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President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Public Enterprises, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Jeff Radebe respectively, arrived in Jamaica, on Sunday, 29 June 2003.

President Mbeki and the South African delegation will today - Monday, 30 June - visit the National Heroes Park where respects will be paid to the heroes and heroines of the Caribbean people

The South African delegation will be accompanied by Jamaica's Minister Simpson-Miller, who is responsible for local government, community development and sport.

President Mbeki and delegation will then be conducted to the monument of Marcus Garvey, where a wreath will be laid alongside the bust of Mr Garvey. This will be followed by a moment of silence during which homage will be paid to the Caribbean people.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr E Seaga, will pay a courtesy call on President Mbeki that will be followed by a visit to Governor-General Howard Cooke's residence, at which President Mbeki would be expected to sign the visitor's book.

President Thabo Mbeki and the South African delegation will then depart for Mandela Park where a civic cultural ceremony will be followed by the bestowal of the freedom of the city by the Mayor of Kingston upon President Mbeki.

President Mbeki will then address the community followed by an address to the Faculty of Social Science and the broader University of the West Indies community.

For more information, contact: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853, Nomfanelo Kota on 082 377 7203 and David Hlabane on 082 561 9428

Issued by Department of Foreign Affairs

30 June 2003