October 2008 dfa NowYour voice to be heard

3rd IBSA Forum SummIt From left to right: Brazilian President, Lula da Silva, Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, and South African President, . Editorial Note Multilateral relations

3rd IBSA DEAr CoLLEAguES, the dfa Now is an internal newsletter of the N thIS EDItIoN of the dfa Now we lead with an article Department of foreign Affairs published by the forum about the 3rd IBSA Summit that successfully took place in Directorate: New Delhi, India and was attended by President Kgalema Content Development. Summit Motlanthe, supported by Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and other Government Ministers. We also have the media brief- Editor-in-Chief: ronnie Mamoepa ing by our Director-General Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba and the Minis- Editor: Paseka Mokhethea From left to right: Indian terial Imbizo in Kwazulu-Natal lead by our Minister. Minister of External Affairs, Compilation, Sub-Editing & Proofreading: Mr Pranab Mukherjee, In addition we included an insert that was taken from the Elion Von Wielligh & Annelie Kirstein Brazilian Minister of publication Destination the Future featuring career opportuni- External Relations, Mr ties within the Department and highlighting the positives of pur- Design and Layout: Celso Amorim together suing a career within the Foreign Service. Shaune van Wyk, Zimele Ngxongo & Kedibone Phiri with the South African Minister of Foreign Affairs, Furthermore, we report back on the DFA Family and Sports Pictures: Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh & unathi Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Day, hosted by the EWC, and the International Fair that was Ngamntwini Zuma in a traditional trio held in Bulgaria and our Mission’s participation therein. handshake pose, at the 3rd In our View of the World series this month we have a the views expressed in this newsletter do not IBSA Forum Summit held necessarily reflect those of the DFA or the editors. in New Delhi, India, glimpse of life from our mission in Hanoi, Vietnam. 15 October 2008. We hope that you will find this an interesting read. Please the deadline for contributions is 30 November 2008. note that we rely on your contributions to enhance the reading Contributions may be sent to cbe000 or experience of this publication. Thus please continue to send [email protected] your inputs to the editor before the deadline each month. hE 3rD IBSA foruM SuM- has 16 Sectoral Working Groups. the interests of developing countries, All enquiries: Paseka @ tel: (012) 351-1569 MIt, a one-day Summit of The Summit was preceded by sev- enhancing cooperation in sectoral ar- Happy reading! fax: (012) 342-1192 tthree of the world’s develop- eral people-to-people fora meetings eas and improving their economic ties. ing countries, took place in New Delhi, in the areas of business, editors and The Summit Declaration covered a India on 15 October 2008. The South women affairs. A large part of the South range of areas including global issues; African President, Mr Kgalema Mot- African business delegation comprising regional issues; IBSA sectoral coop- lanthe, supported by Minister of For- of leading South African companies, at- eration; and the IBSA Facility Fund for government Activities eign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini tended the fora meetings. The Parlia- Poverty Alleviation and Hunger. Zuma attended the Summit. This was mentary Forum could not meet due to During the Summit, the following the President’s first official visit abroad technical problems. Agreements/MOUs were signed: Minister Dr Dlamini Zuma hosts a government Imbizo in his capacity as Head of State. The During the first Session, people-to- • Tripartite Agreement on Tourism; hE MINIStEr of forEIgN Indian Prime Minister, Mr Manmohan people fora were given an opportunity • MoU on Trade Facilitation for AffAIrS Dr Dlamini Zuma Bulwer – KwaZulu-Natal Singh, and President Lula da Silva of to report to the Heads of State/Gov- Standards, Technical Regulations thosted a government Im- Brazil also attended the occasion. ernment on progress achieved thus and Conformity Assessment; bizo at the Nkumba Primary School Besides the support of the Minister far. This Session was open to all del- • MoU on Environment; grounds in Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal on of Foreign Affairs, President Motlanthe’s egates. However, the second Session • MoU on Human Settlements 28 October 2008. delegation included the following