March 2008 Dfa

March 2008 dfa

NowYour voice to be heard

For more turn to page 7: Media briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad President Thabo Mbeki and First Lady Zanele Mbeki with their Indian counterparts President Manmohan Singh and First Lady Gursharan Kaur Editorial Note

Dear Colleagues The dfa Now is an internal newsletter of Department of Foreign Affairs published by the Directorate: Content The March issue of DFA Now lead with President Thabo Development. Mbeki’s Commonwealth Day message. In his message the President emphasises the importance of climate change and Editor-in-Chief: Ronnie Mamoepa the impact thereof on development, especially in Africa. Dep- Editor: Paseka Mokhethea uty Minister Pahad’s media briefing give us the usual political background to keep us up to date on international events, im- Editorial Committee: pacting on South Africa and seeking our involvement. We also Khoza, G: Dir: Operations Centre & Marketing; carry the three contributions from our missions. Switzerland Moloto, J: Dir: Greater China; reports on the visit my Minister Dlamini Zuma, while Namibia Mashabane, D: Dir Humanitarian Affairs; report back on their successful hosting of South Africa Week Mashigo G: Dir EWC; in Windhoek. The mission in Brazzaville gives us some insight Shongwe, LV: Chief Dir: Office of the DG; into the developments at their mission, celebrating its third year Mabhongo, X: Chief Dir : United Nations; of existence in 2008. Malawana XL: Media Liaison

We trust that you enjoy this issue. As it is the norm please Sub-Editing and Proof Reading: don’t forget that we rely on your assistance in meeting the print- Elion Von Wielligh ing deadline. Therefore, in future to ensure the DFA Now is released on time please assist us by meeting the submission Design and Layout: Shaune van Wyk, Zimele Ngxongo and deadline for articles. Please forward your letters and articles to Seja Mokgawa. Pictures: Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh the Editor before the deadline. and Unathi Ngamntwini

Happy reading! The views expressed in this newsletter do not neccessarily reflect those of the DFA or the editors. The deadline for contributions is 05 May 2008. Contributions may be sent to cbe000 or [email protected] Creative corner All enquiries: Paseka @ Tel: (012) 351-1569 Fax: (012) 342-1192

photographs of power Continue from pg 3 ...

photographs are not taken but given Commonwealth Day: Massage yours too are the bounty of appreciation from the womb you emerged as a bundle of President Thabo Mbeki to provide us with a radiant picture of a smile yet we live in the gloomy days of tears fronts the twin challenges of defeating the scourge of poverty torn amid a world of hope and despair and underdevelopment that continues to afflict billions in the everyday is a day of struggle countries of the South, and modifying life styles in the coun- and your pictures are portraits tries of the North, to reduce and eliminate the threat to the of the new international struggle environment. The world community of nations has agreed the power struggle for economic justice that all of us have a shared but differentiated responsibility to protect the environment. While we sustain and accelerate your photographs are reminders the advance against poverty in the countries of the South, that you are born in a volatile terrain and continue to improve the standard of living in the coun- where human life is threatened with extinction tries of the North, we must, together, continuously address as the human race is doomed by a deadly pandemic the challenge of the protection of the environment. you emerged from your photos to an angry world where people’s freedoms are castrated We in the Commonwealth can make a vital contribution by the so-called war on terror to the achievement of the urgent goals encapsulated in the where human dignity is curtailed theme - “The Environment: Our Future” – if we adopt and by the damning global apartheid implement policies that respond to this task practically. What you are welcome to join we do must make the unequivocal statement that we are the power struggle for change determined that Planet Earth will, forever, remain a place power is not given but taken of domicile for the human species and all other animal and plant life which is our neighbour in the common habitat. Our - Kaya Somgqeza celebration of Commonwealth Day 2008 will achieve real (28/07/07) meaning only if, on this day, we renew our pledge that we will, at all times, act in a manner that says – to guarantee our future, we will protect the environment!

DFA Now • March 2008 International Relations

on agriculture and on extraction of COMMONWEALTH DAY: mineral and biological resources. On our continent, Africa, better environ- MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT mental management is not just a matter of preserving our natural heritage. THABO MBEKI It is a matter of survival. Climate vari- ations already pose a serious threat to livelihoods and economic development in much of our Continent, and are likely to be aggravated by climate change over the next few decades. Along with issues such as negative elements of globalisation, conflict and instability, and the burden of disease, environmental degradation is one of the major factors threatening the frag- ile progress in economic, social, and political development that many Afri- can countries have achieved over the past few decades.

