August 2006 dfa

NowYour voice to be heard

Commemorating the Women’s March of 1956: President Thabo Mbeki, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and members of the ANC Women’s League at the Union Buildings, Tshwane, 9 August 2006 Editorial Note

Welcome to another informative issue. August is women’s month and in joining the million echoes salut- The DFA Now is an internal newsletter of Department ing all the great women of the world, the DFA Now has included of Foreign Affairs published by the Directorate: Content the following extract from a poem written & composed by: Mvuyo Development. Mhangwane entitled ‘To our liberation’s heroines’ in recognition of the unselfish contribution that women has and continue to make in Editor-in-Chief: Ronnie Mamoepa working for a better world - Amandla “the mighty Mbokodo!” Editor: ... Transport your memory to August 9th, 1956 Paseka Mokhethea Visualise the determined face of Lilian Masediba Ngoyi Acknowledge the gallant gait of Editorial Committee: Applaud the resolve in Radima Moosa’s voice Genge, MP: (Acting) Chief Dir: Policy, Research & Analysis; What a formidable convoy of untouchable rocks? Khoza, G: Dir: Operations Centre; That sent shivers down ’s evil heart Moloto, J: Dir: Office of the Deputy Minister; Rendering Strijdom and his brutal accomplices panic-stricken Dikweni, NL: Dir: Economic Policy and Programming; Mashabane, D: Dir Humanitarian Affairs; Laying a solid foundation for April 27th, 1994 Nompozolo, Mathu: Chief Dir Human Resources; You set a trend for nations to emulate Shongwe, LV: Dir: Office of the DG; Banished fallacies and myths about female powerlessness to the Malcomson, D: Dir NEPAD, ARF, Programme & grave Information Management; Mabhongo, X: Dir : United Nations; Mountains of accolades are due to you ... Malawana XL: Operational Services

A NOTE OF THANKS: Design and Layout: Shaune van Wyk, Zimele Ngxongo The Department’s Change Management Committee (CMC) would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere appreciation of the support Pitures: Andrew Mohamed, Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay and commitment shown by all Department’s staff here at Head Office and Singh at our Missions abroad during the implementation of the change projects up to now. Please be informed that the success of projects like the new The views expressed in this newsletter do not security system and the new telephone system came about because of your valuable co-operation. The Committee hereby calls for your continued neccessarily reflect those of the DFA or the editors. support for other future projects of the Department. Because without you The deadline for contributiions is 11 September 2006. there would not be any measure of whether the project have brought about Contributions may be sent to cbe300 or mokhetheap@ the relevant positive change or not. foreign.gov.za Again, a big thank you to all the staff of the Department. All enquiries: Paseka @ Tel: (012) 351-1569 • Fax : (012) 351-1327 From the DG’s desk

Colleagues will recall that the De- of staff that the Department has once institutions; the monitoring, evaluation partment closed its accounts for the again achieved an unqualified Audit and reporting of performance; certain financial year 2005/06 on 31 March Report, for 2005/06. This means that, technical matters relating to the African 2006. Since that time, Finance and in the opinion of the Auditor-General, Renaissance Fund; and certain proce- Human Resources have been hard at “the financial statements [of DFA] fairly dures within the ICT environment that work compiling and reconciling, total- present, in all material respects, the fi- are indeed being addressed within the ling and balancing, which for an organi- nancial position of the Department of current upgrade of systems and proc- sation as large as DFA, with 113 or so Foreign Affairs at 31 March 2006 and esses. However, the Auditor-General branch offices abroad and numerous the results of its operations and its cash noted that, in the ICT area, the Depart- foreign currencies to work with, is no flows for the year then ended, in accord- ment has made notable progress in ad- mean feat. The Department’s Annual ance with the modified cash basis of dressing some of the risk exposures. Financial Statements were duly sub- accounting determined by the National The Department will certainly be mitted to the Accountant-General and Treasury of , as described addressing these matters vigorously the Auditor-General by the deadline of in note 1.1 to the financial statements, in the current financial year in order to 31 May 2006. and in the manner required by the Pub- fulfil its obligations. It only remains for The Auditor-General has spent lic Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act me as the Director-General to thank the past two months auditing the fi- No. 1 of 1999).” each and every personnel member of nancial statements of the Department Without qualifying his opinion, the the Department and the Department’s for 2005/06. A great deal of pressure Auditor-General has nevertheless Internal Audit team for the effort, dili- was placed on officials of Finance and drawn attention to four matters, re- gence and dedication displayed daily Human Resources and indeed of the duced from the six matters emphasised while working to achieve DFA’s objec- whole Department to satisfy the many in the previous financial year. These tives in this scrupulous manner that questions of the Auditor-General and concern, broadly, the management of eventually earned the Department an his staff. It is indeed a great pleas- debt by the Department (both internal excellent ‘unqualified’ audit opinion and ure for me to inform all our members and as owed by other departments and the respect of the taxpayers.

 DFA Now • August 2006 International relations

President Thabo Mbeki with DRC President Joseph Kabila RSA/DRC Relations beyond the July 2006 Elections: Quo Vadis?

The historic Presidential and General elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were held on 30 July 2006. These were historic elections in the sense that they were the first democratic elections in the history of that country in over forty years, since that country got independence on 30 June 1960. South Africa, in support of these elections, sent a 108-member National Observer Mission, to observe these historic elections. South African IEC also sent 128 Information Technology (IT) experts and logisticians, to support the DRC IEC in the 62 designated centres. This was over and above the comprehensive support the South African Government has offered to the DRC Transitional government since August 2004.