Min- was for Government business only. Development; Engaging with The Imbizo in Bulwer was part of a thE pEoplE: isters: Ms Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, The three leaders addressed the • Five-Year Action Plan for Maritime week-long initiative by the South African Minister of Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, Mr Mosibudi Summit on three different topics. Presi- Transport; Government to report back to commu- Foreign Affairs, Mangena, Ms Bulelwa Sonjica and Ms dent Motlanthe addressed the Sum- • Five-Year Action Plan for Civil Dr Nkosazana nities across the country about efforts Dlamini Zuma from the Presidency mit on Connectivity through Transport; Aviation; and aimed at improving the lives of ordinary introduced to one and Departments of Trade and Indus- President Lula da Silva on Energy Se- • MoU on Women’s Development South Africans for the better. In this re- of the community try, Science and Technology, Minerals curity; and Prime Minister Manmohan and Gender Equality Programmes. gard, the Imbizo in Bulwer was report- members from and Energy and Housing respectively. Singh addressed the Summit on Food In its five years of existence, IBSA Bulwer, KwaZulu- ing back on a wide range of service Natal during an During the month of September Security. has not only led to closer trilateral co- delivery oriented issues that had been Imbizo held here, 2008, 12 meetings of Sectoral Working At the end of the Summit, the Delhi operation between the three involved raised with Minister Dlamini Zuma by 28 October 2008.e Groups took place in New Delhi with the Declaration was adopted. The leaders countries it has also made the three the community on 11 August 2008. pictures of the view of working towards the implemen- reaffirmed their commitment to further a driving force in championing the Imbizo are on the agenda of the developing countries, In attendance at the Imbizo with the back cover. tation of joint action plans, agreements, strengthen the trilateral co-operation Minister were the Chinese Ambassador and other trilateral initiatives as agreed and reaffirmed that the Forum is an especially on World Trade Organisa- to , Ambassador Zhong community a cheque of R120 000 to ment work, the Imbizo also provided during the 2nd Summit held in South important mechanism for closer co-or- tion (WTO) negotiations. At the sectoral Jianhua, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Ag- assist in buying a water pump for irriga- a platform for further issues around Africa in October 2007. IBSA thus far dination on global issues, for promoting ... Continue on pg 4 riculture Mtholephi Mthimkhulu, Local tion. The community has been without a service delivery to be raised with the Traditional Authority, the Mayor and water pump for a number of years which government delegation. The various representatives of the Department of impacted negatively on the ability of the Government representatives formed Trade and Industry. community to access sufficient water part of the delegation addressed a va- As a response to the need for ag- supplies in the area. riety of issues that were raised and un- ricultural development, Ambassador While the initiative was to report dertook to follow-up on the new ones Zhong Jianhua donated to the Bulwer back to the community about govern- that came up. w

2 DFA Now • October 2008 DFA Now • October 2008 3 Multilateral relations Departmental Activities

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co-operation level, progress has Laos; ; Cape Verde; and been registered with the exception Palestine. of the Health and Defence Work- The signing of the Five-Year ing Group. Action Plan for Maritime Transport Another important instrument and Civil Aviation might bare some to advance the agenda of the significant results in future. These developing countries is the IBSA action plans would definitely bring Facility Fund for Poverty Alle- the people from the three countries viation and Hunger. This Facility closer and, by implication, increase Fund provides practical support business activism and tourism. To to developing countries. Thus far, this end, the trilateral trade target of two projects have already been US$25 billion set by the three lead- implemented in Haiti and Guinea ers to be achieved by 2015 would be Bissau. The Haiti project, which realised. his event was part of EWC’s relates to the solid waste man- The Summit was a resounding annual Wellness Days pro- DfA family and Sport Day agement project, was completed success and the