What is needed now, and very urgently, is respect for the ecological processes that have made the planet our home. These processes shape the climate, cleanse the air and water, regulate water flows, recycle essential elements, regenerate the soil and enable ecosystems to renew them- selves, giving all humanity the possibility to achieve sustainable utilisation of nature’s biodiversity. Together with raising awareness of the vulnerability of these processes, we also need to educate ourselves to use renewable resources such as cultivated land, wild and domesticated animal and plant President Thabo Mbeki species, forests, rangelands, and the marine and freshwater ecosystems in a sustainable manner. The depletion of non-renewable resources like min- Our theme for 2008 is “The erals, oil, gas and coal must also be avoided. Their life must be extended for Environment - Our Future” the benefit of future generations, while we also develop and use the neces- sary technologies to address the chal- ach year when we cel- itself and is linked to such issues as lenge of greenhouse-gas emissions. ebrate Commonwealth climate change, sustaining biodiver- Recycling of used materials, more Day, we strive to pro- sity and conserving water resources. economic use of our resources and Emote understanding of For our survival we rely on our soil greater utilisation of renewable substi- an important global issue. Our theme resources for agriculture, on our fish tutes must constitute an important part for 2008 is “The Environment - Our resources for food, on our biodiversity of our armoury of responses. All these Future”. This was agreed at the last for tourism, on herbs and medicinal interventions are essential if the earth Heads of Government Meeting, held plants for health care, to cite but a few is to sustain billions more people in the in Uganda, and incorporated in the examples. Environmental degradation future, continuing to give all humanity Commonwealth Lake Victoria Cli- poses a threat to all humanity, but has the possibility to enjoy a decent and mate Change Action Plan. the most adverse impact on the poor- improving quality of life. Humanity con- est of the poor. The national econo- The environment is central to life mies of African countries rely mainly Continue on pg 2 ...

DFA Now • March 2008 Mission activities

1 2 3 4

Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma in photograph 1, paying a courtesy call on former UNSG Mr Kofi Annan. 2, holding discussions with President Pascal Couchepin, the current President of Switzerland. 3, with her counterpart Mrs Michalene Calmy-Rey at a film show that depicted the plight of women in many parts of the world, commemorating International Women’s Day. 4, speaking at the official opening of a trade investment road show under the banner, “Business Opportunities in SA”

2008, Minister Dlamini Zuma officially Minister’s official visit to opened the Trade and Investment Road show organized by the South Af- Switzerland rican Embassy in Bern in collaboration with Mr Hajo Leutenegger, President of the Chamber of Commerce and In- dustry in the Canton Zug. The theme of the event was called; “Business Oppor- tunities in South Africa,” to encourage potential investors to consider South Africa as the destination of choice.

Dr Anna Mokgokong, Chairper- son of SEDA was invited as the guest speaker at the same event to share per- spectives from the private sector point of view on the Trade and Investment environment in South Africa. Ms Sybil Rhomberg from the Capital Goods Ex- pert Council was also one of the speak- ers. The Road show brought together Swiss captains of industry with interest in investing and those who already have operations in South Africa. Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Swiss Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Calmy Rey signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the Strengthening of Mutual Cooperation, Geneva Excerpts of the Minister’s speech: “In the past 14 years since South • Status of political bilateral relations he Minister of Foreign Af- Africa saw the end of apartheid, our • Trade and Investment relations fairs Dr NC Dlamini Zuma • Progress with regard EFTA/SACU country has developed into an open free Tvisited Switzerland from 6 to Agreement economy, which has undergone funda- 10 March 2008 to further consolidate • Development cooperation i.e. mental changes and unprecedented existing political, economic, scientific trilateral cooperation growth. South Africa offers political and and social relations between South Af- • Cooperation at multilateral level macroeconomic stability with a highly rica and Switzerland. The Minister‘s visit • Cooperation on Women Rights developed infrastructure, abundant in coincided with the commemoration of issues raw materials and a sophisticated finan- International Women’s Day, which was cial sector, with a steadily increasing celebrated in various parts of the country, At the conclusion of the bilateral industrial and services sector. These and the Minister was privileged to join her discussions, the two Ministers signed a make South Africa an attractive busi- counterpart Mrs Michalene Calmy-Rey Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ness destination. South Africa is seen in at a film show that depicted the plight of on the Strengthening of Mutual Coop- a continental perspective as the engine women in many parts of the world. On eration. The MoU provides the basis for growth for the rest of Africa. the 8th March 2008 Minister Dlamini for further collaboration in a number Zuma held bilateral discussions with the of areas that are geared to benefit the Switzerland ranks as 7th on the Swiss Federal Councilor and Minister peoples of both counties. The Minister list of Trade and Investment partners for Foreign Affairs, Mrs Calmy Rey, in also paid a courtesy call on the former with South Africa with more than 150 Geneva. The meeting between the two United Nations (UN) Secretary Gen- Swiss companies employing about 30 Ministers focused, amongst, others on eral Mr Kofi Annan in Geneva. During 000 South Africans, besides the long the evaluation and review of the bilateral the visit the Minister also met with the established multinationals an increas- relations between the two countries. The High Commissioner for Human Rights ing number of small and medium sized issues that received attention during the Ms Arbour. Before concluding her five enterprises have opened businesses meeting included the following: day visit to Switzerland on 10th March in South Africa in recent years.“

