November 2007 dfa

NowYour voice to be heard

Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, with her Ghanaian counterpart, Mr Kofi Osei-Ameyaw and High Commissioner, Dr Lindiwe Mabuza at the Diaspora Conference Editorial Note

Dear Colleagues The dfa Now is an internal newsletter of Department of Foreign elcome to the November issue of DFA Now. Our Affairs published by the Directorate: Content Development. focus this month is an article on the Diaspora WConference that was held in South Africa and Editor-in-Chief: Ronnie Mamoepa hosted by our Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma plus Editor: Paseka Mokhethea many interesting articles from head office as well as some from our Missions. We also take this opportunity to whish Editorial Committee: all DFA employees a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous Khoza, G: Dir: Operations Centre; New Year. May those of you who are going on leave enjoy Moloto, J: Dir: Office of the Deputy Minister; this time spent with family and loved ones, and if you are Dikweni, NL: Dir: Economic Policy and Programming; travelling, please be safe. Our Minister and the Department Mashabane, D: Dir Humanitarian Affairs; appreciate your contribution towards the achievement of a Mashigo G: Dir EWC; better Africa in a better world and need you back next year. Shongwe, LV: Dir: Office of the DG; Mabhongo, X: Chief Dir : United Nations; Thank you also to those who have contributed articles and Malawana XL: Media Liaison inputs throughout the past year to help make DFA Now a viable publication for the entire Department’s staff. We are Sub-Editing and Proof Reading: looking forward to receiving your inputs in 2008! Elion Von Wielligh and Tirelo Makgeledisa

Festive Greetings! Design and Layout: Shaune van Wyk, Zimele Ngxongo and Seja Mokgawa. Pictures: Jacoline Prinsloo, Sanjay Singh and Unathi Ngamntwini Creative Corner The views expressed in this newsletter do not neccessarily Dear Mama, reflect those of the DFA or the editors. The deadline for contributions is 25 January 2008. Contributions may be sent Your image is still on my mind, although I forgot your name. to cbe300 or [email protected] Sorry for that, but it is 16 years ago now that I saw you in All enquiries: Paseka @ Tel: (012) 351-1569 ‘Soweto at the sea’. Fax: (012) 351-1327

I think they also called it ‘the red location’, because of the color of its houses in very rusty corrogated iron. Were they not old army baracks before? Not only de houses, but every- thing was red: the soil, the sunset, the water.

But not the children. They went to school in clean costumes and dresses, with white socks and collars, as white as can LRP be. How did you manage Mama?

As you had to go to the tap for water on a distance of half a kilometer? I was wondering.

And then I saw you demonstrating, together with other wom- en. Demonstrating for better houses. The first life toyi-toyi march I saw. You seemed so full of strength and energy, as you were marching to the municipallity building. You moved Tour your heavy hips so free. Policecars and guns could not im- press you, but you impressed me.

etter to mama toyi-toyi. mama to etter I carried your image with me for years, but only last sum- L mer I felt like finalising a series of paintings and drawings about you. I needed to look back on your strength in order to strengthen myself, as I felt sick and week in that period. 2007 Some people say toyi-toying-times are over now.

I doubt it and I am sure that we will always need you, Mama. I charish your strength and your determination to fight for a life for all the children and all human beings.

By Toos Van Liere

 DFA Now • November 2007 International relations

Minister Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma hosted the African Diaspora SOUTH ARICA HOSTED Ministerial Conference that took place at Gallagher Estate in Mid- THE AFRICAN DIASPORA rand on 16-18 November. The Min- isterial session was preceded by a MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE meeting of Senior Officials held on By Elion von Wielligh 14-15 November.

The African Diaspora Ministerial Conference represented a culmination of 18 months of work where Regional Consultative Conferences were held all over the Diaspora, from Latin Amer- ica, North America, Europe, the Carib- bean and the African Union members meeting on the Diaspora held in Addis Ababa. A consolidated outcomes re- port was compiled from all these Re- gional Consultative Conferences and was presented at the Conference in Midrand. This document served as a basis to develop a programme of ac- tion in preparation for the African Di- aspora Summit, to be held in 2008.

