Dear Editors

The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) in partnership with the People’s Republic of China invites members of the media to a pre-departure gala dinner in honour of the first 15 post graduate students awarded with a DAFF/China scholarship.     

The DAFF/China scholarship programme was initiated in February 2010 by the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson. The programme aims to provide South African nationals an opportunity to do post graduate studies in scarce and critical skills in the agriculture, forestry and fisheries sector in the Republic of China and is part of an existing Cooperation Agreement between South Africa and China.     

In addition to the gala dinner with the Minister, the DAFF will host an orientation and information session from 10-11 August 2011 with the awarded students and representatives from the Departments of Higher Education and Training and International Relations and Cooperation and the Chinese Embassy in South Africa. 

For enquiries contact:                                                        
Mr Steve Galane
Acting Chief Director: Stakeholder Relations and Communications
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: 012 319 7960
Mobile: 083 635 7346

For more information contact:                                                      
Ms Lebo Botsheleng
Director: National Extension Support
Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tel: 012 319 6957
Mobile: 071 154 742