The South African Consulate-General in Hong Kong launches from Thursday a "Ten Years of Freedom" program to celebrate the coming 10th anniversary of freedom of South Africa which falls on April 27, 2004. 

Consul-General Mairo George Masher told the press Thursday night that the launch of the program is indeed an important event as it not only incorporates the New Year's message of President Thabo Mbeki, but also informs on the categories of the celebratory events that are programmed to take place within the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions.

He said that the events of the program commenced from January and is to continue throughout the year, highlighting monthly topics such as Road to Freedom, the State of the Nation, Peace, Constitution, Labor, Education, Africa, Women and Children, Trade, Tourism and Investment.

He said the program also include a number of cultural, sports and promotional events.

Talking about South African ventures in Hong Kong, He described the development of the South African ventures as "healthy."

Davy Chiu, senior manager of business development of the South African Consulate-General, told Xinhua that over a dozen of South African companies are running business here.

Though the number is limited, of those ventures, four are banks and a few others are big ventures, he said.

Recently, a Hong Kong listed Fijian Company has signed an agreement with South Africa's Goldfield Company, the world's fourth largest gold exploration company, for joint gold development in Chinese mainland, he said. 

(Xinhua News Agency January 9, 2004)