CRITICAL CROSSROADS: SOUTH AFRICA AND THE DRC

here are more parallels The DRC has also not been spared bat whereas close to four million others between South Africa and the from turbulent history. Since 1960, the have died as result of indirect conse- TDRC. Both are societies in DRC or Zaire as it was known then, has quences of the war. More have been transition from turbulent histories. The been subjected to decades of misrule, displaced internally and externally as DRC is at critical crossroads, South tyranny and rampant corruption under refugees in the neighbouring states. The Africa was caught up in way back in former Presidemt Mobutu Sese Seko, DRC is, therefore, a real and devastat- March 1994, before the historic demo- who was overthrown by Laurent Kabila ing tragedy to face the continent and the cratic elections that marked the ulti- in 1997. Upon seizing power, Kabila re- international community at large at the mate demise of apartheid and paved named Zaire the DRC. Kabila remained beginning of this millennium. way for the advent of our nascent de- in power until January 2001, when he mocracy. South Africa, after more than was assassinated. He then was re- Despite this troubled history, the a decade of Democracy is still very placed by his son Joseph who is still the DRC is potentially the strongest econ- much a society in transition, and deal- current President pending the outcome omy in the region. The DRC is a vast ing with daunting challenges, albeit of the elections. Since1997, the country country almost the size of Western Eu- of a different magnitude compared has been involved in the civil war that at rope. The DRC has a huge resource to those of the DRC. South Africa’s some point pitted Angola, Namibia and endowment including oil, diamond, traverse thus far remains impressive Zimbabwe against the neighbouring gold, copper and almost 80% reserves and can be salutary to the Congolese states of Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi. of the world’s coltan – contained in cell people. Over 300 000 people were killed in com- phones and laptops. Continue on pg 4 ...

DFA Now • August 2006  International relations

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BACKGROUND: WHY SOUTH AFRICA’S PROLONGED ENGAGEMENT IN THE DRC?

Part of explanation to this question lies in the principles and goals of South Africa’s Foreign Policy since 1994. These can be collapsed mainly into three. These are:

• Promotion of Human Rights and Democracy; • Economic Development; • The Promotion of Peace and Stability. Public Service and Administration, (DDR) processes; As explicated elsewhere in the Defence, the South African Police • Police: capacity building for DFA documents, South Africa’s en- Service, Home Affairs, Provincial the Congolese National Police gagement with the African content and Local Government, Transport, (PNC) focusing inter alia on VIP including the DRC is guided by the Trade and Industry, as well as the protection training as well as broader foreign policy objective of Independent Electoral Commis- crowd control consolidating the African Agenda. sion. Priority was given to critical • Transport: refurbishment of It within that broad context that areas of supporting governance airports as well as the railway South Africa, as is the case with structures, electoral support, se- lines; Burundi, Ivory Coast, Sudan, got curity sector reform, and electoral • Trade and Industry: involved in the DRC as well. support. Close to thirty agree- implementation of the INGA ments, covering various critical Electrification projects as well In the case of the DRC, South sectors, have been signed since as the Bas Congo Spatial Africa has always been unrelent- the last BNC in March 2006. Development Initiative; and ing in its constructive engage- • The independent Electoral ment. RSA’s efforts culminated in To highlight the nature and Commission: one electoral the signing of the Global and All- extent of RSA involvement in support including voter Inclusive Agreement in 2002. This the DRC, these are some of the education, printing of ballot then paved a way for the instal- projects various South African papers and as well as their lation of the Transitional Govern- Governments Departments have distribution to the DRC, as ment in May 2003. The Transition- embarked on in the DRC. These entered into an Agreement with al Government is led by President are as follows: the UNDP in May 2006. Joseph Kabila together with four vice-presidents, from previously • Foreign Affairs: capacity building The South African Government, warring factions. It is as a result for the DRC Ministry for Foreign since 1994, has always been in of the installation of the Transi- Affairs and International Co- the forefront of the renewal of the tional Government that South Af- operation; African continent. The DRC, with rica has been in a good stead to • Public Service and vast size and huge resource en- help the Congolese prepare for Administration: public service dowment, has been identified by the elections. As of August 2004, census and anti-corruption, South Africa as a strategic partner the South African Government respectively, to root-out ghosts in the consolidation of the Afri- launched a Bi-National Commis- and corruption from the public can Agenda. Stability in the DRC sion (BNC) as an annual forum for service; will have trickle down effect to the exchange ideas between the • Home Affairs: population and the troubles Great Lakes region. presidents of both countries, on immigration matters, to help in Also long-lasting stability in the areas of mutual interest and fur- matters of population registration RDC will benefit the continent as ther co-operation. The BNC paved and the ultimate establishment a whole. The mighty Congo River, way for engagement in the DRC of a voter roll; for example, has a potential illumi- by South African Government • Defence: disarmament, nate the rest of the Sub-Saharan Departments of Foreign Affairs, demobilisation and reintegration Africa.