objectives of the tgramme. Annually and as part and the project in Guinea Bissau IBSA Summit were met. Brazil of- of its health promotion programme, 25 october 2008 relates to capacity building in the fered to host the 4th IBSA Summit on EWC holds wellness days to promote field of agricultural. Other proj- 8 October 2009. Brazil immediately individual wellbeing and afford DFA The Employee Wellness Centre (EWC) in conjunction with ects that are in a process of being assumed leadership in preparations employees and their families an op- implemented are in Timor-Leste; for the Summit.w portunity to “take stock” of their health the DFA Sport Council hosted a successful Family and Sport to make informed decisions about their wellbeing. Day on Saturday 25 October 2008 at the Municipal EWC has in the past few years Recreation Club in Riviera. co-ordinated the Wellness Days to Congratulations to the run over three consecutive days at following people who won Tulbagh Park. This year the Wellness themselves beautiful prizes: Days ran over seven days at the six DFA buildings, from 16 October 2008 1 Julia Sambo - Beauty and and culminated into a Family and relaxation treats for women Sport Day event. Things were done 2 Johannes Nkuna - differently this year out of concern Woolworths gift vouchers of r200 about the amount of time that people 3 Nkele rauleka - Designer spent in queues last year waiting for sunglasses by Soviet various tests and results. 4 Dumisani rasheleng - It was wonderful to see DFA of- Beauty and relaxation ficials and their families attending in hamper for men numbers. This year’s turn out was 5 Donald Mathavha - Beauty in conFErEncE: South African President Kgalema Motlanthe supported by Minister more than 550 people compared to and relaxation hamper for of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (right) and Minister in the Office of the 158 from last year’s event. men Presidency, Dr Mantombazana Tshabalala-Msimang (left). During the Family and Sport Day, 6 Siphokazi hermans - Beauty and relaxation treats for more than 270 people actively partici- at the Family Day. The lucky draw was families to participate in the wellness women pated in activities which ranged from: done by Health Insight, a wellness programme and in particular the SMS 7 Amanda Kruger - Beauty health screening (blood pressure, cho- company appointed by the EWC to members. Appreciation is also extend- and relaxation treats for lesterol, blood glucose, Body Mass manage the Wellness Days. ed to the DFA Sport Council for their women Index (BMI), height and weight), vol- Attendees’ enthusiastic partici- positive contributions and organis- 8 Sindiswa Mazwanyana - untary counselling and testing (VCT) pation was quite pleasing and they ing sport activities for the day, which Woolworth’s gift vouchers and eye testing. Over and above gained more insight into their health certainly added fun and some form of of r200 these there was demonstration by a status. Many resolutions were taken exercise to the event. We also thank 9 thabo Ngoasheng - Beauty nutritionist on how to prepare quick by colleagues about their health, and those members of the wellness com- and relaxation hamper for men healthy meals; sport and physical ac- these ranged from taking glasses to mittee who assisted and colleagues 10 David Nkosi - Beauty and tivities e.g. (netball, tennis, soccer); improve their vision, joining the gym, from the Decentralised Units for en- relaxation hamper for men fun activities such as face painting, developing a healthy eating plan with suring that venues were available in 11 Yatasha Naidoo - Beauty jumping castles, massages, exhibition the nutritionist, to having monthly all DFA building for this exercise. and relaxation treats for stalls and interactive drumming. massages. A number of colleagues To keep yourself abreast with women This year’s wellness programme also boasted “a clean bill of health”. health and wellness issues and con- 12 Marina Mhlanga - Beauty (at all six buildings and the family & Keep it up! tinue to ensure you wellness, log on and relaxation treats for in agrEEmEnt: (Seated from right to left) Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana sport day) came with a lucky draw that EWC appreciates the time and to the Departmental e-Care system women Dlamini Zuma, Indian Minister of External Affairs, Mr Pranab Mukherjee and Brazilian was done at the end of the programme effort taken by colleagues and their (http://dfa.healthinsite.net). w Minister of External Relations, Mr Celso Amorim.

