apart from the excellent political relations, Germany is also one of South Africa's main trading partners, with a 12,1% share of total South African external trade – two-way trade reaching R41 billion in 2000. Approximately 400 German companies are present in South Africa. Germany also remains an important development co-operation partner for South Africa, having committed approximately DM470 million in financial and technical co-operation since 1994.
In Gauteng, President Rau will visit the German School in Pretoria, as well as the Institute for a Democratic Alternative in South Africa where he will meet with members of Civil Society. President Rau will also visit the Soweto Builders Training Centre, which is a substantial German development co-operation project in the field of vocational training. During a visit to the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, which President Rau is scheduled to address, he will be received by the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Mbhazima Shilowa.
The visit will also include Mpumalanga, which is the partner province of the North Rhine-Westphalia province in Germany (the industrial heartland). Being interested in the South African transformation process, President Rau will visit the Ingwe Coalmine in Middelburg to meet with workers and management of the mine. At Ingwe the President will also be received by the MEC for Finance, Economic Affairs and Tourism, Mr Jacob Mabena and the Mayor of the Greater Middelburg Municipality, Ms Mantlhakeng Mahlangu. Whilst in Mpumalanga, President Rau will visit the German supported Phaphamani HIV/AIDS Counselling Project in Nelspruit, as well as the Southern Africa Wildlife College near the Kruger National Park, which is a German SADC Development Co-operation project.
For further information contact Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.