DFA Now • March 2008 Mission activities

South Africa week in Windhoek, Namibia

The High Commission hosted a very successful week full of South Af- rican culture from 9 to 13 March 2008. It was decided that although Namibia is a direct neighbour and Namibians are frequently travelling to South Africa, we should also enable those Namibians that do not have the means to travel to South Africa, to get a taste of what makes us South Africans proud. The Mission, in association with SAA, the Sun International Hotel Group, and with Nedbank as the main sponsor, brought the personal collection of the late Ger- ard Sekoto to the National Art Gallery of Namibia for an exhibition running up to 16 May 2008. The exhibition was opened by the Namibian Minister of In- The late Gerard Sekoto formation and Broadcasting on 9 March 2008. The Iziko South African National pani worms, tripe, bobotie and koek- main speaker. The Minister of Gender Gallery in Cape Town made the collec- sisters. Saxenburg wine estate kindly Equality and Child Welfare as well as tion available to the Mission. sponsored their excellent wines for the her Deputy and the Deputy Minister of evening. Both the Minister of Fisher- Health also took part in the discussion The next day “Ladies in Jazz” a six ies and Marine Resources as well as “Women unite in Action and Act in Unity member ladies’ band from Tshwane the Deputy Minister of Sport and Cul- for Development”. Women, mostly from had a capacity audience on their feet ture attended the dinner. grassroots level showed much interest at the National Theatre of Namibia. in working closer with women in South The Minister of Fisheries and Ma- On 12 March a South African fash- Africa and also forming a Namibian rine Resources indicated that he was ion designer, Palesa Mokubung show- Women in Dialogue (NAWID). amazed by these six talented ladies cased her designs also to a capacity and that they should definitely return audience. The Deputy Minister of Edu- The week of the events as well as to Namibia as they were excellent cation as well as a few other ladies im- those following saw the Mission gaining ambassadors for South African cul- mediately placed orders from Palesa. wide coverage in the media and thus ture. During the week, the Kalahari Once again Saxenburg sponsored the definitely succeeded in sharing with Na- Sands Hotel hosted a South African evening with a cheese and wine to end mibians what makes South Africa tick. Food Festival and on the 11 March, off on a high note. The Week ended with The Mission was also very happy to the High Commissioner hosted a se- a Women’s Dialogue with the General have the SA Soccer under 20 Amajitas lected group of guests to taste real Manager of South African Women in Di- playing against their Namibian counter- South African delicacies, such as mo- alogue (SAWID), Ms Girlie Njoni as the parts on 8 March 2008 in Windhoek.

DFA Now • March 2008 Ministry’s corner

Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma with her African and Indian counterparts at the Indian-Africa Forum Summit