4 DFA Now • October 2008 DFA Now • October 2008 5 Mission Activities Mission Activities

A VIEW oN thE WorLD – living in hanoi

You are stationed at the South African Embas- This month the dfa Now brings you a view on life in Hanoi, Vietnam fic where you put your life on the line of your personal life. The Vietnamese ing able to easily communicate with sy in Hanoi, Vietnam. Tell us more about life in every time you cross a street or ride a language is tonal and monosyllabic, people around you; huge shopping the city, its people, the food and the culture. as part of the feature to share with you how our colleagues live at our taxi; where traffic lights and pedestrian which means that every syllable rep- centres; a variety of movies and thea- Hanoi is a charming and fascinating crossings are completely ignored; where resents an independent word and is tres; jubilant soccer matches of your city; a capital hurtling from third world missions abroad. The questions were answered by Ms Sue Singh, it is completely normal to see a car com- inflected by a tone, which determines favourite teams; barbeques; and the status to modernisation. It is very safe, ing straight at you before swerving at the meaning of the word. Thus the list goes on. accessible and easy to move around in. Political Counsellor at the Embassy in Hanoi. the very last minute; where the smells of word “ba” can have different mean- You will find rural Vietnamese women some Asian seafood dishes abound; and ings, namely “three”, “madame”, What do you do when you get homesick? in their famous conical hats toting dou- is simple, healthy and nutritious, con- namese people. Here, one can view the where snake and dog meat are regarded “waste”, “embrace”, “bait” and “any” – You e-mail and spend a small for- ble baskets laden with flowers, fruit and sisting mainly of vegetables, noodles, perfectly preserved body of Ho Chi Minh as delicacies. It is difficult, if not impos- all depending on the tone and accent tune on phone calls to South Africa. vegetables; boys selling shoe shines; beef, pork and seafood. However, (a greatly loved leader who led the rebel- sible, for many of us to drive. Medical fa- of the speaker. You start nagging your children to and sidewalk stalls with grilled meats. despite the literally thousands of food lions against the French and American cilities are limited and while there is good Culture is also something to be write more often about the activities of Around these, increasingly modern stalls that abound, eating in pavement invasions) and his simple and beautiful basic, but very expensive, healthcare at learnt and taken heed of. Never beck- family and friends. stores and conveniences are sprouting. cafes is not recommended for expat stilt house and gardens at the back of the international clinics and hospitals, treat- on any with a curled finger as is done Vietnam’s history is one of invasion stomachs due to hygienic standards. Mausoleum based on a Ghandian life- ment of certain medical conditions, espe- in the West – instead extend your arm, How many people work at the South African and rebellion; struggles and suffering. It is easy to get caught up in the style. cially those requiring blood transfusions, palm down and move your fingers in a Embassy? The Hanoi region has been inhabited hectic pace of Hanoi with its young The Presidential Palace, constructed require emergency evacuation to Singa- scratching motion. It is better to snort The South African Embassy in Ha- since the Stone Age and its colourful population and millions of motorbikes in 1906, is used exclusively to receive for- pore or Bangkok. than to use a handkerchief to blow noi has a staff compliment of 17. We history is rich with legends of dragons, transporting entire families and the eign dignitaries. Pagodas (dedicated to the There are no clothes for ladies in size your nose and than place the cloth in have six transferred officials, including battles and famous heroes and hero- heaviest of burdens. But the slow, gen- worship of Buddhism), temples (dedicated 36 and above, who are regarded as obese, your pocket is considered uncivilised. a Defence Attaché. ines repelling foreign invaders, which tle ways of Southeast Asia are present to the spirit of a revered person) and com- considering that sizes 30-34 of the local fe- Hold your rice bowl in your hand when in their recent history includes the Chi- everywhere, down alleys and behind munal houses will keep you enthralled as males dominate, and size 5 shoes are near invited out to eat (it is considered lazy What characteristics or attributes of the nese, French and Americans. doors, and visitors who take the time you will stumble across one at every cor- impossible to find. Unfortunately, the same to eat from a rice bowl on the table); Vietnamese do you think we as South Afri- The Vietnamese people are to seek out cultural experiences are ner. The Temple of Literature, established applies for expat men. Vietnam is a devel- and there are a host of other interest- cans can learn from? friendly and hardworking. Most shops always greatly rewarded. in 1070 as a centre dedicated to Confucius oping and thus poor country, and you live in ing customs. The Vietnamese are generally very are open from 08:00 – 22:00, seven and to honour Vietnamese scholars, later constant amazement as to how this poverty The fact that very few expats drive industrious, diligent, kind, humble, re- days a week. Generally the Vietnam- Describe a few of the major tourist attrac- become the first University of Vietnam in is handled by the Vietnamese with such and have to rely on taxis is not only at- sponsible and