ADDRESS 180 Blackwood Street Press Release Arcadia, Pretoria 0083 South Africa 9 September, 2013 TEL +27 (0)12 427 8936 Page 1 of 3 FAX +27 (0)12 343 3606 [email protected] German Weeks 2013: www.southafrica.diplo.de Meet Germany in South Africa today! www.gicafrica.diplo.de www.germanweeks2013.co.za Germany: a founding member of the EU. Europe’s strongest economy. A vibrant society. A strategic partner of South Africa. A land of ideas and innovation. What else would you like to know about today’s Germany and the strength and depth of South African-German relations? You are cordially invited to learn more. In order to present today’s Germany to a wider South African audience, the German Embassy, the Southern African – German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCC), as well as various German institutions and companies in South Africa present the German Weeks 2013. Comprising of 25 dynamic and engaging events, the German Weeks will take place from 12 September to the end of October, 2013. The weeks ahead With the official slogan “Meet Germany in South Africa today”, the German Weeks 2013 showcase an authentic and multi-faceted image of modern German society through various lenses such as lifestyle, politics, business and technology, primarily in Johannesburg and Pretoria. Furthermore, they introduce and highlight Germany’s presence within South Africa to new audiences. Highlights The German Weeks 2013 programme main highlights include the opening event at the Deutsche Schule Pretoria’s Oktoberfest (12 September), a German election party at the Goethe-Institut (22 September), a “science slam” in cooperation with the DST and Sci-Bono (9 October), and, finally, the closing event at the SAGCC/ Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg Innovation and Job Fair (19 October). A full programme is available online at www.germanweeks2013.co.za and can be mailed on demand. Organisers and sponsors The German Embassy, the Southern African – German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAGCC) and German companies Page 2 of 3 producing and manufacturing in South Africa, the Deutsche Schule Pretoria, the Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg, the Goethe-Institute, giz (German Cooperation), DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service), KfW (German Bank for Reconstruction and Development), GTaI (Germany Trade and Invest), DGRV (German Co-operative and Raiffeisen Confederation), the German Churches in Pretoria, as well as German political foundations such as the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung and the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom are the main organisers of the German Weeks 2013. What the German Weeks 2013 are aiming for German Ambassador to South Africa Horst Freitag states, “It is our hope that through the German Weeks 2013, the South African political and business sectors will gain a deeper understanding of contemporary Germany, while being afforded the opportunity to make contact with strategic German decision makers based in this country.” The German Weeks 2013 are designed to provide the general public with a broader and deeper understanding of Germany, be it its lifestyle, culture, education and vocational training or products. For further information, as well as a full programme of events; please visit www.germanweeks2013.co.za and follow the discussion on Twitter at #GermanWeeks2013. Background: Germany in South Africa Germany and South Africa are strategic partners, on the African continent and worldwide. The two countries’ relationship is rich, vibrant and comprehensive, and its societies enjoy a special bond of friendship. Relations stretch from trade to development, from vocational and educational training to cultural and academic exchange, from science cooperation to direct investment. Six hundred German companies are present in South Africa. They employ 90.000 people directly, and another 90.000 people through suppliers. Germany is South Africa’s number two trading partner, with a strong focus on the manufacturing sector. With numerous activities in vocational training and in further qualifications, German companies are trendsetters, bringing German expertise and employment to South Africa. With its development cooperation amounting to more than one billion Euros since 1994, Germany is one of South Africa’s strategic development partners, focussing on governance, energy/climate and HIV/AIDS. Page 3 of 3 Today, approximately 150,000 German passport holders reside in South Africa. To add to this figure, South Africa boasts a lively community of citizens with a German background. Annually, German tourist numbers have increased strongly particularly over the peak festive season and months of November to February. Similarly, there is significant interest in Germany, reflected by the ever growing numbers of South Africans travelling there. For further information please contact: Friedrich Schröder Spokesperson German Embassy Pretoria 180 Blackwood Street, Arcadia Pretoria 0083, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)12 427 8936 Fax: +27 (0)12 343 3606 E-Mail: [email protected] www.southafrica.diplo.de www.gicafrica.diplo.de www.facebook.com/GermanMissionsSA www.facebook.com/GICPretoria @GermanEmbassySA #GermanWeeks2013 .