Feedback from the International Marketing Council's final board meeting for the year

This meeting marked the end of the first three year term of the serving Board. President Thabo Mbeki later joined the meeting for his annual interaction with the Council, to thank the outgoing members and welcome the new members. He also received the IMC's detailed report outlining all the achievement s and challenges of the Council since its inception.

The meeting registered its appreciation of the work done to date to meet the Council's primary objective to develop and implement a pro-active and coordinated marketing and communication strategy for South Africa. It also acknowledged the progress that has been made, with the assistance of Unilever and other corporate partners in the development of the South African brand essence "Alive with possibility". The meeting agreed the ongoing process to refine messaging with supportive institutions which will enable and enhance the country's objectives in terms of investment, trade, tourism and international relations.

The call was made to sustain the radio and television campaign to consolidate the national support, and encourage national pride for the brand in South Africa and the emergence of consensus on projecting South Africa to the world.

The meeting celebrated the recent handing over to the International Marketing Council of the domain name www.southafrica.info and urged the operational staff to market the new domain aggressively to substantially increase the page views which currently average 360 000.

The President raised a concern about international fund managers working with incorrect or insufficient information about the country. They need to be made aware of the economic achievements of South Africa during the past nine years.

The following appointments were welcomed as members of the new IMC Board: