THURSDAY, 15 MARCH 2001: The Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Valli Moosa, today announced the appointment of Mr Moss Mashishi as the CEO of the Johannesburg Earth Summit 2002. Mashishi, currently CEO of South African Tourism, will commence with his new responsibilities immediately. In the meantime the Chairperson of the board, Mr Sakie Macozoma, will act as Executive Chairperson until the vacancy created is filled.

The selection of South Africa to host the summit is seen as a key opportunity for Africa and South Africa to influence the world agenda on issues of sustainable development. At the same time due to its high level nature - attracting over 100 heads of states and over 50 000 delegates from across the globe, the Summit presents South Africa with huge organizational challenges.

In order to strengthen the management capacity of the National Task Force Executive on Logistics for the summit, particularly in planning, coordination and programme management, the Department of Environment Affairs and Tourism has established a Section 21 Company referred to as the Johannesburg Earth Summit 2002 Co. A dedicated senior executive to head the organization of this summit under the direction of the Ministers of Environmental Affairs and Tourism and Foreign Affairs is therefore required.

Minister Moosa expressed confidence that with Mr Mashishi's expertise and experience both in the public and private sectors he was the best person to lead South Africa in meeting this mammoth task.

Mr Mashishi has overseen Satour's transformation process, including the right-sizing of the organization; its refocus on its international marketing responsibilities and its move to its new headquarters in Sandton, Johannesburg.

Welcoming the appointment at a media briefing in Cape Town today, Mr Mashishi said that this is a challenge that he is ready to take on and ensure that in the same breath as he sought to put SA on the map in Satour, this work will showcase the best of Africa and South Africa and ensure that the summit benefit the world's people.

Mr Mashishi as CEO of this company will be supported by a Director: Operations and Logistics, a Director: Finance, and a Director: Media and Marketing. The company will coordinate the roles and functions of national, provincial and metro levels of government.