Media briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad

We commemorate the fifteenth Africa – India Partnership Summit dalities to strengthen the cooperation anniversary of the murder of the out- ties between Africa and India. standing leader and patriot Chris Hani. South African President Thabo We therefore use this occasion to con- Mbeki on Wednesday 9 April 2008 con- Accordingly, the Summit agreed vey our prayers and best wishes to his cluded his official visit to India where that co-operation between India and wife Dimpho Hani and his family. It’s he led a senior South African govern- Africa would be strengthened in the a day on which South Africans must ment delegation to the inaugural Africa following areas: recall his life and emulate leadership, – India Partnership Summit scheduled - Economic co-operation through his value systems and what contri- from Tuesday – Wednesday 8-9 April agriculture, trade industry and bution he made to the struggle. Our 2008. President Mbeki’s delegation investment, small and medium- scale enterprises, finance and country needs outstanding leaders of included Mrs Zanele Mbeki, Foreign regional integration; this stature. Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, - Political co-operation through peace Trade and Industry Minister Mandisi and security as well as civil society Heads of Mission meeting Africa Mpahlwa, South Africa’s High Com- and governance initiatives; and Europe missioner to India Francis Moloi as - Science, technology, research well as South Africa’s Ambassador and development through science A meeting of the Heads of Mis- to Ethiopia Chris Pepani. President and technology, information sion of the 66 Missions in Africa and Thabo Mbeki and Heads of State and and communication technology Europe combined will be held from Government of the Democratic Re- programmes; - Co-operation in social development 11 – 13 April 2008 in Vienna, Austria. public of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Sen- and capacity building in the field The agenda will include thematic de- egal, Uganda, Zambia, Burkina Faso, of education, health, water and bates on the relations between Africa Ethiopia, Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tan- sanitation, culture and sports, and and the EU, peace and security on the zania and Nigeria as well as Chair of poverty eradication; African continent and the South Africa the African Union Commission Alpha - Tourism; – EU strategic partnership. A work- Konare participated alongside Indian - Infrastructure, energy and shop will also be held on the 2010 Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in environmental issues; World Cup. the Summit that considered the mo- - Media and communication

DFA Now • March 2008 Ministry’s corner International Ministry’s relations corner

SA - Mozambique Heads of State 600 percent. South Africa’s exports to In 2006, Ireland made a contribu- Bilateral Economic Forum Mozambique have continued to grow tion of Euro 800 000 to South Africa’s as well moving from just over 6 bil- Independent Electoral Commission for President Thabo Mbeki will on Fri- lion to more than 8 billion; a growth of their work in the DRC. Ireland also has day 11 April 2008 pay an official visit more than 25 percent. a military presence of about 430 per- to Mozambique for the Heads of State sonnel in Liberia as part of UNMIL, the Bilateral Economic Forum. The Heads South African Deputy President largest such deployment by a western of State Bilateral Economic Forum al- Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka pays of- European country to a UN mandated lows the Presidents of both countries ficial visit to the Republic of Ireland Peace Keeping Operation in Africa. to preside over the review of progress made with regards to strategic projects The South African Deputy Presi- Minister Dlamini Zuma to hold bilat- between the two counties. The Forum dent, Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, eral discussions with Austrian Fed- further serves as a platform for rein- supported by Deputy Foreign Minister, eral Minister for European and In- forcing bilateral economic relations be- Ms Sue van der Merwe, on conclusion ternational Affairs Ursula Plassnik tween South Africa and Mozambique. of her official visit to The Netherlands, is Relations between South Africa and paying an official visit to Ireland, sched- South African Foreign Minister Dr Mozambique are very close, under- uled from 9 -10 April 2008. Deputy Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will visit pinned by the growing ties in trade, in- President Mlambo-Ngcuka is hosted by Vienna, Austria from Wednesday- vestment, tourism, migration and secu- her Irish counterpart, Prime Minister Mr Saturday 9-13 April 2008 where she rity. South Africa has emerged as the Bertie Ahern. The Deputy President and is scheduled to hold bilateral political, main trading partner for Mozambique her delegation visit Ireland within the economic and trade discussions with and its main source of foreign direct context of consolidating and expanding the Austrian Federal Minister for Euro- investments. The creation of a trans- South Africa’s special relations with Ire- pean and International Affairs Ursula port and development corridor (i.e. land. The visit further strengthens exist- Plassnik on Friday 11 April 2008. Maputo Development Corridor) linking ing co-operation with Ireland on Govern- The meeting between Ministers the port of Maputo with South Africa’s ment’s Accelerated and Shared Growth Dlamini Zuma and Plassnik will be industrial heartland symbolises the Initiative for South Africa (ASGI-SA), held ahead of the Europe Africa Re- importance of these bilateral ties. The and Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Ac- gional Heads of Mission (HOM) Con- extent of economic relations between quisition (JIPSA). Discussions between ference, which will take place from Media briefing by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad the two countries warranted the crea- Deputy President Mlambo-Ngcuka and Saturday-Sunday 12-13 April 2008 tion of a Heads of State Bilateral Eco- Prime Minister Ahern on Wednesday in Vienna. Minister Dlamini Zuma will nomic Forum in 1997, which is meant 9 April 2008 were expected to include, hold discussions with Minister Plass- to convene on a regular basis (at least among others: The status of bilateral nik within the context of South Africa’s twice a year) and preside over strate- political, and economic relations be- priority to strengthen relations with gic projects between the two countries. tween the two countries as well as Af- countries of the North with a view to Furthermore, a Joint Permanent Com- rica and the European Union in general; consolidating the African developmen- mission for Cooperation (JPCC), which Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) tal agenda. In this regard discussions was entered into in 1994, serves as a and Information and Communication between the two Ministers will include framework of co-operation for all line- Technologies (ICT); SMME ‘s Develop- amongst others: Overview of bilateral function departments between the two ment; Expanding South Africa’s manu- relations between South Africa and countries. Discussions between the facturing base; and Co-operation in the Austria; the African Agenda; and Mul- South African and Mozambican Heads agro-industry. tilateral issues. of State are likely to include: Trade and industry issues; Tourism and environ- Whilst in Ireland, the Deputy Presi- Nepad Review Summit mental issues; Finance issues; Miner- dent and her delegation also attended als and energy issues; Transport and a business meeting arranged by Sir South African President Thabo communication issues; Agricultural is- Anthony O’Reilly with captains of Irish Mbeki will attend the NEPAD Review sues, and Migration issues business. Summit which will take place in Dakar, Senegal, on 15 April 2008. Total exports by South Africa to Ireland’s development assistance Mozambique in 2007 (up to Novem- to South Africa amounts to about The NEPAD Secretariat prepared a ber) were valued at over R8 billion. Euro 11 million, annually. Irish Aid is concept paper for the NEPAD Review South Africa imported goods from Mo- mainly focused on five priority areas: Summit. The way forward as stated zambique to the value at over R2 bil- Education, where the assistance is in the concept paper is indicative of lion in the same period. This showed mainly channelled into capacity build- overcoming the weaknesses within a dramatic improvement for Mozam- ing; Health, HIV/AIDS; Water Sup- NEPAD, as well as enhancing the suc- bican exports to South Africa from ply and Sanitation; as well as Good cesses of NEPAD. This includes the R318 590 000 in 2006 to over R 2 bil- Governance, Democracy and Human following: lion in 2007; an increase of more than Rights. Continue on pg 8 ...

