23 April 2002
President Thabo Mbeki will visit the Free State province on 25 - 27 April, 2002. The visit is part of the President Imbizo programme aimed at promoting interactive governance. The visit will culminate in the national celebration of Freedom Day at the Free State Rugby Stadium.
President Mbeki visits three regions (Northern Free State, Lejweleputswa and Motheo). Here the President will be briefed about projects, interact with the people and also listen to what they have to say about government's implementation of its programmes. The President will be accompanied by the Premier and her Execuitve Committee.
The main focus of the President's Imbizo in the Free State will be around the theme: Lend a hand! Push back the frontiers of poverty to broaden access to a better life.
The visit flllows two other provincial Imbizos by the President last year when the President visited Limpop and Eastern Cape Provinces in April and October respectively.
The Free State province, which is the third largest province in South Africa, its population is estimated to over 2,6 million people on about 129 480 km squared of land with an estimated 34 percent of unemployment rate.
Agriculture and Mining are core to the economy of the province. The mining industry is the biggest employer in the province and contributes for some 22,6 percent of GDP. It is also a largely rural province, which prides itself as the breadbasket of the country as a result of its agricultural produce.
The President will on April 25 view projects and interact with stakeholders and communities Bultfotein, Beatrix Mine, Leseding Secondary School and Monyakeng Stadium. On April 26 2002 the president will be at Sasolburg, Frankfort, Zomba Stadium and later hold a meeting with stakeholders.
On 27 April the President will address the nation about Freedom Day at Free State Rugby Stadium.
Issued by: Office of the Presidency