3 August 2012
State Visit to Jamaica
From 4 to 6 August 2012, President Jacob Zuma, accompanied by Cabinet ministers and senior government officials will undertake a State Visit to Jamaica at the invitation of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.
As part of the visit, the President will also attend the 50th anniversary celebrations of Jamaica’s independence. The President’s visit forms part of the year-long celebrations in Jamaica to commemorate this milestone in that country’s history.
The objective of the State Visit is to enhance bilateral relations, recognise the role Jamaica played during South Africa’s struggle for emancipation and to celebrate Jamaica’s achievements as an independent and stable constitutional parliamentary democracy.
The President will also pay courtesy calls on the Governor-General of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Sir Patrick Allen, and the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Andrew Holness.
Key Messages | Supporting Statements |
South Africa’s relations with Jamaica are an expression of our foreign policy. |
|
South Africa remains committed to strengthening relations with Jamaica for the mutual growth and development of both countries. |
|
South African enjoys strong historical and diplomatic ties with Jamaica. |
|
Relations between South Africa and Jamaica are advancing the African Agenda and strengthening relations between Africa and its diaspora. |
|
Highlights
Sport and recreation
Olympic Games 2012
Cameron van der Burgh won South Africa’s first gold medal for the 100 m breaststroke with a world record time of 58,46 seconds. Chad le Clos won the second gold medal for the 200 m butterfly final.
Cricket and golf
The South African cricket team scored one of its finest wins in the first test against England. Batsman, Hashim Amla, notched up the highest score achieved by any South African batsman in a test match.
Golfer Ernie Els won the British Open Championship. It was Els's fourth major championship, following his wins in the 1994 and 1997 US Open and the 2002 British Open.
Tourism
South Africa secures 200 conferences
The Minister of Tourism, Mr Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced that South Africa has secured more than 200 international conferences for the next five years. This is estimated to attract 300 000 delegates and provide an economic boost of more than R1,6 million for the economy. The Minister also added that the Department of Tourism has set a target of 15 million international tourist arrivals by 2020.
South African rondawels in China
A new premier eco-resort valued at 250 million Chinese yuan, which was opened by South African Grant Horsfield near Shanghai has swept up eight awards and received coverage in publications such as Time Magazine and Vogue. It is fast becoming the most sought-after retreat for wealthy Chinese.
Economy
United Kingdom outsourcing giant buys into South Africa
British outsourcing giant, Capita PLC, has entered the sub-Saharan African market through the acquisition of South African contact centre solutions business, Full Circle. According to Capita, the acquisition would see it investing R500 million in South Africa over the next three years.
One million tax returns in record time
The South African Revenue Service (Sars) has reached the one million mark for personal income tax return submissions – just 22 days after the 2012 tax season opened on 1 July. Last year, it took five weeks to reach the same milestone. According to the spokesperson, Adrian Lackay, “The higher rate of submissions and much faster turn-around times in processing tax returns has enabled Sars to pay R3,07 billion in refunds to 501 096 taxpayers over the past 22 days.”