16 May 2002
The Deputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma, will on Saturday, 18 May 2002, leave for the Democratic Republic of East Timor, North of Australia, to attend the country's Independence Day Celebrations. The celebrations are scheduled to take place on 19 and 20 May 2002.
Mr Xanana Gusmao, who was elected at East Timor's first democratic elections as the President on 14 April 2002, will be inaugurated on Sunday, 19 May 2002.
In 2000, Mr Gusmao visited South Africa and met with former President, Mr Nelson Mandela to thank him on the role that Mr Mandela played in negotiating with the Indonesian government his release from detention. He also met with the President, Mr Thabo Mbeki.
The Deputy President is expected to return to South Africa on 21 May 2002.
Issued by: Office of the Presidency