President Thabo Mbeki also ad- dressed the Conference and stated that South Africa is pleased to be part of a process where together as Africans we have taken another step ‘towards building a system of coopera- tion among ourselves that will increase our capacity to confront and solve the common problems we share, enabling us to assert our dignity as human be- ings’. President Mbeki also stressed the importance of cooperation be- tween the African Diaspora in knowl- edge sharing and economic develop- ment, and made specific mention of development programmes of the Af- rican Union and NEPAD, stating that President Thabo Mbeki addressing the African Diaspora Ministerial Conference knowledge sharing can fast-track the implementation thereof. by all. The Conference recognised mentality transformation, economic that the Diaspora consultation proc- development, energy resources and The following themes were dis- ess cannot only be an emotional and economic development. cussed at the conference; Global Dia- spiritual journey but also needs to be a logue, Peace and Stability; Economic transparent and concrete process with The Programme of Action to be Development, Regional Development tangible and measurable results. Thus further developed after this Ministerial and Integration; Women, Youth, Chil- the Ministerial Conference produced a Conference is to be adopted by the dren and Vulnerable Groups and His- solutions orientated programme of ac- African Diaspora Summit next year to- toric, Social, Religious and Cultural tion to develop partnerships between gether with a declaration outlining the Communalities. Africa and the Diaspora. These part- way forward in this process of strength- nerships will include co-operation in ening ties between Africans globally. An The conference was held in plena- political, economic and social spheres. implementation plan will also be part of ry sessions where all the themes could More detail was given to discussions what is envisaged for the summit. be discussed by all the members and on tourism, culture, remittances and thus lend itself to broad participation communication to issues of image and Conference Sponsored by MTN & ABSA

DFA Now • November 2007  Mission Activities

16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM CELEBRATED IN BELGIUM

By Mpho Boshego

Ms Frieda Groffy, a poet and staunch womens’ rights activist during Ms Mantsaye Ngwaila responsible for Culture and Tourism in the the celebration Brussels Embassy also participated in the celebration

he South African Embassy sations supporting women and chil- of women and children demanding in Brussels observed the dren’s rights across Belgium and the that abuse they have endured and are T16 Days of Activism for no diplomatic corps in Brussels. The at- continuing to endure be stopped. Ms. Violence Against Women and Chil- tendance demonstrated how the peo- Van Liere who is also an acclaimed dren Campaign on the 23 November ple of the world feel about the abuse artist and painter also exhibited her 2007. This is a global campaign that that some women and children in the 2007 painting repertoire entitled let- South Africa has been a part of for 10 world are subjected to. They came to ter to mama toyi-toyi. It speaks of the years. The Campaign started on 25 join South Africa in saying enough is women she met during her many visits November (International Day of No Vi- enough. to South Africa; strong, unselfish and olence against Women) and it will run progressive in spite of the hardships through to International Human Rights The event also focused on women they face on a daily basis. It speaks Day on 10 December. While the glo- not as victims but as pillars of strength about the continuation of the struggle bal campaign focuses on violence not only for their children and com- by women for complete emancipation against women, South Africa added munities but for themselves as well. from a society that continues to define children to its campaign because of Ms. Frieda Groffy who is an old friend them as weak and persists to break the realisation that children are also of the democratic South Africa and a them. soft targets for abuse and the failure staunch women’s rights activist spoke to protect them would be tantamount about the wonderful women she met The message that evening was to disregarding its future. in South Africa and how their experi- simple and clear; let all of us stand ences and hardships inspired her to together, men and women to stop the The South African Embassy ob- write one of her books entitled Uni- abuse of women and children in order served the start of the campaign by versal Woman. She spoke about the to build a secure world. hosting a cultural night filled with mu- similarities between the women of the sic, poetry, art and a play illustrating world and the importance of them hav- The guests were not only treated the power and beauty of women and ing one voice in addressing the injus- to an art exhibition, a play and poetry children. The Embassy emphasised tices that they are confronted with on recitals but also to the music of Olu- what the South African Government a daily basis. mide Toyinbo and his group. They en- has been propagating all along that thralled the guests with their rhythmic the abuse of women and children, The event was moving as guests African Drum beating. The night was not only in South Africa but the world reflected on the poetry that was recit- a true celebration of the beauty of as a whole will not be tolerated. The ed by Mr. Richard Adeolu and Ms Toos women and children through the most event was well attended by organi- Van Liere. The poetry echoed the cries powerful tools of art.