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THE 2006 ELECTIONS: AN OVERVIEW

South Africa is proud to have South Africa’s largest Observer mis- tional community also played a critical played a significant role in organising sion ever dispatched, was deployed role in preparation for these elections. the successful 30 July 2006 elections. to the DRC from 19 July to 04 August The South African Government in this These were indeed landmark elec- 2006. The Mission observed the three cause has been supported by its citi- tions. They were the first democratic phases of the election including pre- zens, who took part in the observer mis- elections in that country in over forty election campaigns, the election day, sion when the call was made, as well years. Close to 25 million out of the as well as the counting process. The as by the Private sector. In this regard, targeted 28 million eligible voters, main contingent of the Observer Mis- three companies - Netcare, Anglogold registered for these elections. In to- sion safely returned to South Africa on Ashanti and RandWater – made gen- tal, close to 270 parties registered for 04 August 2006, while a skeleton staff erous donations to the RSA Observer the elections. There were 32 presi- of 14 remained in Kinshasa to observe Mission in the DRC elections. dential candidates. There were 9 632 the counting process. candidates for the 500-seat national Should no presidential candidate assembly. There were 49 600 voting The DRC election with a six-page obtain more than 50% in the first stations. ballot paper for the national assem- round, there will be a Presidential sec- bly elections, was the most complex ond round possibly by the end of Oc- In May 2006 South Africa signed and most challenging in the history of tober between the top two presidential an Agreement with UNDP, which the UN. The UN Mission in the DRC, candidates. In terms of the UNDP paved way for South Africa to print and MONUC, is the organisation’s largest agreement South Africa will also as- deliver ballot papers to the DRC. A to- mission with over 17000 personnel sist in preparations for presidential tal of about 2000 tons of ballot papers deployed to secure these elections. second round, expected to coincide was delivered to the DRC in 78 flights The EU also deployed 15 00 force, with the Provincial elections. In this undertaken by the RSA Air Force. The to support the UN. South Africa, as a context, the South African Govern- Observer Mission, led by Deputy Min- preeminent member of the interna- ment, through IEC and Department of ister of Defence Mluleki George and Defence, will assist in the printing and delivery of ballot papers to the DRC. CONCLUSIONS: WHERE TO FROM HERE?

Despite a relatively peaceful elec- tinent in view of the poor infrastructure new provinces (Department of Pro- tion, as there were a little over twenty in the DRC. Transport remains the vincial and Local Government); infra- reported election-related deaths, the key challenge: there are only 2500 km structure development (Department country is still vulnerable to security of tarred roads; airports are in a bad of Transport and Department of Pub- challenges posed mainly by renegade state of disrepair; and its rivers, key for lic Works); electrification and mining militia groups. Stability in the DRC is trade, are not navigable, as they are (Department of Minerals and Energy), very crucial as its melt down might filled with hyacinth. as well as increased South African in- have ramifications to the Great Lakes vestments in the DRC (Department of and the Central Africa Regions, as The Beyond the elections, South Trade and Industry). Already there is witnessed in the civil war that at some Africa is prepared to work with the noticeable involvement by the South point in time pitted Angola, Namibia democratically elected new govern- African Companies in the DRC, espe- and Zimbabwe against the neighbour- ment that will emerge in the DRC and cially in telecommunications and min- ing states of Uganda, Rwanda and will stay the course in that country, ing sectors. It is anticipated that there Burundi. The country, though, seems embarking on post-conflict reconstruc- will increase exponentially after the to be poised for a new beginning likely tion. Focus will be on critical support installation of a democratically elected to be ushered by the advent of a dem- areas like Security Sector Reform, government. ocratically elected government of the in the form of integration of the DRC first time in the history of that country. armed forces by DOD and capacity The South African Government is Perdurable peace and security in that building by SAPS for the Congolese proud of having been part of history country therefore warrants post con- National Police; public service cen- making in the DRC and will continue flict reconstruction of the DRC beyond sus and anti-corruption (Department to wakeup this sleeping giant. the elections, of which South Africa re- of Public Service and Administration); mains a prime champion. This is per- and capacity building for the DRC 25

DFA Now • August 2006  Cover Story

ifty years ago this month, 20 000 women or more from Fall walks of life gathered at the Union Buildings in Pretoria to protest against the Pass Laws. Led by Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie de Bruyn and Rahima Moosa, they presented thousands of petitions to the office of then Prime Minister J.G. Strydom. It was not easy in those days to or- ganize a march of such great magni- tude and significance. Bertha Gxowa, a member of the ANC Women’s League and later to become a Member of Par- liament, was on this march and years later in an interview she recalled the difficulties involved in its preparation. She explains that: “We should have used PUTCO buses to Pretoria but the government stopped and banned all the Putco bus- es, which were driving to Pretoria. We then met the evening before with the National Executive and decided that we are going to use trains. We arranged National Women’s Day that at each station like Princess, Ger- miston, Park Station, all stations that go to Pretoria, we put women on the first train from three o’clock in the morning. We put ten women in each train and buy tickets for everyone. But the police stopped the trains and took the women come as women united in our purpose had also been shaped in the years out of trains. But the women still found to save the African women from the preceding this historic march and in- a way to Pretoria.” degradation of passes. spired by decades of women’s partici- (This interview with Bertha Gxowa, “We African women know too well pation in the struggle for liberation. is captured in a new book called The the effect of this [pass] law upon our In 1954 South African women had Women’s Freedom March of 1956 pub- homes, our children. We, who are not come together at the Founding Con- lished by the Mutloatse Arts Heritage African women, know how our sisters ference of the Federation of South Af- Trust 2006) suffer…. rican Women, where they adopted the It is these heroic women whose “We shall not rest until all pass laws Women’s Charter. actions we celebrate in this Women’s and all forms of permits restricting our The Women’s Charter committed Month. For against all odds and with freedom have been abolished. itself to “striving for the removal of all great determination, they found a way We shall not rest until we have won laws, regulations, conventions and to Pretoria. And, in so doing, they suc- for our children their fundamental rights customs that discriminate against us ceeded in protesting against apart- of freedom, justice, and security.” as women, and that deprive us in any heid. With these statements, they way of our inherent rights to the ad- They presented a petition to the knocked on the door of the Prime Min- vantages, responsibilities and oppor- Office of Prime Minister Strydom; and ister, but they were then told to leave tunities that society offers to any one in unprecedented solidarity, they de- the petitions behind, before they were section of our population.” clared: ushered out. They did not get to meet Among the women present at this “We represent and speak on behalf the Prime Minister, but the women had founding event were Dora Tamana and of hundreds of thousands of women succeeded, against all odds, in dem- Ray Alexander, Lillian Ngoyi and Ida who could not be with us. But all over onstrating that they were a force to Mtwana; , Bertha Mkhize the country, at this moment, women be reckoned with. Fifty years later the and Henrietta Ostrich. It is important are watching and thinking of us. Their South African struggle for women’s for us to remember all these women hearts are with us….” emancipation still takes its inspiration for they occupy an important place in “We are women of every race, we from this long women’s march to free- our history. Let the history books of come from the cities and the towns, dom. this period show their contribution to from the reserves and the villages. We Their struggles for freedom in turn liberation and not only the efforts of

