Media Statement on the upcoming July 2010 African Union Summit

President Jacob Zuma will lead the South African delegation to the 15th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled to take place from 25 to 27 July 2010 in Kampala, Uganda under the theme “Maternal, Infant and Child Health and Development in Africa”. The President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi; Minister of Public Services and Administration, Mr Richard Baloyi; and Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will thus lead the delegation to the 17th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, scheduled to take place from 22 to 23 July 2010.

The theme of the Summit is in line with South Africa’s continued commitment to work towards the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) which include the promotion of maternal and child health in Africa, among others. It further demonstrates Africa’s commitment in accelerating reduction of maternal and child mortality which is important in contributing towards a prosperous future of the continent. In this regard, the President will be supported by Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Minister of Health during the discussion on the theme in the first day of the Summit.
The Executive Council meetings will afford Ministers of Foreign/International Relations an opportunity to deliberate on a wide range of issues prior to the Assembly meeting. These issues include promotion of peace and security and the AU’s continued efforts in its pursuit towards the realisation of the African integration agenda.

The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) and the Africa Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) meetings will be held on 24 July 2010 at Heads of State and Government level. Given that the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) is a lead Department in providing support to the President in these meetings, the Minister of the DPSA, Mr Richard Baloyi, will be in attendance.

South Africa continues to be involved in the Conference of Africa Heads of State and Government on Climate Change (CAHOSCC) which will take place in the Margins of the Summit. Given the importance which South Africa attaches to the work of CAHOSCC, especially in the run up to the 16th and the 17th annual conference of the parties (COP 16 and COP 17) to be held in Mexico and South Africa respectively, the President will be supported by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Buyelwa Sonjica during the Conference.

South Africa will be seeking AU endorsement of its bid for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) telescope initiative, which African Ministerial Council on Science and Technology (AMCOST) IV unanimously supported and recommended be put forward for endorsement at the AU Assembly.
The Summit will also afford the President an opportunity to thank the African Heads of State and Government for their support during South Africa’s hosting of the Soccer World Cup (SWC). In this regard, it will be further recalled that the 14th AU Summit which was held in February 2010 in Addis Ababa, in line with its principled support to South Africa’s hosting of the SWC, reviewed the standard dates of end of June and early July for the Summit meetings, and deferred the Summit for later dates towards the end of July 2010.  

For more information, please contact the Chief Director for Public Diplomacy, Mr Saul Kgomotso Molobi on 082 940 1647, +27 12 351 0083 or e-mail him at molobisk@dirco.gov.za

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
Soutpansberg Road
RIETONDALE
Pretoria,RSA
0002

21 July 2010