 DFA Now • November 2007 Mission Activities

DFA - SUPPORTED MALARIA EXPEDITION REACHES HALFWAY MARK AROUND AFRICA

support to the mission:…”the expedition is seen in support of one of the Government’s foreign policy priorities – that South Africa is inextricably linked to the Continent and the consolidation of the African Agenda”. Our missions has assisted amongst other things, with the distribution of mosquito nets, reading glasses and mobile libraries; securing of visas for various countries; as- sistance with border crossings and gaining access to some problematic areas.

During his 24 hour break from the rest of the expedition, Kingsley Holgate was in Ambassador Isaac Kekana (pictured left), Thembisile Majola-Embalo (middle), South Johannesburg on 14 November to give Kingsley Holgate (second from left) worked African Ambassador to Senegal, and with the local Ministries of Health and feedback on the expedition’s progress. expedition leader Kingsley Holgate (right) Education and the Malaria Control Programme He reported that the Scroll of Peace and handing over a symbolic mosquito net to to distribute nets at a maternity clinic and a Goodwill, which was first endorsed by the head of the malaria control program in disabled’s school, Conakry Senegal (left) former President Nelson Mandela in South Africa – has now been signed by 5000 Reaching the half-way mark of the “Af- influential people across Africa. Having that are helping to make this great hu- rica Outside Edge Goodwill Expedition”, surpassed the half-way mark reaching manitarian expedition so worthwhile, and South African adventurer and humanitar- Dakar Senegal in mid-November, the ex- proving to be of great assistance along ian, Kingsley Holgate, at a media briefing pedition has completed 27 000 kilometers, the outside edge of Africa. The South Afri- on 14 November was full of praise for the crossing 17 countries in its goal of circum- can Department of Foreign Affairs can be support and encouragement by the De- navigating the Continent distributing 500 proud of the support of the SA missions in partment of Foreign Affairs, especially our 000 mosquito nets. The expedition has this most exciting malaria prevention chal- missions along the route in Africa. Sup- reached an estimated 5 million people in lenge ever. We couldn’t do it without you.” port for this humanitarian expedition is one nearly 20 countries with the message of of the “Outreach Programmes” of Public the “One Net One Life” malaria campaign, Kingsley Holgate’s diary has captured Diplomacy, working closely with Branch: and is expected to return to South Africa the expedition’s experiences since its de- Africa. Through this project, we are show- by Africa Malaria Day on 25 April 2008. parture in Cape Town in April 2007 (See ing that South Africa cares for Africa and its www.getawaytoafrica.com). peoples and focusing on our role as a reli- At the media event in Johannesburg Some of Kinsley Holgate’s experienc- able partner to create a better life for all on Kingsley Holgate said: “Please give my es reflect his interaction with and support the Continent. As the Director-General, Dr very best regards to the Africa Desk and from South African missions along the way Ayanda Ntsaluba said in his earlier letter of the Department of Foreign Affairs team and is quoted herewith:

- Namibia: “The South African mission in Windhoek’s assistance in securing approval to travel through restricted areas along the coast was invaluable. - Gabon: “At a media function in Libreville additions to the Scroll continued as the South African Ambassador, Jomo Khasu and representatives of the Embassies of Sao Tome and Principe, Egypt, Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Conakry and the Democratic Republic of Congo added their signatures and messages.”; - Ghana: “The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Rapulane Sydney Malekane at a dinner party in our honour wrote this message: ’Thank you for flying the flag of our Rainbow Nation in a noble mission of saving and improving lives”; - Guinea: “The South African Department of Foreign Affairs can be proud of the support of the SA missions in this most exciting malaria prevention challenge ever. The one net one life campaign in Guinea was outstanding. The campaign events were attended by South African Ambassador to Guinea, Isaac Kekana, who personally assisted in the distribution of life saving nets to schools and clinics. The team has also donated 200 mosquito nets which will be distributed by the Embassy in Conakry”. - senegal: “To the South African Ambassador to Senegal, Thembisile Majola - Embalo, and her competent staff: “Many thanks for your support, not only for the much appreciated biltong and boerewors, but also for caring for the people of Africa!”. The Ambassador wrote these words in the Scroll: ‘A very personal experience that has touched many people in a most direct, personal life saving way. I salute this noble expedition and want to express my deep respect and pride in the humanitarian work you are achieving at a great deal of personal cost. I wish you Godspeed on your journey, and am proud that you fly the South African flag, representing South African resilience, a caring spirit and a will to succeed. Hambani kahle!’.

