Johannesburg, Apr 27: Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat arrived here to represent India in today’s celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of the dismantling of the apartheid regime in South Africa and the inauguration of President Thabo Mbeki for a second term. Shekhawat, who arrived here from Dubai, was received at the airport by South African Health Minister M Tshabalala and Social Welfare Minister S K Skweyiya and Indian High Commissioner S S Mukherjee.

The vice-president was accompanied by a high level delegation, including Foreign Secretary Shashank. Shekhawat is scheduled to call on South African Deputy President Jacob Zumo tomorrow.

India was the first country to severe trade relations with the apartheid government in 1946, and imposed diplomatic, commercial, cultural and sports sanction on South Africa. During his six-day official visit, which is expected to further boost bilateral ties, Shekhawat would inaugurate the centenary celebrations of the phoenix settlement established by Mahatma Gandhi. The Vice-President, who would be accompanied by senior officials, will announce the gifting of a computer laboratory to the Kasturba Gandhi school there along with a mobile clinic and ambulance.

Over 200 delegations, including about 50 heads of the state, are expected to attend tomorrow's celebrations.

Bureau Report