Deputy Minister van der Merwe hands over Cheque to Tanzanian Government

Pretoria - Deputy Foreign Minister Sue van der Merwe today Friday 11 August 2006 handed over a cheque of R3 million (three million rand) from the South African government to the Tanzanian High Commissioner Emmanuel Mwambulukutu in Pretoria as part of the SA government's efforts to contribute towards food security and insect infestation in the region in general and Tanzania in particular.

Tanzania has in the last three years experienced a severe drought resulting in 3, 764 843 people requiring food assistance. The country has also been experienced severe crop devastation by armyworms in the South Western Highlands and Southern Region.

In a statement Deputy Minister van der Merwe said the contribution of the South African government to the Tanzanian government was reflective of the historic and fraternal relations between both governments, a sentiment echoed by the Tanzanian High Commissioner.

The Tanzanian High Commissioner said his government was grateful to receive the contribution of the South African government and would be used to purchase pesticides and fertilizers, which would be a very long-term contribution to the people of Tanzania.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Department of Foreign Affairs
Private Bag X152
Pretoria
0001

11 August 2006