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President Thabo Mbeki will visit the Free State province from 25-27 April 2002. The visit is part of the President's 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 listen to what they have to say about government's implementation of its programmes. The President will be accompanied by the Premier and her Executive 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 follows two other provincial Imbizos 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.

The President will on 25 April view projects and interact with stakeholders and communities of Bultfontein, Beatrix Mine, Leseding Secondary School and Monyakeng Stadium. On 26 April 2002, the President will be in Sasolburg, Frankfort, the 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.

PRESIDENTIAL VISIT TO THE FREE STATE PROVINCE - IMBIZO - 25-27 APRIL 2002

NORTHERN FREE STATE DISTRICT COUNCIL - 25 APRIL 2002

8:30 - 9:30 A visit to Itekeng Disabled People's Centre - Bultfontein
10:00 - 11:00 A visit to Beatrix Mine and a view at Bompodi Development Centre
11:15 - 12:15 Interaction with learners and teachers at Leseding Secondary School
12:40 - 13:30 A view of Monyakeng LED Project Centre and a farm
14:00 - 16:00 Monyakeng Stadium: Imbizo
17:30 - 19:00 Live interview on Radio Lesedi and community radio stations

NORTHERN FREE STATE DISTRICT REGIONS - 26 APRIL 2002

9:00 - 10:15 A visit and interaction with workers at Sasolburg factory
10:30 - 11:30 A view of the Hostel Upgrading Project in Zamdela
12:00 - 13:10 A visit to Frankfort Hospital
13:45 - 16:00 Zomba Stadium: Imbizo
18:30 - 21:00 S takeholder Meeting: Protea Hotel, Mangaung

MOTHEO DISTRICT REGION - 27 APRIL 2002

Freedom Day Celebrations: Free State Rugby Stadium, Mangaung

Enquiries:
Keitumetse Letebele at 082 451 2109 or 082 783 3397 (Free State Premier's Office)
Harold Maloka at 082 450 7304 (GCIS)

Issued by the Office of the Premier, Free State, 23 April 2002