SA Deputy President Mabuza to host French PM Edouard Philippe

In line with the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations this year, Philippe is expected to hand over the restored and digitized Rivonia Trail dictabelts, which France has been assisting South Africa in restoring.

Deputy President David Mabuza will on Thursday host the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe who will be in the country for a two-day official visit.

This will be the first official visit which Deputy President Mabuza hosts since taking office, and the French Prime Minister's first visit to South Africa, the Presidency said on Tuesday.

"During the visit, several bilateral agreements will be concluded, focusing on cooperation in the fields of education and training, science and technology as well as on environmental cooperation."

As chairperson of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), education and training are areas of particular importance to the Deputy President Mabuza.

In line with the Nelson Mandela Centenary Celebrations this year, Philippe is expected to hand over the restored and digitized Rivonia Trail dictabelts, which France has been assisting South Africa in restoring.

Deputy President Mabuza and his counterpart will also participate at the South African - French Business Forum which will be attended by various captains of industries focussing in areas such as energy, science and technology, agriculture, manufacturing, transport, water and sanitation, amongst others.

The visit follows the June bilateral meeting between President Cyril Ramaphosa and President Emmanuel Macron during the G7 Leaders' Summit Outreach in Canada.

Furthermore, the visit builds on the outcomes of the South Africa-France Forum of Political Dialogue which took place in Paris in March 2018.

Deputy President Mabuza will be supported by Cabinet Ministers and senior government officials.

(With inputs from South African Government press release)