DFA Now • March 2008 Ministry’s corner Ministry’s corner

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Presidency of the Council this month. In an effort to consolidate comple- mentary themes relevant to Africa that are explored in the Security Council, South Africa is also linking the topic of cooperation between the UN and the African Union to the issue of conflict resolution in Africa.

Two special events are planned for this month in this regard: Firstly, President Mbeki has extended invitations to Heads of State and Government of those countries i.) that currently serve on the UN Security Council ii) that are members of the AU Peace and Security Council and iii) Af- rican countries that are on the agenda Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma at the United Nations of the UNSC to an open debate to be held on 17 April 2008 at the UN Security Council Chambers in New York. On 16 April 2008, the UN Security Council and - Consolidating and widening their mandates in implementing AU Peace and Security Council will hold ownership and leadership of NEPAD; a joint meeting, at ambassadorial level, NEPAD at all levels; - Ensuring wider participation in the in New York. - Ensuring more effective APRM; and engagement and participation by - Strengthening NEPAD in all all stakeholders, particularly civil dimensions. Security Council Summit on 16 April: society, and private sector as well The meeting of the Security Coun- as parliamentarians; SA Presidency – cil that President Mbeki will chair on - Mobilising domestic resources by UN Security Council 17 April will see a continuation of this encouraging production, fighting discussion, but at a higher political waste and corruption, promoting South Africa is holding the rotat- level and inside the Council chambers better resource control and ing monthly Presidency of the United in the presence of the wider UN mem- management, initiating productive Nations Security Council during April bership. African countries that are on projects, and encouraging savings; 2008. In this capacity, South Africa is the agenda of the Security Council will - Continuing advocacy for expanded and substantial debt responsible for helping to prepare the be afforded an opportunity to share relief, increases in direct foreign agenda of the Council for the month in their impressions of the UN and AU’s investment, improved terms of trade consultation with other Council mem- conflict prevention and resolution ef- and greater access to the markets bers, chairing meetings of the Secu- forts and the general UN membership of industrialised countries including rity Council, help guide the Council to will reflect on how best to strengthen the removal of distorting tariff and decisions on a range of issues on its cooperation between the UN and re- non-tariff barriers; agenda and act as the Council’s offi- gional organisations. - Establishing implementation cial contact point for other UN Member networks between member states States, the media and civil society. The Other issues on the agenda of the and RECs; and identifying targeted regional and national programmes Presidency also offers an opportunity Security Council for April 2008: and ensure predictable and to promote a theme that is of particular sustainable financing mechanism to regional or national importance. The mandates of the UN Mission in sustain coordination; Sudan (UNMIS), which helps to sup- - Strengthening regional integration The theme of South Africa’s first port the Comprehensive Peace Agree- particularly through enhanced Presidency of the Security Council in ment between the North and South, investment in infrastructure (given March 2007 was: “The relationship and the UN Mission for the Referen- the role the latter plays in this between the UN and regional organi- dum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) matter); sations – and in particular the African will expire and are subject to renewal. - Expanding inter-African trade to consolidate African regional Union – in terms of Chapter VIII of the South Africa strongly supports the markets; UN Charter”. A decision was taken at mandates of both missions and hopes - Branding of NEPAD to facilitate the that time to carry this theme through to see them renewed. With regard to tracking of its activities and impact; for the duration of South Africa’s two- Sudan, the Security Council will also - Strengthening the institutional and year term on the Council. Conse- be closely monitoring the situation in human capacities of RECs to fulfil quently, the same theme holds for our Darfur and the status of deployment of