 DFA Now • August 2006 Cover Story

mothers – “for all people in all places.” The women in the 1950s were also inspired by the struggles of previous generations of women who had taken left the lead in the fight against gender op- Veteren ANC Women’s League activist, Mrs pression. The foundations had already Albertina Sisulu been laid early in the last century with the formation of the Bantu Women’s League in 1918 and the ground-break- Right ing work done by Charlotte Maxeke and 50 years ago South others in 1931 with the official recogni- African women tion of this organisation as a branch of marched onto the the ANC. Union Buildings in Pretoria led by Ms The League, which was the front- Lillian Ngoyi, Ms runner of the ANC Women’s League, Sophie de Bruyn, vigorously represented and promoted (here posing in front the interests of many women irrespec- of an artist impression of herself during tive of class and education as they the activities of 50 fought for their rights and the rights of years ago), Ms Helen all oppressed people. Joseph and Ms Amina Through the Federation of South Cachalia African Women, later through the Na- tional Women’s Coalition, through the ANC Women’s League, through the various roles played by women in politics, in youth organizations, in civic The Women’s March of 1956 structures, in the churches, in the trade union movement, in small businesses, women around South Africa have man- aged to forge unity and to make strides towards women’s equality. men. struggle for freedom. The success of Through the efforts of these Speaking at the launch of the Fed- this Conference will depend on what women and of others in our country, eration of South African Women, Ida we are prepared to do outside this today we can be proud that we have Mtwana, who represented the ANC hall. If we all put our shoulders to the a Constitution, which enshrines wom- Women’s Section in the then Trans- wheel, the time will come when we will en’s equality. We have a Commission vaal, called women to action with her be proud of the acts of women. Let us on Gender Equality, an Office on the words: unite, let us go forward with courage Status of Women located in the Presi- “Today women are marching side and determination.” dency as well as a National Machinery by side with the men on the road to (This speech is also captured in within government for advancing gen- freedom. They are beginning to break The Women’s Freedom March of 1956 der equality which aims to integrate the chains which have been created by published by the Mutloatse Arts Herit- gender into all government policy, the oppressors to retard the progress age Trust.) planning and activities. Women are a of women. Today we have come to- A year later, in 1955, in preparation sizeable number in our National Par- gether to build up one big family…. for the Congress of the People in Klip- liament and at other levels of govern- “We cannot sit down and fold our town, which later adopted the Freedom ment. arms when attempts are being made Charter, the women had also made The South African Women in Dia- to hold our progress and that of our their voices heard. Their demands in- logue Initiative has assisted women in children. We have to sacrifice all we cluded paid maternity leave, proper working towards a national unity and have for our freedom. If we do not fight and well-resourced clinics, maternity has also worked with women in other now, it will be too late and our children homes, child welfare centres, crèches African countries so that we can learn will curse us for our callousness.” and health clinics, proper houses and from each other and ensure that wom- “We know that as women we have sanitation, electrification, better land for en’s voices are heard in national and many problems which hold us back farming, sufficient food, free compulso- international discussions on the future from taking part fully in the struggle ry universal education, national medi- of our countries, our regions and our and it is precisely for that purpose that cal services, equal rights, among other continent as a whole. we have come to break down these important demands – and they did this South Africa has recognised problems. Let us come out as a unit- “for people of all races”, for all people that part of this homegrown initiative ed force. Let us take our place in the in the rural areas, for all children, for all Continue on pg 8 ...

DFA Now • August 2006  Cover Story

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must also be to strengthen the cause nizes that women’s struggles for wom- of women on the African continent en’s rights are also local struggles, through working towards the renewal that there must be a minimum platform of the Pan African Women’s Organisa- for action, that the fight against patri- tion so that it becomes a continental archy is part and parcel of the overall force to harness the efforts of African struggle, that women should be fully women. For the fight for women’s involved in peace and security proc- rights will only be fully won if these are esses and that the fight against pover- recognized as part of a struggle that ty is paramount as is our commitment goes beyond national and continent to a better quality of life for all. borders. Writing about the importance of Recently in Bloemfontein we have this Movement in Umrabulo (August witnessed the establishment of the 2006), Ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso Progressive Women’s Movement of has pointed out that: South Africa. This organisation recog- “The story of ‘forming’ a Women’s

