Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe will travel to Canada on a Working Visit scheduled for 25 - 27 November 2013.

The purpose of the visit is to promote investment by Canadian companies in South Africa's mining sector.

During the visit, the Deputy President will meet with a range of stakeholders in the mining industry including mining companies, investors, bankers and asset managers.  He will also hold meetings with the Canada-South Africa Chamber of Commerce and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

The Deputy President will also pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Governor General of Canada the Right Honourable David Johnston.

South Africa enjoys close political and economic relations with Canada and these are evidenced by high volumes of trade and investments between the two countries.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Canada totaled over $1.3 billion in 2012. Exports were more than $634 million while imports from South Africa were more than $693 million.

Canada is a major player in the mining industry in Africa and the Deputy President will encourage Canadian companies to invest further in the mining and extractive sector in South Africa.

Deputy President Motlanthe will be accompanied by the Minister of Labour, Ms Mildred Oliphant and the Deputy Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Godfrey Oliphant.

For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela, Spokesperson for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.

Issued by: The Department of International Relations and Cooperation, OR Tambo Building, 460 Soutpansberg Road, Rietondale, Pretoria