MEDIA STATEMENT

03 July 2012

President Zuma to lead South African delegation to the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly

His Excellency, President Jacob Zuma, will lead the South African delegation to the 19th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled for 15-16 July 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President Zuma will be supported by  Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma; Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies; Minister of Public Administration responsible for the South African process related to the African Peer Review Mechanism; Ms Lindiwe Sisulu; and Ambassador Lindiwe Zulu, Personal Representative of the President on NEPAD and the African Peer Review Mechanism.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will lead the delegation to the 21st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, scheduled for 13-14 July 2012.  The July Summit will continue to focus on trade matters as 2012 is dedicated to a single theme, Boosting Intra-Africa Trade.  The South African Government through various fora, has championed Continental integration and urged developmental partners to support Africa’s efforts.  Consequently, the high level political discussion on these themes present an opportune time for South Africa to lead and shape the approach and future agenda in these important areas.  The Summit, will also focus on key peace and security issues, and will include Post Conflict Reconstruction and Development issues.

The 44th NEPAD Steering Committee will take place on 12 July 2012 while the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) meeting is scheduled for 11 to 14 July 2012.  Also on the agenda of the Summit is the African Leaders’ Malaria Alliance Forum (ALMA) on 15 July 2012, wherein African Heads of State and Government utilize their individual and collective power across country and regional borders to keep the scourge of malaria high on the political and policy agenda at global, national and local levels and provide a forum to share best practices and to review progress and address challenges in meeting the malaria eradication targets.

Following the voting deadlock at the January Summit, the Election of Commissioners for the African Union Commission is scheduled to take place on 15 July 2012, alongside that of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.  Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to contest the July Election for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission.  Dr Dlamini Zuma is a distinguished and capable candidate with credentials and track record that respond to the task at hand.  As the regional candidate, Dr Dlamini Zuma will be at the service of all African countries, guided in her work by the mandate and programmes of the African Union as well as decisions of the Policy Organs of the African Union Commission.  Her candidature will also contribute to addressing the gender imbalance that has existed in the African Union/Organisation for African Unity since its formation.  Southern Africa and Northern Africa are the only two African Union regions that have not had the privilege of leading the Secretariat of the African Union Commission.

For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria