MEDIA ADVISORY - South Africa's Trevor Manuel, Minister in the Presidency, in
Ottawa

OTTAWA, Nov. 23 /CNW/ - South Africa's Trevor Manuel, who went from anti-apartheid activist to the Minister of Finance that made that country's economy one of the most robust in Africa, will be at Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC) on November 25^th.  Manuel will be in Ottawa exclusively to speak as part of the Speakers of Renown series, which is being held throughout 2010 to mark IDRC's 40^th anniversary.

When: Thursday, November 25, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: IDRC, 150 Kent Street (Corner of Albert), 8^th floor, Ottawa, ON

In 1995, then South-African President Nelson Mandela would note, "South Africans have benefited greatly from the IDRC's assistance."

Canada's IDRC worked closely with South African researchers to prepare for the end of apartheid and the transition to democracy. More than half the cabinet in the South African government after the historic 1994 election had participated in IDRC projects.  Among these ministers was Trevor Manuel, who had spent 35 months in detention for his activities in the democratic movement.

Trevor Manuel is now Minister in the Presidency in charge of the National Planning Commission, the body responsible for setting out South Africa's long-term vision and strategic plan.  Born in Cape Town, Manuel became involved in the democratic movement during his youth and was later a National Executive Member of the United Democratic Front.  He was repeatedly detained or placed under house arrest for his anti-apartheid activities.  On his release, Manuel was a key player in the African National Congress (ANC) while it was negotiating a peaceful end to apartheid. Since 1991, he has been a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee.  One of the world's longest-serving finance ministers, Manuel has received numerous international awards, including election by the World Economic Forum as a Global Leader of Tomorrow in 1994.

The event is open to the media. French and English simultaneous interpretation is available. Spaces are limited and journalists are encouraged to register by calling Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé at 613-696- 2343 or e-mailing at [email protected]. 

Journalists and the public can join in the conversation through Twitter (#IDRC) and Facebook.  For more information and the live webcast, visit www.idrc.ca/events-manuel.

About IDRC

To achieve self-reliance, poor communities need answers to questions like: How can we grow more and healthier food? Protect our health? Create jobs? IDRC supports research in developing countries to answer these questions. IDRC also encourages sharing this knowledge with policymakers, other researchers, and communities around the world. The result is innovative, lasting local solutions that aim to bring choice and change to those who need it most.

For further information:

Isabelle Bourgeault-Tassé / ([phone] / [email protected]