respectful people. They ese are characterised by their great tions in and around the city and their sig- 1076. The Temple of the Jade Mountain integrity and pride on a daily basis. This tributable to the non-existence of rules are closely-knitted communities and zeal and hospitality toward foreigners. nificance, e.g. historical, architectural, etc can be reached by a decorative red bridge, excludes the local shopkeepers and their of the road. If you make an accident have great respect for their families They have great community spirit and Hanoi has a very interesting “old constructed in the 19th century over Hoan double economy, they charge the expats you will be surrounded by a crowd that and elders. The young people thirst partly because of their small clustered town” or “old quarter” where thou- Kiem Lake (the symbolic centre of Hanoi). anything from 50% to 300% profit, even on you are unable to communicate with, after education. Despite their poverty, homes, spend a great deal of their sands of little shops sell handicrafts Truc Bac Lake is the site of Lord Trinh’s basics like fruit and vegetables. and even if the fault is not yours, if you the average person lives with minimal day outside congregating in groups such as embroidered clothes, shawls summer palace, where he kept some of his Living in a communist country where are deemed to be better-off than the luxuries and a basic diet of chicken on pavements, sitting on little plastic and bags, carvings, lacquered items, unruly or unwanted concubines to weave very little English is spoken also takes some other person concerned (which is most noodle soup rather than revert to chairs to talk, play cards, chess and silver, silk, art and pottery; and bar- fine white silk. There are also many mu- getting used and the bureaucratic red-tape likely the case), you are liable for all crime. However, with the opening of its to indulge in their favourite pastime – gaining is the order of the day there. seums devoted to the revolution, history of can be overwhelming at times. damage and medical costs incurred. economy and the increase of tourists, eating noodles and drinking green tea. There are 18 lakes dotted all over Ha- Vietnam, fine arts, geology, women, ethnol- The very hot and humid climate for petty theft is on the increase in certain Extended families remain close and noi where the Vietnamese meet and ogy, etc. will keep the visitor enthralled. What are the barriers/hurdles that make day to most part of the year also tends to areas. South Africans can emulate their elders are well looked after within do their exercises on the surrounding day living as a foreigner in Hanoi difficult? leave one gasping. the industriousness of the Vietnam- the family and highly respected by all. paths and gardens. What were the biggest adjustments you had to Language must be mentioned first, as ese and their simple way of living to Vietnamese food can only be de- Historical sights include Ho Chi overcome to live in Hanoi? one lives outside the Embassy mainly in What do you miss most of South Africa? improve their personal circumstances scribed as exotic as you feast with Minh’s Mausoleum, built by the Soviet The city is home to approximately a world of sign language and your limited Family and friends that you have and achieve a sense of peace, secu- your eyes and your taste buds. Food Union in 1975 as a gift to the Viet- four million people, which results in traf- vocabulary, and this affects every aspect known for years; food like pap; be- rity and harmony in their lives. w

6 DFA Now • October 2008 DFA Now • October 2008 7 Profile News in brief

agreements on exactly what needs to It’s all part of the job be done especially with regard to the Media coming into effect of the TDCA. We will The DFA provides a window on the world for those whose duties be looking at other areas – Revenue include visiting the offices of diplomatic missions across the globe. Briefing by Services, Science and Technology, Trade, all the other areas that have to be operationalised as a result of the full rAVELLINg to ExotIC Tinyiko Gazide implementation of the TDCA. PLACES can provide a wel- Director- come contrast for young pro- Director in Financial Accounting. fessionalst locked into the everyday re- Educational: B Comm degree, general CoMMENtS BY DDg: sponsibilities of government service. Vista University. MA in Business AfrICA BILAtErAL, South Africa’s Department of For- Leadership, Unisa. MxoLISI NKoSI eign Affairs (DFA), provides such a Worked at the Department of Justice, Dr Ayanda window on the world for those whose the Department of Agriculture, before South africa – Drc duties include visiting the offices of the joining the DFA country’s diplomatic missions across Ntsaluba Binational commission the globe. It’s all part of the job – but it’s South AfrICAN PrESIDENt also a chance to broaden personal ho- reer role sees her immersed in the KgALEMA MotLANthE will on rizons, enjoy the stimulation of foreign world of finance. “One of the things I Thursday 30 October 2008 depart travel, and strike a balance between like about Foreign Affairs is that one the daily work routine and something from South Africa for Kinshasa, the is given an opportunity to grow. There Democratic Republic of Congo, completely out of the ordinary. are a lot of development and learn- where he is expected to lead a senior Tinyiko Gazide, Director in Finan- ing opportunities that are available for cial Accounting at the DFA in Pretoria, South African Government delegation growth, and good performance is rec- Department of Foreign Affairs, says visiting missions overseas is one ognised