Media Statement
1 December 2023
Ministers Pandor and Nzimande to co-host the Southern Africa Regional Preparatory Conference for the Ninth Pan-African Congress in Pretoria
The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor; and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande, will co-host the Southern Africa Regional Preparatory Conference for the Ninth Pan-African Congress on Monday and Tuesday, 4-5 December 2023, in Pretoria.
To be held under the theme: “Pan-Africanism, Science, Knowledge and Technology”, the Conference is convened in the context of the African Union Decade for African Roots and Diaspora declared for the period 2021-2031.
Day 1 of the Regional Preparatory Conference, Monday, 4 December 2023, will take place at the Conference Centre Room 1 of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO, OR Tambo Building), 460 Soutspansberg Road, Rietondale, in Pretoria, starting at 15h00.
Both Ministers Naledi Pandor and Blade Nzimande will deliver the welcoming remarks. Other participants include HE Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, the Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation of the Republic of Namibia; and HE Professor Robert Dussey, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Togolese Abroad.
Day 2 of the Regional Preparatory Conference, Tuesday, 5 December 2023, will take place at the CSIR International Convention Centre, CSIR Campus, Meiring Road, Pretoria, starting at 09h00.
Dr Frank Chikane and Dr Julius Garvey (son of the iconic Marcus Garvey) amongst other important speakers, will speak on the topic: “The influence of Pan-Africanism on Africa’s international relations and development. Other topics include the Role of the Media in Shaping Perspectives on Pan-Africanism: Building a Better African Continent: Opportunities for Sustainable Growth; The Role of Youth and Diaspora Youth in Building the Continent’s Potential.
The Southern Africa Regional Preparatory Conference will be one of six Regional Preparatory Conferences in the lead-up to the Ninth Pan-African Congress to be held in Lomé, Togo, in 2024.
The overall objective of the Southern African Regional Conference is to establish institutional links on the continent with the Diaspora in the areas of science, technology and innovation for the benefit of Africa’s socio-economic transformation and to address the continent’s prevalent challenges.
The Conference will bring together Government Ministers from Southern African countries, as well as benefit from the presence of other Government Ministers and Senior Officials from beyond the region, science and innovation experts, academia, research institutions, private sector, afro-descendants institutions and other Pan-Africa institutions, to explore partnerships and scientific collaborations in the pursuit of continental progress as espoused in Agenda 2063.
Enquiries: Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for DIRCO, 082 884 5974
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria
0084