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10 April 2007

The President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Cabinet 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 April and 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 will 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 start on Saturday with a meeting with business stakeholders in Johannesburg. This will be followed by a visit to Soweto, where the President and his delegation will attend a graduation ceremony for June 16 veterans who have been involved in Expanded Public Works Programme initiatives. He will also visit Orlando Stadium, which is currently under construction.

Saturday afternoon will be devoted to a community imbizo for the residents of Soweto and surrounding areas at Simba Stadium in Klipspruit, Soweto. Here residents will have an opportunity to raise issues directly with the President; thereafter the President will conduct an Imbizo-on-Air.

On Sunday the President will visit the Johannesburg inner city including a housing project and the Gautrain Park Station portal, which is currently under construction.

A meeting between the President and provincial and local government leaders to deliberate on progress, challenges and priorities in implementing government's programme in Johannesburg is scheduled to take place at midday on Sunday. This will include a presentation by the Premier on intergovernmental priorities in building Gauteng as a globally competitive city region. Johannesburg's executive mayor will make a presentation on the state of the city.

Given the position of Johannesburg and Gauteng as the country's economic hub, discussions are expected 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 13h00 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.

Accreditation will be provided on Friday, 13 April. Transport will be provided to members of the media to follow the Presidential delegation.

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

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

Presidency
Terrence Manase
Cell: 082 338 6707

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