July 26, 2002
By Lucille Davie
THE latest contributor to the coffers of the Johannesburg World Summit Company (Jowsco) is Sweden, with a donation of R10-million for general logistics.
"It is only natural for Sweden to assist South Africa financially in its ambitious and highly commendable undertaking to host the World Summit on Sustainable Development. This should be set out in an action plan future generations can pick up on. I am excited about being part of this crucial Summit," said Swedish ambassador Helena Nilsson at a handing over ceremony at Jowsco on Thursday.
Sweden hosted the first UN World Summit on Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972, confirming the country's long-standing interest in global sustainable development and environmental issues.
A major focus of the Summit will be poverty and its impact on the environment. "The poor, who have most difficulty in replacing one source of income for another, are the hardest hit by the damage made to our environment. The international community's goals with regard to sustainable development must acquire a concrete form in Johannesburg next month," added Nilsson.
South Africa and Sweden have signed a development co-operation agreement - amounting to an annual grant of R200-million - which focuses on education, democratic governance, urban development, economic co-operation, culture and research.
Moss Mashishi, CEO of Jowsco, expressed his appreciation for the "tireless commitment" of Sweden to South Africa: "They have been a fundamental aspect of South Africa's development and transition and have displayed utmost support and dedication towards nature and the environment."
In early April five major corporates - mining giant Anglo American, electricity supplier Eskom, construction company Murray & Roberts, South African Airways and the South African Post Office - each contributed R5-million to the summit coffers. The total budget for the summit is R540-million.
In the past fortnight Jowsco has received donations from other foreign governments, including Finland and Norway. In June the Norwegian government donated a multi-media resource centre worth R8-million to the summit. After the Summit the centre is to be given to Alexandra township for use by residents.
Another donor, Hewlett-Packard, the exclusive hardware sponsor for the Summit, recently donated 2 300 PCs, 128 servers, 53 notebook computers, 10 scanners, 274 printers and 135 digital cameras, worth around R40-million.
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