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12 July 2007

President Thabo Mbeki, accompanied by Premier Rasool and cabinet ministers, will meet people of the Western Cape province during a Presidential Imbizo to be held on July 21 to 22 in different parts of the province.

This interaction, truly South African in character, is intended to draw people from all walks of life into an intimate dialogue with elected representatives on ways of improving the quality of life. As has been seen in previous izimbizo or community gatherings, the defining feature of the Western Cape visit will be the creation by government of a favourable climate in which challenges to service delivery and remedies can be discussed.

The distinguishing aspect of interactions of this sort, in themselves a rarity the world over, is that they bring government much closer to the people, making it more accountable and responsive to the views of the electorate, translating into reality the dictum of government of the people, by the people, for the people.

It is expected that during the visit The President will assess, jointly with local communities, progress on commitments made during the 2005 Western Cape Presidential Imbizo. Given its focus on inclusive public participation, the izimbizo campaign promotes accountability and renewal of the pledge to achieve sustainable development and safer communities.

Details of the areas to be visited will be confirmed soon.

Enquiries
Nthabiseng Rantau
Cell: 082 570 5503

Luzuko Koti
Cell: 083 391 0073

David Hlabane
Cell: 082 561 9428

Issued by: The Presidency
12 July 2007