Annual “South Africa Week�

The week will also allow members of the delegation from the City of Tshwane to meet with counterparts from their sister city, Washington, DC.

[South Africa Week]

Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, Former National Research Foundation President Dr. Khotso Mokhele, and Lion King Co-Producer/Composer Lebo M Among List of Esteemed Participants

Top level business leaders, government officials, artists and academic leaders from South Africa and beyond will gather in Washington, DC during the week of Congressional Black Caucus for the fourth annual South Africa Week. 

From Tuesday, September 25th to Sunday, September 30th, the event will feature a series of networking sessions, roundtable discussions and social and cultural events dedicated to the ongoing transformation in South Africa. 

The week will also allow members of the delegation from the City of Tshwane to meet with counterparts from their sister city, Washington, DC. South Africa Week will be designed to accomplish the following goals:

[] Raise awareness in the US about investment and other business opportunities in South Africa.
[] Promote South Africa as a tourist destination and help generate momentum leading up to the 2010 World Cup.
[] Create a dialogue on economic, political and social issues confronting South Africa and the US.
[] Increase interest and involvement in the ongoing empowerment and transformation process in South Africa.
[] Celebrate South African culture through music, art and cuisine.

“Our main focus this year is to broker strategic alliances and principled partnerships between South African cultural, political and business leaders with their U.S. counterparts,” said South Africa Week Founder Kennedy Khabo. 

“It’s the ultimate meeting of minds, and the result will be an outstanding exchange between two countries that play critical roles in the world, with striking historic similarities. With the 2010 World Cup right around the corner and a growing number of up and coming South African entrepreneurs and leaders, there is no better time than now to begin to build and continue this dialogue.”

Participants in this year’s South Africa Week activities will include:

[] Z. L Masondo, Member of the City of Tshwane Mayor’s Council,
[] M.P Chueu, Member of the City of Tshwane Mayor’s Council,
[] Tembeka Mhlekwa, Head of Economic Development, City of Tshwane
[] Dr. Khotso Mokhele, Former President of the National Research Foundation
[] Lebo M, Grammy award winning co-producer/composer of Lion King
[] Welile Nhlapo, South African Ambassador of the United States
[] Sipho Maseko, COO for BP Africa
[] Mojanku Gumbu, South Africa President Thabo Mbeki’s Chief Advisor
[] Thandeka. Mhlekwa, Strategic Executive Director: Economic Development, City of Tshwane
[] Rali Mampeule, CEO for Phadima Investment Holding
[] Shadrack Ramosa, Managing Director, of Rasele Minerals & Energy
[] Kgomotso Sekhokho, Director of Crystal Links

Following is a schedule of events for South Africa Week 2007:

Tuesday, September 25er 2007. VIP Welcome Reception. Four Seasons Hotel, Washington DC. []Open to event panelists and special guests only.

Wednesday, September 26 September 2007. Opening Kickoff Reception & Proclamation by Mayor Adrian Fenty’s Office. Evermay Society House (1623 28th St. NW) Time:  7p.m.

The grounds of the Evermay Society will serve as the perfect backdrop for the opening kickoff reception. During this event, Mayor Adrian Fenty will officially declare September 25th – September 29th as “South Africa Week” in Washington, DC.  

[] Interview and photo opportunities available. South African Marketplace (Wednesday 9/26 – Sunday 9/30). Washington Convention Center. Time: 11am-6p.m.

The South African Marketplace and Village will run from Wednesday through Sunday at the Washington Convention Center. South African artifacts, art and products will be on display; and exhibits will feature a wide range of “Proudly South African” products and items.

Thursday, September 27. Gala Banquet & Keynote Address. Pavilion at the Ronald Reagan Center (1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW). Time: 7p.m.  This banquet and keynote address by Dr. Khotso Mokhele and remarks by the South African Embassy will be the featured event of the week. The evening program will include addresses by key US and South African business and political figures. The evening will also include a musical performance by popular South African band Mahala.

Friday, September 28. Fashion Show & Wine Tasting. Smithsonian Museum of African Art (950 Independence Ave. SW). Time: 7p.m. Hosted by a major South African media personality, the fashion will showcase local and visiting South African designers.

Saturday, September 29. Potomac River Yacht Cruise. Time: 4:30 p.m. boarding.  Head for Washington’s historic waterfront for a “Spirit of Washington” cruise on the mighty Potomac River. Enjoy great music and a truly unique dinner experience, live music and entertainment.


For more information on South Africa Week, visit
www.southafricaweek.com.

 

 

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