DFA Now • November 2007  Ministry’s Corner

Minister, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and her Angolan counterpart, Joao de Miranda officiating at the opening session of the Joint Commission of Co-operation DEPUTY MINISTER AZIZ PAHAD’S MEDIA BRIEFING: 20 NOVEMBER 2007 this meeting three agreements includ- The South Ministers are still boycott- CHOGM ing an agreement on cooperation in ing it and therefore it becomes very President Mbeki will leave to at- the petroleum sector will be signed. important to try to ensure that we get tend the Commonwealth Heads of The other agreements, an agreement a solution to the Darfur problem which Government meeting in Uganda. He on the promotion of tourism and a is impacting negatively on the broader will leave on Friday and the meeting declaration of intent on the waiving of Comprehensive Peace Agreement in will take place from Friday to Sunday. visas for ordinary passport holders will Sudan. We have briefed you on sev- The theme this year is “Transforming also be signed. eral occasions about the deployment Commonwealth Societies to achieve Minister Dlamini Zuma will be ac- of UN-African hybrid operation. And political, economic and human devel- companied by Minister Buyelwa Son- once again the UN Under Secretary- opment.” Deputy Minister Sue van der jica of Minerals and Energy and Dep- General for Peacekeeping Opera- Merwe will be attending the Ministerial uty Minister Malusi Gigaba of Home tions has again indicated that if they segment of the meeting. Affairs and very many senior officials do not get the necessary pledges from from various departments like the De- countries especially on heavy equip- partments of Health, Agriculture, De- ment it will be very difficult to deploy SA-ANGOLA fence, Trade and Industry, Minerals the hybrid force as scheduled. And for and Energy, Social Development will us this is very difficult because you JOINT all form part of the Joint Commission. cant continuously raise the issue of COMMISSION increasing violence without taking the necessary steps to ensure that there Minister Dlamini Zuma as you know SUDAN is a sufficiently strong force to create has left for Luanda Angola where she There are more reports coming out the climate for violence to subside will co-chair together with her Angolan of increasing tensions between the and end, and therefore create the cli- counterpart, the 2nd Session of the South and the North, the Government mate for the political processes to un- South Africa – Angola Joint Commis- of National Unity that was formed af- fold. And so we are concerned about sion for Co-operation which will take ter the Comprehensive Peace Agree- the Under Secretary-General’s view place from today till tomorrow. During ment has still not been re-instituted. that there has not been enough com-

 DFA Now • November 2007 Ministry’s Corner InternationalMinistry’s relations Corner

mitment for a ground transport unit, which includes 18 transport helicop- ters, air support and six helicopters for light tactical purposes. And we agree fully with him, and it tells a sad story on the commitment to Darfur, and he says, “Frankly I think there is an im- mense tragedy that has unfolded in Darfur and now its up to the countries that care about Darfur to really make a commitment that will make a differ- ence”, and that he calls for concrete actions. We have on really many oc- casions stated the same that we can- not keep talking of a crisis in Darfur and keep talking of the violence that is increasing without ensuring that those that have the capacity do provide the capacity so that the hybrid force can be in place as scheduled. Of-course there are still problems arising about the nature of the hybrid Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad during a media briefing at the Union Building force. Thailand, as we said last week, has offered to provide an infantry bat- talion, Nepal is willing to contribute a the Human Rights Council, the Gener- nied by a corresponding commitment force reserve and sector reserve unit al Assembly and the Security Council: to and practical enjoyment of econom- and the Nordic countries of Sweden, South African human rights ic, social and cultural rights. In the past Norway and Denmark have offered policy is based on the four pillars of 10 years, South Africa has been one to send an engineering unit. There is respect for, promotion, protection and of the leading countries in champion- clearly according to the Under Secre- fulfilment of all human rights and fun- ing the cause for the realization of the tary-General no agreement between damental freedoms; right to development and that we be- the Sudanese Government and the Some countries never talk of the lieve is an element of human rights for AU and the UN of utilising these forc- issue of fulfilment of human rights, i.e. all peoples anywhere. And that for us es. As I said last week, the argument practical enjoyment of human rights the fundamentals of South African hu- still is very strong that see what we and fundamental freedoms; man rights law is for the achievement can get from the African forces before South Africa believes in the in- of equality and human dignity through we can look at other contributions. extricability between economic, social sustainable development, eradication We would urge all sides, and that’s and cultural rights and civil and politi- of poverty and underdevelopment and the three sides, the UN, the AU and cal rights; the primacy of achieving the Millen- the Sudanese Government, to really Some countries only emphasize nium Development Goals; resolve that outstanding matter of the civil and political rights and do not re- Given this factor there is not suf- composition of the forces as soon as gard the International Covenant on ficient understanding of how the- Hu possible. Economic Social and Cultural Rights man Rights Council works and there’s as an instrument elaborating basic hu- always concentration only in one of the man rights. For these countries eco- ten items and this is when some coun- SPECIFIC nomic, social and cultural rights are tries decide to bring up what is called not rights but merely basic needs of country resolutions. And for a long QUESTIONS nations and peoples; time the Human Rights Commission For reasons of its unique history of South Africa believes in the jus- and now the Human Rights Council the struggle for human rights and hu- tifiability of economic, social and cul- gets bogged down into serious differ- man dignity, the issue of human rights tural rights; ences because of the perceptions of continues to occupy a major political Some countries believe that only the countries of the south that coun- space in South Africa’s foreign policy civil and political rights are justifiable; tries of the north are selectively bring- priorities. South Africa strongly believes Because of different approaches that the enjoyment of civil and political and influences differences will arise in rights is not possible if not accompa- Continue on pg 8...