and rewarded. Foreign Affairs Director-General, Dr Ayanda on a Working Visit to the country of the most interesting aspects of her is very different from other government Ntsaluba and Deputy Director- during which co-operation between job. “As Finance we normally travel departments because of the way we General Mxolisi Nkosi at a the two countries will be reviewed. once a year to do budget reviews operate, with offices around the world media briefing. President Motlanthe will be and training on all financial matters. I and the way we manage our financial supported by Ministers Dr Nkosazana have already been to Cairo, London, records. With a staff complement of Dlamini Zuma, Mandisi Mpahlwa, Argentina, Dubai and Mexico. This is 91 to oversee, Tinyiko’s tasks range , and something that comes along once in from the administration of salaries, condolences to the Update regarding of to try and demonstrate Masenyani Richard Baloyi. a lifetime, so it is nice to have such an processing of expenditure incurred government of pakistan Zimbabwe leadership, statesmanship and rise to This visit should be viewed within opportunity.” at missions abroad, management of the challenge essentially that they are the context of ongoing attempts Although these visits abroad are departmental debts, providing agency BEforE WE DEAL WIth thE AS WE INDICAtED thE LASt by South Africa to strengthen very much working trips, they go some services for other departments, as well faced with. Most of us can only play a way to create the essential worklife DrC, I would like to express the tIME we spoke, we were awaiting supportive role to this, but South Africa and consolidate bilateral political, as preparing Annual Financial State- condolences of the Government the meeting of the SADC Organ that balance that today’s young profes- is committed to try to do whatever is economic, social and technical ments. “The working environment is to the people of Pakistan. As you was going to be held in Zimbabwe on sionals view as an essential ingredi- possible to assist them to arrive at that relations with African countries. The welcoming and relaxed, so one does know, there was an earthquake in the situation in Zimbabwe. We know ent in their lifestyle mix. “It is difficult not mind going the extra mile.” Her ul- outcome will continue. visit will indeed go a long way in to strike that balance,” reflects Tinyiko. the south-western Pakistani province that the meeting took place, but did timate career goal?: “At some point I of Baluchistan on Wednesday 29 not conclude because there were reinforcing ongoing efforts aimed at “The people around you need to un- would love to work in one of October 2008. There has been a loss some sticky points that still require assisting the DRC in its effort towards derstand the nature of your job as it South africa-European our missions abroad. It of life and of course, this is a very resolution. In the final communiqué post-conflict reconstruction and entails a lot of pressure. Sometimes it Union Joint committee is a department I love tragic event. there was a decision that perhaps is hard, especially for the family.” development. and wouldn’t really there should be a Summit involving all Tinyiko’s 12-year old daugher has NExt WEEK WE WILL BE hoStINg Presidents Motlanthe and want to leave - I can the Heads of State and Governments become resigned to the fact that Mom Explosions in india a meeting of the Joint Co-operating Kabila will use the occasion to see my long- term of SADC. Our leaders are currently in goes off to work soon after breakfast Council of the European Union. This review progress with regards to the future being here but consultation about suitable dates, but and comes back sometime after 7pm. of the will be 9th meeting of the South Africa- implementation of bilateral projects of course one will nev- You WouLD hAVE hEArD we do know that on 4-5 November, as “I am a family person, not an outgoing er know what the future explosions that hit three districts in part of preparations for the Summit, European Union Joint Co-operating within the framework of the existing person as such, so whenever I have holds.” w Guwahati city in the north-eastern there will be a Ministerial meeting Council. The partnership between binational commission between South spare time available I try to spend time Contribution by Indian state of Assam. There has of the Committee of the Organ in South Africa and the European Union Africa and the DRC. with my family” says Tinyiko. Destination the been a significant loss of life and Maputo. We still await the dates for has different levels of interaction. We In this regard, they are going She has been working Future we are not sure who has been the actual summit. previously reported on the Summit that to review progress in a number of for government depart- responsible for these acts, but we To emphasise what we have was held in Bordeaux in July 2008; this areas, mainly within the framework ments since 1998, but joined Foreign Af- know that there have been terrorist already said, South Africa’s view is to was preceded by a Ministerial meeting. of the commission on politics fairs in 2004 as a activities within the territory of try and press for the speediest possible The meeting in Cape Town on and governance; the commission Deputy Director India during the recent past. We solution to the problem. It is important 3-4 November 2008 is essentially on defence and security; the and was promot- extend our condolences to those that the government and people of a meeting of the negotiators. The commission on economics, finance ed to her current who have lost loved ones. We also Zimbabwe begin to be in a space where agreement we have with the European and infrastructure; as well as position in 2006. pledge continued solidarity with the they can focus on the reconstruction Union, has many identified areas of the commission on social and Her current ca- government and people of India. and our appeal goes to the leaders co-operation. We are still negotiating humanitarian affairs. Continue on pg 10 ... 88 DFA Now • October 2008 DFA Now • October 2008 9 News in brief News in brief

