SA ready to host World Economic Forum

"We are pleased and honoured that WEF has chosen our country to host West Africa this year. Both government and the business community welcome the opportunity to showcase our country. South Africa is open for business.

"The South African delegation will emphasise this message to business from both Africa and the world and showcase the enormous opportunities in our country," said President Zuma.

According to the Presidency, the president will be accompanied by 12 ministers and a deputy minister, five premiers and five mayors of metropolitan municipalities, as well as business leaders to showcase South Africa and explore opportunities at the meeting.

The 25th WEF, which will take place from 3 to 5 June, will be held under the theme "Then and Now: Re-imagining Africa's future".

The forum will convene African and global leaders from government, business and civil society to take stock of progress over the last 25 years, share insights on the present landscape and identify innovative approaches to accelerate inclusive growth, while bringing about sustainable development in the future.

South Africa will use the WEF to showcase the country's attractiveness as a business destination and that of the African continent in general.

President Zuma and his delegation will engage business leaders in various sessions to share the competitive advantages and respond to questions raised.

Additionally, the meeting will also be used as an important listening forum by government to take note on issues of concern to business. These will be taken forward in government's formal interface with South African business, the Presidential Business Working Group, Presidential Small Business Working Group and the National Consultative Forum on the Mining Sector.

South Africa will also market the country within the context of the National Development Plan (NDP) which is a long term plan to develop an inclusive economy, create jobs, enhance the capacity of the state and promote partnerships throughout its society.

The aim of the NDP is to eliminate poverty and inequality by 2030. The plan also highlights the importance of the country's development.

South Africa also seeks investment in job drivers that will be marketed during the WEF. These job drivers are: infrastructure development; agriculture, forestry and fisheries; mining and beneficiation; manufacturing including the incentives provided by government in various sectors for investors; the green economy; the ocean economy and tourism.

South Africa will showcase the ocean economy that is promoted through the Operation Phakisa delivery model.

The president will be accompanied by the following ministers:

• Lead Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene;
  
• Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency Minister Jeff Radebe
  
• International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane;
  
• Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor;
  
• Telecommunications and Postal Services Minister Dr Siyabonga Cwele;
  
• Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi;
  
• Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Pravin Gordhan;
  
• Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa;
  
• Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel;
  
• Mineral Resources Advocate Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi;
  
• Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson;
  
• Tourism Minister Derek Hanekom; and
  
• Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina representing Dr Rob Davies.

The premiers that will accompany the president are:

• Western Cape, Helen Zille
  
• KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu
  
• Eastern Cape, Phumulo Masualle
  
• Northern Cape, Sylvia Lucas and
  
• North West, Supra Mahumapelo

Executive mayors that will accompany the president are:

• Cape Town, Patricia de Lille
  
• Buffalo City (East London), Zukiswa Ncitha
  
• Ekurhuleni Metropolitan, Mondli Gungubele
  
• Ethekwini Metropolitan, James Nxumalo
  
• Nelson Mandela, Danny Jordaan
  
• City of Johannesburg, Parks Tau