s we gather at this historic An edited version of the address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the launch conference of the Pro- Launching Conference of the Progressive Women’s Movement, Bloemfontein, 5 August 2006 Agressive Women’s Movement, and on behalf of the Steering Committee, may I begin by welcoming all delegates to this event here in Bloemfontein and Falls, New York, in 1848. It was here the mentally ill, school children and apprentices, give our special and heartfelt greetings that 300 women and men signed a dec- from joining political parties or attending meet- to those who have traveled far to be here. laration called the “Declaration of Rights ing at which political subjects were discussed. A special welcome to the women who asserted a belief in equality, the right of After the Allied Nations defeated Japan in have come from our neighbouring coun- women to education and freedom to en- 1945, Japanese feminists and female staff of- tries and those who have come across ter all jobs and professions. ficers of the Allied Occupation co-operated in oceans in the spirit of sisterhood and This meeting was a landmark in the proposing that the new Japanese constitution solidarity. fight for Women’s Rights partly because should enfranchise women. Interestingly they It is in the spirit of selflessness and in coming together, women had reacted hoped women would make the Japanese nation sacrifice that you have traveled here to to an earlier gathering in 1840 where less war-like and that women would raise their strengthen our cause, to work towards women delegates were refused the right children to believe in peace and democracy. unity and to make your voices heard as to be delegates at the Antislavery Con- In some countries women were still dis- part of this national effort to intensify the vention held in London in 1840 because criminated on the grounds of race. Like in South struggle for women’s equality. they were women. Africa, only white women were allowed to vote The journey that has brought us here Thereafter women in many other around 1935, black people only got their vote today in defence of the rights of wom- countries started the struggle for wom- in 1994. en, is a journey on which women have en’s rights in general, and in particular Since 1994 we have done well in advancing traveled from the earliest of times and in the right to vote for women was granted policies, legislation that contributes towards all parts of the world. in 1893 in New Zealand. women’s emancipation and access to services, It is a journey full of milestones and Even in New Zealand women enfran- e.g. water, electrification, health, labour laws, little victories that together add to the chisement took many decades to achieve maintenance laws, reproductive rights. whole battle for women’s emancipation because women had to persuade a male Women have also done well in the issue of and for gender equality. It is a fight that electorate to grant them the vote. Many representation in decision making i.e. in parlia- we are still waging every day, but we do men and some women believed that ment, in the cabinet, in provinces we have wom- so strengthened by those who centuries women were not suited by circumstance en premiers, MECs and councillors. In business ago began this march for freedom. or temperament for the vote. It was also women are just beginning to feature. With all As we welcome you to this historic believed that the women’s place was in these achievements, there is still a lot more to conference let us pause and look back the home, caring for her husband and be done. where women have come from. Almost children. Entry of women into political One young woman asked me, if we are doing 160 years ago women launched the 1st life, it was feared, challenged the assign- well, why do we need a women’s movement and Women’s Rights Convention in New ment of women to the home and might what is a women’s movement? York. lead to disruption of the family. According to Peggy Antrobus in her book Across the Atlantic Ocean almost In Germany public attitude towards The Global Women’s Movement, she defines the 160 years ago women launched the first woman suffrage were hostile. A Prussian women’s movement as a “political movement – Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca law of 1851 forbade women, along with part of the broad array of social movements con-

 DFA Now • August 2006 Cover Story

Marching to Union Buildings in Pretoria to comemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Woman’s March

Movement in the current period dates women’s movement, but many.” back to the Malibongwe Conference She has also emphasised that: in Amsterdam in 1989. In the glorious, “The launch of the South African Wom- long and arduous road to freedom, en’s Movement should be used to there have always been women’s dialogue and strategise for further on- movements. If by a ‘women’s move- slaughts against patriarchy, that abom- ment’ we mean all women who recog- inable system, ideology and practice nise the need to mobilise and organise of domination of women by men that themselves at any level and engage in permeates all spheres of our lives…. any form of struggle to better their lot, We still have to do much more for the or fight against any form of discrimina- complete eradication and transforma- tion against women, or engage in any tion of all power relations in society, form of struggle for the achievement across which runs the gender inequal- of women’s emancipation and gender ity thread. The whole society has to equality, then there has been not one be mobilised into a strong and vibrant