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politics and governance With respect to the Defence and can have indeed the requisite capacity are obviously feeling extremely and overlays of Security Commission, you are aware to contribute towards the collection of insecure now. We believe that complexities and South AfrICA IS CurrENtLY that Minister Nqakula undertook a revenue. there is a humanitarian crisis precisely because of INVoLVED with the training of civil visit in his capacity as Minister of The Bas-Congo Spatial that is beginning to unfold in the the relationship of some servants in the DRC and specifically Defence to the DRC a month ago Development Initiative is an initiative in eastern DRC. of the forces occupying the Department of Foreign Affairs is where he reiterated South Africa’s which we are involved. It has a huge We are also worried, as we the DRC and the tragic going to embark on the second phase ongoing commitment to assist with the capacity to attract investment and has indicated the last time, that to events in Rwanda. This of the training of Congolese diplomats. integration of the armed forces of the a huge potential to contribute towards the extent this situation is not tends to raise all sorts We think this is an important area Congo and assisting the development the industrialisation of the Congo . being arrested, it opens up old of sensitivities but at the because it will enable the government of the Congolese Armed Forces, so On the Social and Humanitarian wounds around particularly the same time, we believe that of the DRC to deploy envoys in various that indeed they have the capacity to Affairs Commission, there is ongoing relationships between the two for as long as the eastern parts of the world who will be able to defend and protect the territory of the collaboration and co-operation between respective states – Rwanda South African President, Kgalema Motlanthe and the President of the situation is not resolved, promote the interests of the DRC and DRC. In this respect, we are engaged our departments of education and and the DRC. You would also Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Joseph Kabila, during a it detracts from what is who will also be able to promote a in an ongoing programme of training social development with a view to know that as a consequence, Working Visit to the DRC, accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, essentially good progress Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (pictured below). positive image of their country which and assisting with the integration of ensuring that we also build the requisite there has been a lot of is being registered in will contribute to the ongoing efforts of the armed forces in the Congo. We are capacity in the Congo. international attention paid to the DRC with respect to assisting the Congo to emerge from the also supporting the institutionalisation Finally, as the DG has mentioned, what is happening in the eastern DRC. much as we can, to search for a political the processes of reconstruction. The cycle of violence, underdevelopment of the framework of policy in the DRC. the two Presidents will not only discuss The UN Security Council has had solution. challenges are huge and there is still a and poverty. With respect to the Economy, the bilateral issues but they will also a discussion and there is a statement The heart of that political solution lot of work to be done, but in our view, We are also involved in the Finance and Infrastructure take advantage of the opportunity that has been released by the Security is the framework that was agreed there is a lot of progress. restructuring of the Department of Commission, we are involved with provided by their meeting to discuss the Council. South Africa is a full party to upon in Goma as well as contained There are currently attempts Public Service and Administration of the the rehabilitation of INGA I and II. You situation in the eastern part of the DRC. the essence of that statement. We in the Nairobi Communiqué. The underway to see what can be done. Congo. We are involved with the Civil know that these are hydropower plants These will be the main issues on participated in what is called the P3 +2 essence is that some degree of An unfortunate consequence in the Service Census to assist the authorities with the capacity to provide electricity the agenda of President Motlanthe’s meeting in New York, which obviously security and confidence on the side of eastern part of the DRC has been the in Kinshasa to know how many officials and energy generally, not just to Working Visit to President Joseph was in a sense paving the way for the the DRC government that Rwanda is response of the civilian population they have in their employ and also to Southern Africa but to Europe and the Kabila of the DRC. discussions at the Security Council and not supporting General Nkunda. On to MONUC which adds another know where they are located and their whole of the Middle East if they can there is again a convergence of views the other side, there is a commitment complexity. Our view has been that