SOUTH AFRICA TO ATTEND THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL

UNCLAS PRETORIA 000518

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR OES/PCI/LBRUTTEN/DROCHBERG AND AF/S

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: SENV ECON SOCI EAID KPAO SF
SUBJECT: SOUTH AFRICA TO ATTEND THE 2ND INTERNATIONAL
FORUM ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIPS FOCUSED
ON WATER AND ENERGY IMPLEMENTATION

REF: STATE 12206


1. Mr. Blessing Manale, Director for Sustainable
Development Coordination at the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT),confirmed
to us on February 1 that the South African Government
(SAG) would attend the Second International Forum on
Sustainable Development in Marrakech, Morocco on
March 21-23. SAG also participated in the First
International Forum in Rome in 2004. Manale said
that SAG regarded Type II partnerships as a critical
outcome of the Johannesburg Summit on Sustainable
Development and remained committed to implementing
them wherever possible.


2. Manale told us that SAG began initial discussions
on how best it could support Morocco to ensure the
success of the forum. DEAT has also requested that
the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME) and the
Department Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) consider
participating in the forum. Manale said that it was
urgent that his Minister, Mr. Marthinus Van
Schalkwyk, receive an invitation to any ministerial
level event being planned for Sunday, March 20 as
soon as possible.


3. As it stands, Ms. Pam Yako, DEAT Chief Operating
Officer and slated to become Acting Director General
by the end of February, will head South Africa's
delegation to the forum. Other delegates will be as
follows:

-- Mr. Alf Wills, Deputy Director General,
International Cooperation
-- Ms. Judy Beaumont, Chief Director, Planning and
Coordination
-- Mr. Zaheer Fakir, Head of International Liaison
and Coordination
-- Mr. Blessing Manale, Director for Sustainable
Development coordination.

Frazer