DFA Now • November 2007  Ministry’s Corner Ministry’s Corner

... Continue from pg 7

ing countries onto the table and there these discussions between the EU ods of work and Rules of Procedure. is not sufficient discussion of what out- and Teheran failed, that then Canada The issue that was brought to vote comes has to be of what issues are introduced a resolution on Iran. This on the gay and lesbian NGOs getting being brought into the Human Rights resolution was not taken to the Com- consultative status was not on the ac- Council and increasingly being taken mission in Geneva, but it was intro- creditation but specifically on whether into the Security Council. And so we duced to the Third Committee of the the correct procedures were followed. are arguing that if we look at all the General Assembly in New York. And And it was on this technical vote that ten separate items within the Human we’ve been consistently arguing that South Africa voted in the affirmative Rights Council you will see there are we should keep it where we must, that and indeed we were correct in voting many other issues on human rights is with the Human Rights Commission in the affirmative on processes rather that all the countries that are commit- in Geneva and we cannot understand than the substance. And so therefore ted to defending human rights and en- why it has been taken to the Third we did not vote to exclude gay and hancing human rights are involved in Committee of the General Assembly lesbian NGOs from accreditation. Our South Africa’s track record can never in New York. Constitution commits us to defend this be challenged on those issues. And I give these examples because position, we will always defend that po- so we’ve had some interesting expe- this indicates the difficulties we have sition. But we are always clear that we riences and we’ll mention in passing in dealing with such issues in the mul- must always follow correct procedures a few which keeps coming and keep tilateral institutions. What has now in order to achieve the objectives. being country positions being taken up happened, I tried to indicate its linked by the more developed countries. somewhat to the Durban Conference on Racism and now the Review Con- MYANMAR ference. There’s been concerted ef- On Myanmar you’ve heard our CHINA forts in some sectors to demonize position before that this issue was On China, it is our experience South Africa for its strong resistance brought to the Security Council and that the Chinese resolution on human to the double standards, selectivity we’ve argued that it came to us rights before the Human Rights Com- and politicization of the approach of without any consultation and we’ve mission and now the Human Rights human rights which has now been argued that it must go back to the Council condemning human rights in taken in the entire UN system of hu- Human Rights Council which is the China comes every four years. And we man rights. right forum for handling this matter. don’t know whether it’s a coincidence And so it is our view that the cur- As you know there’s been significant that the four intervals also happen to rent trends to demonize South Africa’s developments on Myanmar since the coincide with Presidential elections human rights record emanate princi- Security Council, what I can only call in the United States of America. And pally from our total rejection of an ap- misunderstanding of South Africa’s therefore we do ask the question, does proach which protects some violators position. The Human Rights Council this mean that China only violates, if from the developed countries and only convened a Special Session on My- they are accused of violating human works to identity specific countries anmar on 1 October 2007. The out- rights, in intervals of four years? We they identify to bring in what we call come of the Special Session was a don’t understand why it coincides with country resolutions within the Human consensus document which ensured the elections in the USA. Rights Council. that the Special Rapporteur of the HRC on the Situation in Myanmar was And so let me give allowed entry into the country and as IRAN an example: we know he’s been visiting Myanmar, Another example that we’ve been visiting all the different forces in My- experiencing relates to the EU resolu- ACCREDITATION anmar. And I believe this is a correct tion on violation of human rights in Iran approach, depoliticising the issue for the last 20 consecutive years and OF GAY AND in that sense that it doesn’t look as this has been sponsored mainly by the LESBIAN NGOS if countries are bringing in what is European Union. And then suddenly it called the interests of that particular was discontinued without consultation Even our papers run many articles moment and trying to force two reso- or agreement with other members of that South Africa opposed the accredi- lutions. We can get consensus which the Commission. And they then decid- tation of gay and lesbian NGOs to can lead to results. And this is also ed at this stage that there should be a gain consultative UN status. Nobody proven by the Security Council state- bilateral forum between Brussels and checked with us and therefore were ment on Myanmar which was made Teheran on this issue. It is only when completely ignorant of the UN meth- just a few days ago on 14 November