An edited version of the address by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, at the Author Antrobus further states that “An increasing number of men are rec- Launching Conference of the Progressive Women’s Movement, Bloemfontein, 5 August 2006 ognizing the ways in which patriarchy limits our understanding of human pos- sibilities, and the contribution of femi- cerned with changing social conditions, rather • Women still struggle to acquire land nism to project that seek social justice than part of a network of women’s organizations and property and a better life for all” (although many women’s organizations may be • Access to capital for starting small • The telationship with the state, judi- part of a women’s movement).” and medium business enterprises ciary, family, religion and corporate • A women’s movement is grounded in an un- and micro credit still hinders wom- world should be nurtured. derstanding of women’s relations to social en’s full economic participation • We must have a constructive en- conditions – an understanding of gender as • Access to information to enable gagement with all these patriarchal an important relationship within the broad women to make the right choices institutions in order to reform them. structure of social relationships of class, • Sharing or distribution of wealth. • We need to ask how do we social- race and ethnicity, age and location. • Unequal gender relations still per- ize our children on values of respect • A women’s movement is a process, it is flexi- sist. and diversity instead of those of ble, responding to specific conditions of per- • There is still the subordination of domination and violence. ceived gender inequality etc. An awareness women. • What interventions should we em- and rejection of patriarchal privilege and • A challenge remains how to involve ploy against the trafficking of wom- control are central to the politics of women’s young women in the movement. en and children? movements. • racism • how do we deal with the backlash • Finally, a definition of a Women’s Movement • Poverty. against women’s rights? must include those individual women who • Violence against women and milita- This launch of the progressive wom- would never join an organization, nor define rism en’s movement could not have come at themselves as feminists, but whose lives • Violation of human rights. a better time when the country is ob- and actions nevertheless serve to advance • Protection of the environment serving and celebrating the Women’s the liberation of women in their community • Some of the counter terrorism, wars month. If it were not for the sacrifices and beyond. and conflict seen today are both rac- and gallant acts of those women, there • In most instances the “movement’ is born at ist and patriarchal in nature. would have been no Women’s day nor the moments in which individual women be- Women’s month. They bequeathed to come aware of their separateness as women, What strategies should we employ? our generation a better life and better their alienation, marginalization, isolation or It is important to make alliances with environment for Women’s emancipa- even abandonment within a braoder move- men if we are to build a strong progres- tion. ment for social justice or social change. In sive women’s movement for social trans- The question we must ask ourselves other words, women’s struggle for agency formation. We have to make strategic al- is: what are we going to bequeath to fu- within the broader struggle is the catalyst for liances with those who understand that ture generations, when we hand over the women’s movements. there is no justice for anyone if there is baton - will they be proud of us? no justice for women or those who be- I welcome you and wish you suc- Programme Director, lieve no country can boast of being free cessful deliberations! So, what are the challenges? until its women are free. Igama lamakhosikazi malibongwe!

DFA Now • August 2006  Multilateral relations

... Continue from pg 9 “NO DEAL is better than a BAD Deal !”

Wto Doha Development Round Update: movement for transformation, at the August 2006 centre of which should be a wom- en’s movement driven by women, particularly the most marginalised poor, black, rural and working class women.” The theme of this year’s Wom- en Month celebrations has been “women marching for equality, peace and development.” Clearly, much still needs to be done to en- sure that women’s emancipation permeates all spheres of our lives and that the battle for full equality is won in the streets, in the house- holds, in the boardrooms and through the transformation of all structures that have sought in the past to perpetuate gender oppres- sion. Let the South African women’s rights movement for progressive change also take its inspiration from the words of lifelong activist, Dora Tamana, who at the launch of a united women’s congress in the early 80s, made the following call to action: South Africa is calling for the reduction in agricultural tarrifs “You who have no work, speak. You who have no homes, Background gains will be optimised in the liberali- speak. sation of the Agricultural Sector, which You who have to run like chick- he Ministerial Declara- constitutes the biggest employer and ens from the vulture, speak. tion that launched the Doha biggest contributor to economic output Let us share our problems so TDevelopment Round placed in the poorest economies. that we can solve them togeth- the needs and interests of developing er. countries, which make up the majority State of Play and Impasse We must free ourselves. of World Trade Organisation (WTO) July 2006 Men and women must share members, at the center of the nego- housework. tiations. Consistent with the original The Triangular figure above has of- Men and women must work to- objectives of the Round, Develop- ten been used to describe the stakes gether in the home and out in ing Countries have been insisting, of these negotiations, with the key is- the world. There are no crech- throughout the 5 years of this Round, sues being the need for increased ag- es and nursery schools for our that the outcomes need to be devel- ricultural market access for develop- children. opmental, considering that this would ing countries through subsidy cutting There are no homes for the be the First Development Round after by the US and reducing tariffs by the aged. 8 General Agreement on Trade and EU. In return, the developed countries There is no-one to care for the Tariffs (GATT= predecessor of WTO) had upped the stakes by separating a sick. Rounds wherein the dominant interests group of “advanced developing coun- Women must unite to fight for were those of developed countries and tries” and demanding more of them these rights. developing countries played a subor- in terms of the manufacturing sector We opened the road for you. dinate role. Simulations and analyses market access for developed world You must go forward.” have shown that these developmental output.

10 DFA Now • August 2006 Multilateral relations

Non Agricultural Market Access "Advanced Developing Countries" expected to give more in exchange for US and EU to

Agricultural Subsidies Agricultural Tariffs US expected to reduce EU Expected to Reduce

