Mandela to deliver IBA lecture in Johannesburg

SOUTH African president Nelson Mandela has been signed to speak at an International Bar Association conference in Johannesburg later this year.

Mandela will deliver a lecture, 'The Rule of law: cornerstone of economic progress', to mark the 25th anniversary of the IBA's Section on Business Law. His speech will conclude the conference, to be held from 7 to 9 November.

Section chair Francis Neate says the association is "honoured and delighted" that Mandela has agreed to address the meeting which is co-run by the general professional programme committee and the sections on general practice and energy and natural resources law.

"This is a time of growing opportunity for business and investment in South Africa, and we are glad to be providing a global forum for discussion of the way ahead in this new economic and political environment," says Neate.

Other topics to be addressed at the conference include independence of the judiciary, sexual equality, joint ventures inside and outside of South Africa and project finance.