President Thabo Mbeki Departs South Africa for DRC Today, Sunday 15 May 2005

Kinshasa - President Thabo Mbeki will depart South Africa today, Sunday 15 May 2005, on a visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo from Sunday-Monday 15-16 May 2005, to witness the adoption of the country's new constitution. The ceremony is scheduled for the DRC capital, Kinshasa on Monday, 16 May 2005.

The adoption of the Constitution, which will the pave the way for the holding of democratic elections in the DRC in the latter half of 2005 is an integral part of a series of measures aimed at the creation of democracy, peace and stability in the country.

South Africa as one of the guarantors of peace in DRC remains steadfast in its commitment to assist the people of DRC in their endeavour to entrench peace, democracy and stability as part of our overall objective of working for the renewal of Africa and the creation of a better world.

The visit will also present President Mbeki with an opportunity to interact with other role-players in the country as part of the ongoing support for the peace process in the DRC.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001
15 May 2005