DFA Now • March 2008 Ministry’s corner Ministry’s corner

the UN/AU mission (UNAMID). The in- decisions made must be published. negotiator on the Darfur issue, ac- ternational community continues to be Accordingly we express the hope that cording to Nafie al-Nafie; the former concerned about the situation in Dar- the relevant Zimbabwean authorities rebel and the current senior assist- fur and attaches great importance to will indeed act upon this and other ant to the President, Minni Minawi; the full deployment of UNAMID. South recommendations, as part of efforts to and Foreign Minister Deng Alor. Talks Africa is of the view that more needs strengthen institutions of democracy will then be held in Juba with the Su- to be done to support the Middle East in their country.” dan People’s Liberation Movement peace process and is concerned by (SPLM). Repairing relations between the Security Council’s lack of response It is important that the expressed Sudan and its neighbour Chad are a to recent developments in that region. will of the people is respected. The prerequisite to resolving the crisis en- The Security Council will also receive ZEC should explain the delay in the gulfing Darfur. Eliasson and Mr. Salim briefings from the Special Represent- announcement of the results. This will will hold consultations from 15 to 20 atives of the Secretary-General on the calm the situation and ease the ten- April with those movements in Dar- UN Missions to Georgia and Kosovo. sions. The MDC has gone to court to fur that have not signed previous key get the ZEC to release the results of peace accord and with representa- AFRICA the presidential ballot and judgement tives of civil society. Zimbabwe elections has been reserved until Monday 14 April 2008. UNAMID Intensifies Political Dia- The South African Government logue with Government joins the entire international communi- ZANU-PF is contesting the results ty in expressing its congratulations to in several wards and some ZEC of- Joint Special Representative of the people of Zimbabwe for the peace- ficials have been arrested. Mr Tsvan- the UN/AU Mission in Darfur, Rodol- ful environment in which the recent garai’s visit to South Africa [he met phe Adada, held a series of high-level elections for the Presidential, House with the President of the ANC and talks with Sudanese officials, to co- of Assembly, Senate and Local Gov- Minister Mufamadi]. He also visited ordinate activities and maintain the ernment were held. In this regard, we Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia. momentum of processes that aim at join the international community in ex- An Extra-Ordinary Summit of SADC creating a stable atmosphere condu- pressing our congratulations to Presi- will be held in Zambia on Saturday cive of meaningful peace talks and dent Thabo Mbeki for the work done, the 12th of April 2008 to deal with de- better security on the ground. Discus- under the SADC mandate, to help cre- velopments in Zimbabwe. sion revolved around the status if de- ate a climate conducive for the holding ployment of the UNAMID troops. The of these elections (through facilitation Kenya coming two months are expected to of discussions between ZANU-PF and witness the deployment of additional the two MDC factions) to create con- South Africa has noted recent de- military personnel from Egypt and ditions to ensure that the outcomes velopments in Kenya and expresses Ethiopia. Equipment for the Egyptian would not be contested. Accordingly, its concern about the reports of re- troops has already arrived and is be- and in response to the official -an newed violence with serious conse- ing transported to designated loca- nouncement of the House of Assem- quences on the lives of ordinary peo- tions in Darfur. An advanced force of bly, Senate and Local Government ple of Kenya. Kenya is a key player approximately 90 is already on the elections, we congratulate all political in the region and the continent, and ground, and the remaining troops parties for their performance in these a peaceful, stable and prosperous should follow soon. elections. South Africa has noted the Kenya is a sine quo non for Africa’s Preliminary Report of the majority of future. In this regard, we appeal to the Normalisation between Chad and the members of the SADC Observer main political protagonists in Kenya, to Sudan, within the context of the Dakar Mission that “Despite the concerns act in the letter and spirit of the agree- Agreement. raised before the elections, the mis- ment facilitated by former UN Secre- sion evaluated and observed that the tary-General Kofi Annan and reach A meeting to follow-up on the im- basic conditions for a free, peaceful an agreement around the constitution plementation of the agreement is due and credible election were there and of the cabinet, in the best interests of to take place in Libreville, Gabon, on that the results of these elections were Kenya, and to avoid any further desta- 10 April 2008. a credible expression of the will of the bilisation in Kenya. majority of the people of Zimbabwe. “ Joint Special Representative for In this regard, we take cognisance of Sudan Darfur is expected to fly to New York to the recommendations of the SADC participate in a joint meeting between Observer Mission that “there is need Darfur - UN and African Union Envoys the UN Security Council and the AU for some changes in the electoral Begin New Round of Consultations. Jan Peace and Security Council on Africa, process in Zimbabwe so that there is Eliasson of the UN and Salim Ahmed on 16 April 2008. equal access to state media by all po- Salim of the AU are scheduled to litical parties, voter education and the meet in Khartoum with Sudan’s chief