The final negotiations failed to gotiated in the WTO. aim to: enhance market access for reach consensus on the EU’s offer • The alternative to a successful products of export interest to devel- on tariff cuts subject to a special dis- Doha Round will be an intensifica- oping countries; eliminate industrial pensation for “sensitive products”, tion of bilateral and regional trade country subsidies and support1 (ex- the “Advanced Developing Countries” agreements by the developed port and domestic support in agri- tariff cut for non-agricultural market countries with their major trading culture); re-negotiate rules that per- access was deemed insufficient by partners. This will create greater petuate imbalances in global trade; the US, and the US offer was never trade and investment diversion ensure policy space (flexibility) for revised since October 10, 2005 due towards the dominant players and developing countries to pursue de- to the above demands by the US as a complex trading regime. On the velopment; technical and financial a pre-requisite for it to move on its of- other hand, this is an opportu- support to the least developed and fer. As a result, the negotiations were nity for strengthening of regional most vulnerable members need to suspended until new positions emerge trading arrangements and South be provided. from the key players. South Co-operation to optimise South Africa contributed to the gains from trade. launch of the Doha Round and the alternatives to the Doha • There is no doubt that if the Doha centrality of the development di- Round Round is suspended for a long pe- mensions of the Doha mandate. It riod there will be a spurt of disputes has continued since then to play a According to the Geneva based filed on a range of issues, espe- significant role in the process, help- South African Trade Negotiators, the cially on agricultural commodities ing to solve major negotiations such following possibilities exist: like rice, fruit and vegetable, but- as the TRIPS and Public Health • Ultimately, the Doha Round cannot ter, and corn, after the successful Agreement in 2002. South Africa and will not be left to die, the po- actions already taken against the was a central player in the creation litical and developmental costs of US and the EU in cotton and sugar of the G20 with Brazil and India and failure are too great. In addition, it respectively. continues to be a core player n the has to be resuscitated as it holds • The acrimony between the EU and G20 with Brazil, India and China. the only hope for a viable and legit- the US could unleash the forces Regarding the suspended nego- imate multilateral trading system. of protectionism that we began to tiations, South Africa’s approach • The fundamental issues of Agri- witness early this year in the US is to strengthen its preparatory cultural Reform in the major devel- (Dubai Ports case) and the EU work and technical expertise and oped countries, and disciplines in (Cases against Chinese Footwear, to consult more broadly with SACU the WTO that lock these reforms, Mittal Steel). This could become and SADC. Politically, South Af- and make developed countries ac- a dangerous trend feeding on the rica, while not a member of the countable for any violation of these current US unilateralist approach G6, the group that was engaged in rules, can only be obtained in a to other areas of multilateralism. last minute attempts to salvage the successful Doha Round. More bal- negotiations, it will be expected to anced and fair global trade rules in South Africa’s Role & Way play its role in renewing the political anti-dumping and countervailing Forward will of the majors to re-engage and actions and Intellectual Property break the current impasse in the Rights (IPR) can also only be ne- South Africa’s broad objectives Doha Round.

DFA Now • August 2006 11 International relations

ver the last few weeks, head- lines around the world have Oproclaimed that “The Mid- dle East Burns.” While some stare with sympathy at the horrific pictures emerging from the conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel, and Lebanon, most turn the page and shake their heads at the seemingly impossible task of long last- ing peace in the region.

“We should never allow ourselves the dangerous luxury of complacency,” President Thabo Mbeki said recently, “believing that we are immune to the conflicts that we see and have seen in so many parts of the world.” But why should we, at the southern tip of Africa be concerned about our neighbours in the Middle East? Why should South Africans stop thinking “Agh, it’s just more of the same up there.”

The conflict in the Middle East is differ- ent this time. Syria and Iran could, for Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad during a press briefing on the Middle East the first time, be directly drawn into the Israeli/Palestinian issue.

In many ways the Middle East is also at a tipping point. The region can either become more open towards democrat- Peace in the Middle East ic ideals (it was hoped that a democrat- ic Iraq would spur change in its neigh- bours). Alternatively, the region could shift in the other direction: opposing Threats to petrochemical plants and fer. The lessons of reconciliation are Western political frameworks and re- telecommunication infrastructure in also ones that could prove useful to jecting leaders sanctioned by the West the Middle East could also endanger our neighbours in the Middle East. (as witnessed with the democratic as- the huge investments by South Afri- cension of Hamas in Palestine). This can firms (such as SASOL and MTN) In this vein, the South African govern- conflict could tip the scales in favour in the region. ment has called on the United Nations of the latter. Some argue that the man- Security Council to accept its respon- ner in which Israel has responded to Furthermore, other South African in- sibilities and to condemn Israel’s col- Hizbollah attacks has created a much ternational priorities are also under lective punishment, which is contrary more fertile ground for people commit- threat. NEPAD, the scourge of HIV to international law and the Geneva ting themselves to terrorism. and Aids, UN Reform and the reform Convention and has called for an im- of the imbalanced global trading sys- mediate cessation of hostilities. It has South Africans could also be affected tem all take a back seat as the world’s also condemned all cross-border at- more directly – their wallets will feel the attention shifts to the Middle East. tacks, including rocket attacks, in the difference. Continued fears of escala- region which contributes to a further tion of the conflict reflect itself in higher The South African response: escalation of the conflict. oil prices. As South Africa sources 70% of its crude oil from the Middle East, on- On a less selfish note, the concept of The South African government remains going conflict will see continued hikes in ubuntu – a core value of our foreign convinced that the only way for a com- the price of petrol. Higher petrol prices policy – should also teach us that not prehensive solution is a cessation of may push up inflation. Inflationary pres- only is a person a person through hostilities without delay and followed sures may lead to further interest rate other people, but no country should by negotiations that will ensure lasting hikes. The result of all of this? A car that sleep soundly while others are in con- peace in the region. Such a peaceful is too expensive to fuel, and a bond that flict. South Africa’s relatively peaceful settlement must be a viable Palestin- is too costly to service. transition provides experiences to of- ian State based on the 1967 borders

... Continue on pg 9 12 DFA Now • August 2006 International relations

... Continue from pg 8 and the acceptance by all countries in the region of internationally recog- Youth Life Skills Camp nised borders for every neighbouring country, including Israel.

Humanitarian relief efforts for those thousands displaced or injured in Lebanon have also been coordinated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. The Government, together with Gift of the Givers and the Maronite Church, has co-sponsored a flight carrying re- lief supplies to Lebanon. R1,2million has also been offered to the United Nations Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The South African Government also appeals to the people of South Africa to continue to mobilise support for the people of Palestine and Gaza at this time of human catastrophe.

