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THE FRENCH CONNECTION23 September, 2007 15:00 Members of the media are invited to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the cities of Durban and the French city of Nantes. Both cities have common interests in the fields of Human Rights, Democratic Development, Social Inclusion and Defence of Cultural Identities. According to the MOU, they will resolve to contribute, within the limit of their capacities, to the development of exchanges and cooperation between their Populations and Institutions. DATE: Thurs, 23 September TIME: 6pm VENUE: City Hall - Mandela Room RSVP: Michelle Govender on 311-2282 or govendermichelle@durban.gov.za Mayor of Nantes, Jean Marc Ayrault , together with a delegation of 10 others are in Durban to enjoy the Celebrate eThekwini festivities with their new twin city. The areas of co-operation between the cities include Parks and Gardens, Nantes is well known for its spectacular gardens and recently held an international flower show in France featuring the Ethekwini Parks and Recreation Department to celebrate 10 years of democracy. The Le Parc Exoticque Du Grand - Blottereau International garden represents the different continents and their indigenous plantation. Durban’s vegetation is set to feature in the continent of Africa garden. Another area of co-operation exists between the city, ACCORD – African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes - and Nantes in support of the international peace centre at the Bluff headland. Emergency Services workshops are expected to be run in November by a specialist from Nantes who will workshop emergency responses during the hosting of large events, sharing their Soccer World Cup 1998 experiences. A Durban delegation recently made their way to the Les Rendez-vous De L’ Erdre festival in France recently where Jazz specialist Darius Brubeck and students as well as Andile Mseleku and Melvin Peters wowed the crowds as part of the cultural exchange. A video documentary festival featuring 20 South African videos sponsored by the city were also screened. Durban Photographer, Paul Weinberg’s pictures were also exhibited. Nantes have sponsored a Zulu women specialising in crafts to fly to France to demonstrate traditional Zulu craft. The delegation is also expected to visit the KCAPs in KwaMashu to forge links with schools in Nantes. Ends ENQUIRIES: SHELLEY GIELINK International Relations Tel. 031 311-2047 |
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