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Deputy President, Jacob Zuma will address emerging farmers (particularly those from previously disadvantaged communities) at a workshop at Clairwood Park, in Durban on 10 November 2000.

The Deputy President will discuss Government's Integrated Sustainable Rural Development Strategy during the first session of the workshop. He heads Rural Development within government.

Emerging farmers have been identified as being important stakeholders for the strategy to be a success as they are involved in multi-disciplinary sectors of development in rural areas.

The workshop will be attended by representatives of various government departments and institutions, who will make presentations outlining programmes that exist already to assist rural communities, and field questions from the farmers.

Similar workshops are being planned for other provinces in the coming year. The Rural Development road show will provide an excellent opportunity for government to draw on the real life experiences of the people on the ground and be in a better position to address their needs.

The Deputy President believes that, for sustainable development to take place in South Africa, particularly in rural areas, it must be people driven, with government playing a supporting role.

Recognising that one of the biggest threats to development in South Africa is HIV/AIDS, the Deputy President, as Chairperson of SANAC and the MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, will address, separately, approximately 600 members of co-operatives who will also be meeting at Clairwood Park.

Contact: Lakela Kaunda on 082 782 2575

Issued by: The Presidency, 10 November 2000