ITU Press Conference
The ITU will hold a Press Conference to mark the opening of the event for media representatives, which will be hosted by the ITU Secretary-General, Yoshio Utsumi, and South Africa's Minister of Communications, Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri. A new ITU publication, Africa Indicators 2001, will be launched at the Conference, containing new analysis and latest statistics for every country in Africa. There will also be a Press Briefing on press logistics and practicalities around the event. All accredited journalists are invited to attend.

All accredited media wishing to attend the AFRICA 2001 Opening Ceremony must first have accredited with the ITU TELECOM Press Service at the Gallagher Estate, prior to arriving at Sandton Convention Centre. For security reasons, all media representatives must also be able to produce not only their ITU-issued press badge, but the Opening Ceremony invitation and proof of their identity as well. Please allow time before the Opening Ceremony for the security check which will be performed by the Police.

Photographers and cameramen are requested to gather at the entrance to the Pavilion, Sandton Convention Centre, from 16h00; other media representatives should be on-site from 16h30. Late arrivals may not be admitted. After security checking, journalists will be escorted to the Pavilion. No entry to the venue will be allowed for journalists arriving later than 17h00.

Opening Ceremony
A ceremony to mark the official opening of AFRICA 2001. The ceremony will be officiated by the ITU Secretary-General, Yoshio Utsumi, and South Africa's Minister of Communications, Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, and will be sponsored by Telkom South Africa. A presentation will be given by Telkom's CEO, Sizwe Nxasana. All accredited journalists are invited to attend. 

Fixed positions will be designated for photographers and cameramen. A few rows of seats have also been reserved for the written press. Please note that during the entertainment sections of the Opening Ceremony no filming will be permitted.

ITU Welcome Reception
A Welcome Reception, hosted by the Government of the Republic of South Africa, will be held at 19h00. The Reception will start with a welcoming ceremony, followed by an entertainment show. All accredited journalists are invited to attend.