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The Deputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma, and the Minister for Public Service and Administration, Ms Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi, will co-host the bilateral discussions with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, Mr Hage Geingob on 27 and 28 February 2002 in Cape Town. The Deputy President will hold a bilateral with the Prime Minister to further strengthen bilateral relations between South Africa and Namibia.

The Hon. Prime Minister, Hage Geingob, who also has the portfolio responsible for the Public Service and Administration, will engage in a detailed bilateral with Minister Fraser-Moleketi. The bilateral discussions will focus on public service transformation, human resource development and the role of the public service in the implementation of NEPAD. It will also deliberate on the role of the two countries (South Africa and Namibia) in the implementation of the Africa Public Service Charter to which they are both signatories. It is envisaged that this bilateral meeting, the bilateral with Minister of Public Service in Uganda held last year and others to come will culminate in a meeting of all Ministers responsible for Public Service and Administration in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) later in the year.

The delegation will also meet leaders of the labour movement and Nafcoc. They will also use this opportunity to visit Robben Island.

Arriving on Wednesday 27 February 2002, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by his wife, Mrs Lione Geingob; the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Hon. Philemon Malima; the Minister of Finance, Hon. Nangolo Mbumba; the Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Abraham Lyambo; the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Gabes Shihepo; the High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia, H.E. Mr Shapua Kaukungua and 11 senior officials from the Government of Namibia.

There will be a photo opportunity as the delegates arrive at the Cape Town International Airport at 10h00 and invited to join the trip to Robben Island departing at Waterfront at 12h00 coming back at 16h00. A press conference to announce the outcomes of the meeting will be held on Thursday, 28 February 2002, in Cape Town. Further details on the conference will be distributed on Wednesday, 27 February 2002.

Enquiries: Tembela Kulu at 082 497 3220 or (012) 314 7231

Issued by: Ministry of Public Service and Administration, 26 February 2002