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[ Imbizo ]
Free State Presidential Imbizo
25 - 27 April 2002
The
visit was part of the President's Imbizo programme aimed
at promoting interactive governance. The visit culminated in the
national celebration of
Freedom Day at the Free State Rugby Stadium on 27 April.
President Mbeki visited three regions (northern Free State,
Lejweleputswa and Motheo). Here the President was briefed about
projects, interacted with the people and listened to what they
had to say about government's implementation of its programmes.
The President was accompanied by the Premier, Ms Winkie Direko,
and her Executive Committee.
The
main focus of the President's Imbizo in the Free State
was around the theme: Lend a hand! Push back the frontiers of
poverty to broaden access to a better life.
The
visit followed two other provincial Imbizo by the
President last year when the President visited
Limpopo and
Eastern Cape provinces in April and October respectively.
The
Free State Province is the third largest province in South
Africa and its population is estimated to be over 2,6 million
people on about 129 480 square kilometres of land with an
estimated 34 per cent 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.
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Last modified: 22 November 2004 06:59:09.
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