South Africa prepares to participate in the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly: to be held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea (June 30 – July 1, 2011)

President Jacob Zuma will lead the South African delegation to the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled to take place from 30 June to 1 July 2011 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea under the theme “Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development”. The President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister in the Presidency, Mr Collins Chabane; and Minister of State Security, Mr. Siyabonga Cwele. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will lead the South African delegation to the 19th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, scheduled to take place from 26 to 28 June 2011.

The theme of the Summit is of particular importance to South Africa, more-so as it coincides with our Youth Month celebration, in a moth dedicated to youth development. It was exactly 35 years ago that on June 16th 1976, the young students in Soweto braved all odds to fight for equal and quality education for all. This theme is, therefore consistent with South Africa’s commitment to working towards advancing youth development.

Our participation in this regard, further confirms the AU’s commitment efforts in accelerating youth Development i.e. through the African Youth Charter and the African Youth Decade, 2009-2018 Plan of Action. In this regard, the President will be supported by Mr Chabane, Minister in the Presidency during the discussion on the theme in the first day of the Summit. The African Union (AU resolution CM/Res.1290 (XL)) has also adopted June 16 to be the African Child Day and celebrated this day under the theme “All together for urgent action in favour of street children”.

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 in the Continent; regional integration, development and cooperation; shared values; women as a resource for sustainable development; strengthening of institutions; accelerating youth empowerment; and issues relating to the African Diaspora. The 24th New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) Heads of State and Government Orientation Committee will be held on 29 June 2011 at Heads of State and Government level.

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 COP17/CMP7, the President will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms. Nkoana-Mashabane, in her capacity as incoming President of the COP17/CMP7.

The President and the Ministers are expected to return to the Republic on July 1st, 2011.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974; or Zanele Mngadi, Spokesperson for The Presidency, on 082 330 1148.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

26 June 2011