Social Media
Country Profile
Capital: Pretoria
Population: 48.6 Million (2009)
Area: 1,219,090 sq km
Terrain: Plateau, savanna, desert, mountains, coastal plains.
GDP per Capita: $3,075(2008 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 3.1%.(2008 est)
Search
USAID Commemorates 50th Anniversary
Printer
email
USAID’s presence in South Africa dates back over 20 years. By partnering with South African academic institutions, such as UWC, and non-governmental organizations, the Agency supported programs that educated the country’s future leaders and helped ensure South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy.
November 17, 2011
CAPE TOWN - The U.S. Agency for International Development in Southern Africa and University of the Western Cape recently held a joint reception, commemorating both institutions’ USAID’s 50th anniversary. USAID’s presence in South Africa dates back over 20 years.
Mission Director, Jeff Borns acknowledged the close and long-standing partnership between USAID and South Africa’s venerable institute of higher learning, UWC, which historically focused on educating citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds.
USAID’s presence in South Africa dates back over 20 years. By partnering with South African academic institutions, such as UWC, and non-governmental organizations, the Agency supported programs that educated the country’s future leaders and helped ensure South Africa’s peaceful transition to democracy. USAID has worked with UWC on a broad range of programs in areas as diverse as academic research, public health, HIV/AIDS prevention and training in law, economics, teacher training and community development.
Keynote speaker, Professor Jakes Gerwel, Rhodes University Chancellor and former UWC Vice-Chancellor, also thanked USAID’s developmental assistance and partnerships successes that have made a huge difference in South Africa for the past 20 years.
The event consisted of a photo exhibition and video messages from U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton; USAID Administrator, Raj Shah, and Vice-Chancellor Professor Brian O’Connell, all wishing USAID a happy 50 years of developmental and humanitarian assistance worldwide.
Just before the event, a small group of USAID Southern Africa mission staff, led by Jeff Borns, were hosted by Archbishop Desmond Tutu at his offices. The Archbishop expressed his congratulations and appreciation for USAID’s work and partnership in the country.