responsibilities. operate to their full potential. in terms of what is evolving. The first, by the government of the DRC to MONUC needs to be strengthened. We are involved with an Anti- We are also involved with the and most urgent thing, is to appeal to act against the negative forces, You know that we are a troop Corruption project within the public regulation, marketing and evaluation Events unfolding in the all states, as the Presidential statement particularly those around the FDLR contributing country, so we really service and also in a project involving of the diamond sector in the DRC. You east of the Drc indicates that all the parties to the who might be within the sovereign would join those who are appealing the decentralisation of the services of know that the DRC has got massive conflict should try to abide by their territory of the DRC. So, I think that for the reinforcement of MONUC and government because, as you know, diamond deposits amongst other WhEN WE LASt hAD A BrIEfINg obligations in terms of international law, still remains the framework. some of the dilemmas facing MONUC the Congo is a vast country and it will natural resources that are found in we indicated that following the particularly humanitarian international We share the view that the sooner to be appreciated. However, there is be impossible to run the operations abundance in that country. So we are conclusion of the Goma Agreement, law and that it is very important for us to we have high level re-engagement a need to move with some degree of the country from the capital of assisting them to regulate this industry we were hopeful that we would get minimise the unfortunate humanitarian between the leaders of Rwanda and of urgency because quite clearly, Kinshasa; it was felt that the authority so that the country can benefit from into a process that would usher in a incidents. The safety and security of the the DRC, the better the prospects will the reaction of people, in the face and administration of government the revenues that flow from the mining stable peace in the eastern part of civilian population has to be guaranteed be to arrive at a solution. We have of what they see as the incapacity services should be decentralised and and the sale of diamonds and this we the DRC. We reported at that point in by the belligerents. been encouraged in the past few days to deal with the advance of General should be spread along the length believe will go a long way in ensuring time that we were getting concerned Secondly, we believe that it is very by the actions, namely the sending Nkunda, is likely to escalate if nothing and breadth of the country. The South that the country has the capacity to because what had begun as occasional important to continue, as difficult as it of the Foreign Minister of the DRC to else is done. A report was given by African Department of Public Service deal with the twin challenges of poverty skirmishes seemed to be coalescing is, to search for a political solution to Rwanda, and there are reports of a the UN Department of Peacekeeping and Administration is the principle organ and underdevelopment. into something far more significant the problem. All attempts at a military possible reciprocal visit at the same Operations to New York. Certain of our Government that is entrusted We are involved in efforts to and the worst of our fears has been solution have eluded us in terms level from Rwanda to the DRC. We concrete proposals have been with the responsibility of implementing build the capacity to collect revenue. borne by the events of the last few of arriving at a viable solution. This believe that the leaders of the two made particularly with regard to the this project. As you are aware, we have signed days. We know that what we would emphasises that we should try, as countries should continue enhancement of capacity. We are also involved with the two agreements with them in this regard as full scale engagement, to open up the lines of Members of the UN whole issue of developing a national respect – the Avoidance of Double took place starting last Saturday or dialogue. Security Council are population register for the Congo. Taxation Agreement and the other is Sunday, 25 or 26 October 2008 on a We know that considering these There are a number of figures that are a Customs Agreement. We believe large scale. We know there have been the solutions to the proposals and we being bandied about regarding the total these agreements will go a long way in threats to the town of Goma and a challenges of the DRC hope there will be a population of the Congo and as part assisting them to collect the necessary number of villages have been taken by are not easy. If they positive outcome of efforts to reconstitute that country, revenue that will be used as part of the CNDP. We have also seen significant had been easy, we to those and indeed reconstitute the state we national pool to deal with a number of movements of people; even reports would have found discussions. w are assisting them with the whole issue challenges that they face. Currently indicate that there has already been a them a long time of developing a national population our South African Revenue Services dislodging of people in refugee camps ago. There are register. have indicated their readiness to assist which obviously precipitates a huge all sorts of We are also assisting them with the with building the capacity with their humanitarian problem. The numbers layers production of identity cards. Congolese counterparts so that they of displaced people are huge and they

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