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4 April 2007

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Cabinet Ministers and Deputy Ministers, the Premier of Gauteng province, Mbhazima Shilowa, the Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Amos Masondo and senior government officials will visit the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng, on Saturday, 14 to Sunday, 15 April 2007 as part of the Presidential Imbizo programme.

The Presidential Imbizo is part of a programme of direct interaction with residents in communities across the country. It also includes a process of engagement involving national, provincial and local government and state-owned enterprises to accelerate the implementation of government's programme of action in a particular locality.

During his two-day visit to Johannesburg, the President is expected to interact with local business stakeholders, visit key projects in the Johannesburg inner city and Soweto and interact directly with city residents at a community imbizo in Soweto. The programme will include presentations and deliberations on the progress, challenges and intergovernmental priorities in building Gauteng as a globally competitive city region as well as on the state of the city.

Given the position of Johannesburg and Gauteng as the country's economic hub, discussions are likely to focus on deepening shared economic growth, eradication of poverty and service delivery challenges.

The Presidential Imbizo coincides with the Imbizo Focus Week, which will see Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Premiers, MECs, Mayors, Municipal Managers and councillors visiting and interacting with communities across the country on a wide range of issues relating to government's programme of action.

Media accreditation:

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the Presidential Imbizo. Please RSVP by 15h00 on Tuesday, 10 April to qualify for accreditation. Please send your name, the media organisation you represent, your ID number and contact details to Gugu Makhaya at guguma@joburg.org.za or call (011) 407 7162.

Media briefing:

A media briefing will be held on Tuesday, 10 April at 12h00 in the Gauteng Office of the Premier to outline further details on the Presidential Imbizo. If you would like to attend the briefing, please send your details (name, media organisation, contact details, car registration) to Mamello at mamellom2@gpg.gov.za or call (011) 355 6408.

For more information, please contact:
Annette Griessel
Office of the Premier
Gauteng Provincial Government
Tel: (011) 355 6859
Cell: 082 563 3614

Gabu Tugwana
City of Joburg
Tel: (011) 407 7162
Cell: 082 495 5673

Terrence Manase
The Presidency
Cell: 082 338 6707

Issued by the Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
4 April 2007