Press Release

11 July 2012

President Zuma leads high-level delegation to the AU Summit in Ethiopia

His Excellency President Jacob Zuma will lead a High-Level South African delegation to the 19th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly, scheduled for 15 and16 July 2012 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

President Zuma will be supported by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane; the Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma; the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies and the Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms Ayanda Dlodlo.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane is leading a delegation to the 21st Ordinary Session of the Executive Council, scheduled for 13-14 July 2012. The Executive Council is made up of ministers of Foreign Affairs of AU member states. 

The July 2012 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 and the African Leaders’ Malaria Alliance Forum (ALMA) is scheduled for 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 will utilise 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 inconclusive vote for AU Commissioners at the January 2012 Summit, the election is scheduled to take place on the 15th of July 2012. Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has been endorsed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to contest the election for the position of Chairperson of the AU 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

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