Deputy President Motlanthe completes working visit to New Zealand

SA Deputy President Motlanthe and PM John Key

South Africa's Deputy President, Kgalema Motlanthe, has just concluded his working visit to New Zealand.

The first leg of his visit took place in Auckland where he met with the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable John Key.  The two leaders discussed issues relating to the strengthening of bilateral relations between South Africa and New Zealand.

The Deputy President attended the 2011 Rugby World Cup opening ceremony and watched the opening match between New Zealand and Tonga.

 In Wellington, Deputy President Motlanthe met with the Springbok team at their camp to give them moral support ahead of their opening World Cup game against Wales, which he also attended on 11 September.

At a business luncheon in Wellington, Deputy President Motlanthe met with members of the business communities from South Africa and New Zealand.  In his remarks he thanked the government of New Zealand for hosting him and emphasised that his working visit marks the beginning of a partnership that will in future help in the development of Africa.