It's SA Week in Washington DC
Irene Oladeinde
19 November 2004
The first annual South Africa Week is under way in Washington DC. SA expatriate Kennedy Khabo, the man behind the event, says the aim is to celebrate the country's first decade of freedom - and to generate interest among potential US investors.
The line-up of events includes panel discussions, conferences, workshops and festivities where South African and US business leaders, academics and politicians can network.
Khabo, who grew up in Atteridgeville and emigrated to the US in 1986, is head of Khabo-Mabe On Time Inc, a company that promotes investment between US and South African businesses.
"All over the world, there was so much media coverage about South Africa getting its freedom - but not much afterwards", Khabo said.
"I want this event to let people know that South Africa's first 10 years of freedom has been a vibrant success, and to understand what it has taken for us to get to this point."
Khabo hopes the event will
also generate interest in business investments in South Africa.
The events began with a Discussion on Economic Development in Post-Apartheid South Africa, at the prestigious Georgetown University. Throughout the week there will be organised meetings, and visits to Mayor Anthony Williams' offices, Capitol Hill and the White House.
The week will end with a South African village and marketplace, and an awards dinner and dance at the trendy Zanzibar International Club on Saturday, featuring the LeSole Dancers and DJ Lovely from South Africa.
South African ambassador to the US, Barbara Masekela, is expected to attend events throughout the week.
Representatives from non-profit organisations like Africare, Africa Action, the Congressional Black Caucus, the Trans Africa Forum, the National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People, and the South African Business Club, will also attend the events.
Source: BuaNews
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