South African Ambassador sees prospects for AIT's partnership with South Africa
During his visit to AIT on 24 April 2007, H.E. Ms. Pearl Nomvume Magaqa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa, expressed keen interest on the part of the South African Government to send students to this part of the region in order to broaden their international exposure and experience. The government plans on sending students to Thailand and will consider AIT. Ambassador Magaqa noted that the impressive progress being made in the region and also similarities and applicability of some of the developmental initiatives being undertaken by AIT in the region make it a most appropriate partner for South Africa.
Ambassador Magaqa's visit was a precursor to the forthcoming visit to AIT of Professor N. Barney Pityana, Principal and Vice Chancellor, University of South Africa (Unisa) and delegation (5-6 May) towards further exploring possible initiatives for academic cooperation and collaboration with AIT.
During the meeting with Ambassador Magaqa the AIT administration also discussed AIT's new Charter which is currently being finalized and the Ambassador has assured AIT that the South African Government would seriously consider its participation. AIT President Said Irandoust was also invited and participated in South Africa Freedom Day celebrations held on 27 April in Bangkok.