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As part of the Government's Imbizo Focus Week (31 March - 6 April), Deputy President Jacob Zuma, will on 3 and 4 April 2003, visit the people of Limpopo.

Ministers of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Water Affairs, Ronnie Kasrils, Housing, Brigitte Mabandla, Agriculture and Land affairs, Thoko Didiza and Minerals and Energy, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, will accompany the Deputy President. The Premier and other senior members of provincial and local government will also be with the Deputy President throughout the visit.

Imbizo was launched in 2001 and is aimed at enhancing interaction between senior government executives and ordinary people.

Below is the Deputy President's schedule of the two days:

Thursday, 03 April 2003

Penge
10am
The Deputy President conducts a short tour at the Asbestos Mine Dumps in Penge. He will also briefly interact with the community.

11am
The Deputy President views the old Sewayawaya Bridge in Penge.

11.30
The Deputy President officially launches the new Penge Bridge. This is the main function for the morning. There will be formal proceedings where the Premier, a representative from the Limpopo Transport Authority will also speak. Community members will also be present.

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BRIDGES

The community here resides in what was a mining district, and there is a river, Oliphants, that divides the village. For a long time, there was no facility for people to move freely to and from both sides hence they came up with dangerous means to cross this river. Lives were lost. A makeshift bridge (cable car) was made with the help of the mines to enable the community to move across, and a ride was R2. The provincial government spent R18-million for the construction of the safe bridge, the one the Deputy President will launch.

2pm
The main Imbizo takes place in Mafefe at the Moshate Mafefe (Near the stadium). The Imbizo will take the normal format where community members ask questions to the delegation and the delegation respond.

Friday, 4 April 2003

Mokopane Town
9am
Accompanied by the Minister of Health, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, the Deputy president visits Mokopane Hospital in Polokwane. Here the Deputy President will be briefed of the Hospital's food nutrition program (developed by the hospital) for HIV/AIDS patients. The delegation will also tour the hospital and interact with patients. It's in Mahwelereng Township (about 3 kilometres from Mokopane town).

10.15am
At the Hans Masebe Village, the delegation visits two reconstructed houses that were damaged by a tornado in 2002. Houses, schools and a mine were destroyed and the area was declared a disaster area.

10.55
The delegation visits the Hans Masebe Primary School that was also affected by the 2002 tornado.

13.05pm
In Hlogo ya Nku, the delegation visits a house built as part of a housing project. More houses are yet to be built. The house will be near the stadium, where the main Imbizo will take place.

13.15pm
The main Imbizo takes place at the Hlogo ya Nku Stadium. The Imbizo will take the normal format where community members ask questions to the delegation and the delegation respond.

6pm
Finally, the Deputy President will officially open the Polokwane regional office of the Public Protector. It's in 32 Rabe Street, Unit 2301, Wyndom Park.

The theme for the Imbizo Focus Week is: Building a people's contract for a better South Africa.

For more information, please contact: Lakela Kaunda at 0827822575 or Zanele Mngadi at 0827819332

Issued by The Presidency

1 April 2003