Wits hosts energy conference

A conference at Wits University is discussing solutions to advance energy conservation on the continent.
SOLUTIONS to advance energy conservation endeavors are under scrutiny at the African Presidential Roundtable 2012 meeting being held at Wits University.

City delighte to host the African Presitential Roundtable conferenceCity delighted to host the African Presidential Roundtable conference, says acting JTC CEO Phelisa MangcuSeveral former heads of states from across the continent, foreign diplomats, energy ministers, students and other international dignitaries are attending the African Presidential Roundtable 2012. This year’s focus theme is “21st Century Energy Agenda for Africa.”

Participating former Africa heads include Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria; Ali Hassan Mwinyi and Benjamin Mkapa of Tanzania; Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo from Benin; Pedro Pires of the Cape Verde; Joaquim Chissano from Mozambique; and Rupia Banda from Zambia.

One of the main discussions will focus on how governments, private institutions and individuals can work together to advance Africa’s goal of achieving long-lasting solutions to conserving energy.

The acting CEO of Johannesburg Tourism Company (JTC), Phelisa Mangcu, expressed her delight that Joburg was chosen to host the event.

“As a city destination, we’re delighted to be partnering with Boston University’s African Presidential Center, previously known as APARC – the African Presidential Archives and Research Center - to host such a relevant, high profile conference.

“Moreover, it’s appropriate that as one of our illustrious universities Wits will be hosting such an important conference in its 90th Anniversary year,” said Mangcu.

She said the JTC was proud to be associated with the event, which will bear positive outcomes not only for Joburg but for the whole continent.

Mangcu said the JTC will leverage on the opportunity to markert Joburg to the visitors. “While we look forward to the serious business of successfully hosting this event, we also relish the opportunity to showcase Joburg as a wonderfully diverse city which has plenty on offer to interest travelers on many different levels,” she said.

The JTC will provide city tours to students attending the conference as a show of support to the conference. “Although it’s important for us to market our destination to many different target audiences, this is a prime opportunity to expose these visiting students to what Joburg has to offer in terms of lifestyle and educational opportunities,” explained Mangcu.

She said that academic institutions play an important role in adding value to Joburg’s urban tourism propositions.

“Not only do they attract students to our City, but they also assist in creating awareness of Joburg’s credentials to host important international academic conferences and meetings,” explained Mangcu.

The multi-continental annual conference is sponsored by Boston University’s Africa Presidential Centre and runs until 25 May.