DFA Now • March 2008 Mission activities

SA Embassy Brazaville: 3 Year Commemoration

2 4 1. President Thabo Mbeki and President Dénis Sassou N’Guesso (State Visit, November 2005) 2. Mrs Zanele Mbeki and Mrs Antoinette Sassou-N’Guesso (First Ladies, Sate Visit 2005) 3. (from right to left) Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sue va der Merwe, Minister Mandisi Mpahlwa and Ambassador WG Makanda (State Visit November 2005) 4. Congolese traditional dancers 3

his year commemo- Embassy including, visits by President development, agriculture, student ex- rates three years since Mbeki, First Lady Zanele Mbeki, Min- change, trade, business, youth lead- the SA Embassy, Re- isters of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana ership dialogue, and rural and social public of Congo (RoC) Dlamini Zuma, Transport Minister Jeff development amongst others. The was opened in July Radebe, Trade and Industry Minister Embassy is also looking at the explo- 2005T and HE Welsh Makanda was ap- Mandisi Mpahlwa, and Deputy Minister ration of areas of cooperation in skills pointed as Ambassador. During this of Foreign Affairs Sue van der Merwe transfer and development, and the for- period and through the hard work, ef- amongst others. During this time a mation of joint ventures which have a fective, professional, committed, dedi- Memorandum of Cooperation between beneficial social impact on the coun- cated and dynamic Leadership of HE PetroSA and SNPC (Societe Nationale tries’ broad impoverished masses. Makanda and his team the Embassy du Petrole du Congo) was signed. These include the student exchange/ has established lasting bonds and internship programme with, the es- synergies with the Republic of Congo In pursuit of SA’s foreign policy tablishment of a Business Forum be- which lend impetus to the Mission’s objectives, the Mission’s focus during tween Sout Africa and RoC Business. dealings in the pursuit of programs this period has been to break down A conference and a visit to Congo by which drive, accentuate and enhance the colonial legacy of artificial barriers SA Business people is planned for end the African Agenda of building a solid dividing the two countries erstwhile July in this regard. African unity, of structuring a self-reli- Anglophone and Francophone geo- ant, proud, dignified, responsible, dis- political communities and develop Following from the previous Sen- ciplined, prosperous African continent an energetic intercourse which max- ior Officials Meeting, the Embassy is founded on universalistic and sustain- imises commonalities and weave a organising workshops on agriculture, able values of freedom, democracy, complimentary tapestry with the coun- skills development, social and rural humanitarian principles and justice. tries diversities. In this regard vari- development to be held in South Afri- In this period, various activities have ous agreements have been signed. ca for the officials of the RoC. South been hosted by the Embassy includ- The Embassy is pursuing a number Africa is to share and exchange ex- ing SA Week. High profile visits have of projects in various sectors includ- perience with the RoC and also learn taken place through the initiative of the ing mining, hospitality, Congo Port from each other’s experience. The