Participants at the Youth Life Skills Camp for the youth of DFA employees

he EWC in collaboration with the UN organisations recently conducted a 3- day Youth Life Skills Camp for the youth of DFA employees. A total of 63 Tyouths, with ages ranging from 12-18 years (33 from DFA and 30 from the UN organisation) attended the camp. The youth were educated on various topics affecting the youth of today. These included the children’s rights, substance abuse, emotional intelligence, posive self talk, sex and sexuality, peer pressure and relation- ships, dealing with diversity, etc.

The Youth were inspired and felt honoured to be adressed by high-calibre people Top Achiever such as Mr. Mike Muendane (Director of Soul Talk), Dr. Famba Mboup (Ambassador of Senegal to SA), Ms. Makini Tchameni from the US (CEO of the ACE Foundation) and our own Dr. Walters and Ms. Hanlie van der Vyver (both from HR). The camp was rounded off with a game drive which the youth found enjoyable but very short.

The EWC is happy to report that the youth were well behaved, thoroughly en- gaged and challenged the speakers and made friends. The only criticism received from the outspoken youth is that the camp was too short. A point taken in a positive light.

The EWC intends to run these camps on an annual basis during the Youth Month and hopes to accommodate more youths representing the demographics of DFA.

The EWC wish to thank all the parents who supported this initiative and also apologises to those who’s children could not be accommodated because of the age or number. We also appreciate the positive messages received from the parents after the camp.

Last but not least, the EWC team also deserve a “round of applause” for the hard work, dedication, sleepless nights and giving up their weekend to ensure smooth The DFA Now congratulates the running of the camp. top achiever for the recently con- cluded Diplomatic Training, Your wellbeing is our priority, but your concern Ms Colleen Chidley Organisational Development

DFA Now • August 2006 13 Meet the team

The Director-General’s Forum (DGF) The DGF is one of the Department’s senior decision-making bodies. It is headed the Director-General, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba. The Forum meets every Tuesday to discuss and make decisions on the Department’s administration, policy and operational requirements and issues.

Director-General: Deputy Director-General: Multilateral Deputy Director-General: Special Envoy Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba (Special Projects), Mr Abdul Minty Amb. Ambrose Mamabolo

Deputy Director-General: Deputy Director-General: Multilateral, Deputy Director-General: Corporate Services, Mr Mkhuseli Apleni Amb. George Nene Africa Multilateral, Amb. Jessie Duarte

Deputy Director-General: FSI and HRD, Deputy Director-General: Asia & Middle Acting Deputy Director-General: Americas Amb. Nozipho January-Bardill East, Amb. Jerry Matjila & Europe, Amb. Gert Grobler

14 DFA Now • August 2006 DFA News Coner

DGF feedback

t a recent Director-General’s Forum (DGF), it was agreed that officials should be kept informed of important decisions taken at the DGF, which could im- Apact on the work of officials at Missions and at Head Office. The DGF of 18 July 2006 agreed on the following:

It has come to the attention of Head Office that a few of the South Africans cur- rently employed as Locally Recruited staff members (LRPs) in Missions abroad, have expressed an interest to be absorbed into the Department. The DGF therefore wishes to inform Missions that the only way for LRPs to be absorbed into the DFA, is by having them apply for vacant posts within the Department through the normal channels. However, to assist LRPs in this regard, it was agreed at the DGF that the CVs of LRPs interested in applying for posts within the DFA could be forwarded to the Deputy Director-General: Foreign Service Institute and Human Resource De- velopment, Ambassador January-Bardill, who would assess their relevant skills and make a recommendation as to possible placement at Head Office. LRPs need to understand, however, that their appointment is not automatic, by virtue of the fact Alternate Chief of State Protocol: Amb. that they had been employed at a South African Mission abroad, but that their ap- Rantobeng Mokou plications would need to be evaluated in the same manner as that of any other South African applying for a post within the Department.

LRPs who express an interest in a permanent appointment in the DFA, should, however, be informed that such an appointment would be at Head Office in Pretoria and not at the relevant Mission.

When advertisements are placed by Missions for LRP vacancies, South Africans could be considered for appointment, provided that the relevant applicant has been resident in the country long enough to be able to add value to the Mission and its activities and provided that he or she complies with the requirements of the relevant post advertised.

The Department will forward clear guidelines regarding the employment of South Africans as LRPs, once these have been finalised and approved by the DGF. Until such guidelines have been released, any appointment of South Africans as LRPs should be cleared first with the DDG in charge of the Branch: FSI & HRD at Head Office. Alternate Chief of State Protocol: Mr Tebogo Seokolo Senior Management in the Department has also been sensitised to a trend with- in the Department, whereby as soon as the successful candidates for placement abroad are announced, nominated officials are often told by their supervisors to immediately report to the relevant Desk for orientation. Sometimes this happens months before the official’s proposed date of departure and often without prior con- sultation with the relevant Branch.

DGF has, therefore, agreed that officials on transfer to Missions will only transfer to the relevant Desk six weeks prior to departure. This period of time, if utilised ef- ficiently, should prove to be adequate in assisting officials to prepare themselves for their posting. Where specific circumstances necessitate a deviation from this rule, this must be agreed upon by the relevant Deputy Directors-General.

Officials on transfer to Head Office are expected to submit a detailed hand-over report to their respective Desk at Head Office, two months prior to their departure from the Mission. This report must be signed by both the official and the Head of Mission. Such a report would be provided to the new transferee upon arrival at the relevant Desk, to assist with his/her orientation. Where deemed neccessary, an Chief Director: overlap between officials could be considered. Public Diplomacy, Mr Ronnie Mamoepa

DFA Now • August 2006 15 WherePicture were this: u FSI ...? team-building

16 DFA Now • August 2006