Media Alert: MEC Madikizela to Highlight Importance of Resource-Use Efficiency in Human Settlements

On Monday 11 October 2010 Western Cape Minister for Human Settlements Bonginkosi Madikizela will deliver the opening welcome address at the Annual International Housing Conference and Exhibition organised by the Southern African Housing Foundation (SAHF). This year's conference and Awards will focus on "Green Technology for Sustainable Human Settlements."

The Minister is much encouraged by the theme of the conference which speaks to one of the Western Cape Provincial Government's strategic objectives, "Mainstreaming Sustainability and optimising Resource-use Efficiency", and a key outcome of another, "Developing Integrated and Sustainable Human Settlements."

The conference will be attended by speakers and delegates from around the world - the USA, the UK, Namibia, Taiwan, the Netherlands and a number of African countries. Other invited speakers by the SAHF include Minister of Energy, Dipuo Peters, President of the Chartered Institute of Housing in the UK, Prof. Paddy Gray, President of the National Association of Redevelopment Officials in the USA, Mr Akinola Popoola, and Chairman and Associate Professor of the HWA HSIA institute of Technology, Taiwan, Professor Jiann-Mou Chen.

The programme will include a welcome cocktail function (Sunday evening, 18h00) and the official opening of the Exhibition by Deputy Minister Kota-Fredericks, National Department of Human Settlements.

The SAHF African Evening Experience and Housing Awards will be held at Moyo, Spier Wine Estate, Stellenbosch on Tuesday, 12 October, from 19h30.The awards shall be presented to the winners by Minister Bonginkosi Madikizela.

Minister Madikizela will also be making the closing address on Wednesday, 13 October, at 12h20.

All media are encouraged to indicate their attendance for logistical purposes.

Highlights:

Welcome cocktail launch and Exhibition opening:
Date: 10 October
Time: 18:00
Venue: Southern Sun - Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town

Opening Address (followed by Energy Minister's address)
Date: 11 October
Time: 09:30
Venue: Southern Sun - Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town

Housing Awards Dinner:
Date: 12 October
Time: 19:00 for 19:30
Venue: Spier Wine Estate

Closing Address:
Date: 13 October
Time: 12:20
Venue: Southern Sun - Cape Sun Hotel, Cape Town

The Conference programme runs from:
Day 1: 09:30 to 17:00
Day 2: 09:00 to 16:00
Day 3: 08:30 to 12:50

For more information on the conference, contact:
SA Housing Foundation
Tel: 021 987 7950/2585