10 DFA Now • March 2008 first Workshop will be held in South Republic of Congo (RoC) - Republic Africa, Pretoria on 31 June- 2 July of SA (RSA) Youth Leadership Fo- 2008 hosted by JIPSA, on Skills de- rum/ Dialogue and the possible MoU velopment. Officials from the Depart- on Youth Cooperation. This is critical ment of Youth Affairs, from the RoC to South Africa’s foreign policy ob- Window into Languages: will attend this workshop and also jectives, our commitment to Africa, French conduct meetings with various Youth growing inter/ intra regional relations, Structures. In addition, the Embassy our vision of a united and prosperous in Partnership with the Department Africa. This is imperative to the strate- of Agriculture (RoC) is working on a gic role, participation, interaction and project on Investing in Agriculture, contribution of youth to Africa’s devel- English RoC. This will involve exchange of opmental process. This initiative will expertise and identification of areas create a platform where youth leaders 1. Good morning for investment (RoC) in the agricul- of South Africa and the RoC, Institu- tural sector. A delegation from Agri- tions and Departments that deal with 2. Good evening SA (Agriculture South Africa), will be Youth development, exchange and visiting the RoC and RoC officials formulate ideas on the African Agen- 3. Hello will attend a workshop on agriculture da. It is important to note that the AU in South Africa. Both countries have has developed a policy Framework in 4. I am ______potential for a broad spectrum of co- the form of the African Youth Charter, operation in various sectors, such which prescribes responsibilities to 5. My name ______as financial institutions, science and member states for the development technology, security and crime pre- of youth. A platform like this therefore 6. I am a diplomat vention, maritime cooperation to pro- contributes to the great strides that tect our naval interests and our sea have already been taken in breaking 7. I am South African resources, etc. To this end, in addi- down the barriers to achieve the AU/ tion to agreements already signed in NEPAD objectives. To commemorate 8. I am from South Africa 2005, the Embassy is currently nego- Women’s Day the Embassy will host tiating an extended network of proto- a conference on the strategic role of 9. Thank you cols and Agreements as part of an African women to Africa’s develop- institutional framework within which ment on 9 August 2008. This con- 10. Goodbye to forge closer bonds. Agreements ference will also serve as a platform on Transport, Youth, and Sports co- where women of the RoC and South operation are expected to be signed Africa share issues of common inter- French during the coming SOM (26 May), est on the developmental agenda of JCC (27-29 May) scheduled to take the continent and challenges thereof. 1. Bonjour place in Pretoria this year. On 24 September (Heritage Day) the SA Embassy will host the first cultural 2. Bonsoir It is worth mentioning that the SA and heritage event. South African arts Embassy (RoC) and MTN (RoC) have and craft will be exhibited. This event 3. Salut recently agreed on a partnership to pro- seeks to promote and market South mote 2010 in the Republic of Congo. Africa’s rich diverse cultural heritage, 4. Je suis______ Various activities are planned for the cultural tourism and as a tourism des- years 08-09 to market, popularise and tination. It also seeks to promote cul- 5. Je m’appelle____ promote 2010 including local soccer tural exchange between the people of and volley ball tournaments, concerts, the RoC and South Africa, and also 6. Je suis diplomate exhibitions, a fashion show etc. Discus- to create relations between the Tradi- sions are underway, regarding the first tional Leaders of both countries. 7. Je suis sud africain planned event (SA wine promotion) scheduled to take place end July. The Embassy is looking forward 8. Je suis de l’Afrique du Sud to celebrate the 3rd National Day this It is also important to make men- year. Since the opening of the Embas- 9. Merci tion of the fact that the Embassy in sy we are proud of flying the South Af- partnership with the RoC, Ministry of rican flag high in our host country. We 10. Au revoir Youth will commemorate Youth Day are looking forward to pursue South by hosting a Youth Leadership Con- Africa’s foreign policy objectives with ference in Brazzaville. Discussions the same spirit, vigour, dedication and will also include the formation of the commitment in the years to come.

DFA Now • March 2008 11 Where were you..?