 DFA Now • November 2007 Ministry’s Corner Ministry’s Corner

balanced approach on this so we can get movement on this. And Angola on behalf of the Africa Group (Chair of the month) introduced amendments to the text that sought to balance the text by making certain that there was no po- liticization of rape. A number of other organisations also proposed changes to the text, such as the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), who sought protection from rape for women and girls living under foreign occupation. And indeed we, the Africa Group, argued supported by Latin America and Asia that it is important for the General Assembly to send a strong and non-politicized message that rape is a brutal, despicable and violent act whether perpetrated by civilians, the Ibrahim Gambari (left), UN Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Daw Aung San Suu Kyi military or armed groups and that the UN must avoid sending out a mes- sage that could be misunderstood which welcomed the positive devel- problems because it was condemning as suggesting different categories of opment that have been taking place rape when perpetrated for political or rape. We also wished to address the like the release of some detainees, military purposes only and asserted issue of assistance to victims of rape the contacts between Minister Aung that rape was used as an instrument which was omitted from the USA text. Kyi as liaison officer and Daw Aung of State Policy in these situations. For Because it is our view that resolutions San Suu Kyi, and the decision to al- many delegations they saw this as like these are passed and if they are low Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to meet another attempt to politicise issue, in very limited do not have the impact with key members of her National this case rape and also as a selective they should and after those resolu- League for Democracy Party. targeting of certain Countries. And it tions are passed victims of rape are is within the Africa Group, that many quickly forgotten and their ordeals after countries took exception to the views they’ve been raised in resolutions are “RAPE” expressed in the draft resolution. It completely ignored. And as I say we was not South Africa leading this fron- then with many other countries sought RESOLUTION IN tal attack as has been said. to change the initial US draft. And it is THE GENERAL Our view was essentially that the I think credit to the initial drafters that draft resolution created two categories after lots of discussions, the African ASSEMBLY of rape, that is rape by military and mi- draft was then the basis on which a litia groups and rape by civilians. It was more substantive resolution on rape Now let me deal with an issue that our view that a more comprehensive was adopted by the General Assem- has been totally misunderstood or dis- resolution was required on such an bly. It was by consensus which meant torted and that’s the adoption of a res- important issue of rape. South Africa, following the correct position, the cor- olution in the Third Committee of the together with other Africa delegations rect tactical approach. Having a more General Assembly entitled “Elimina- requested the USA to amend its draft comprehensive approach to rape we tion Rape and Other Forms of Sexual resolution to include the elimination of were able to have comprehensive res- Violence in all their Forms and Mani- rape in all its forms and manifestations olution which brought in every country festations, including in Conflict and and not just where rape is perpetrated in the world including the major devel- Related Situations” that’s a compro- for political or military purposes. The oped countries. And so this resolution mise agreement that has come. The African delegations were supported adopted by the Third Committee on 15 background to all of this, was that the by Latin America and Asia who also November 2007 we believe is correct draft resolution which was introduced called for a balanced text. So it was because it condemns rape in all its by the United States of America (USA) not a rejection of the resolution, it was forms and manifestations, including in and many countries saw it as having an attempt to ensure that we have a situations of conflict.

DFA Now • November 2007  International relations

SECOND SESSION OF JOINT COMMISSION BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICA AND BELGIUM

Since 2006 Belgian exports to South Africa grew by 12% and reached 1,078 billion € , breaching the 1 billion target “for the first time in the two countries’ trade history

countries and regions, they paid atten- nership. They resolved to identify con- tion to the challenges ahead and identi- crete proposals such as enhancing the fied new areas of bilateral co-operation capacity of Customs, Public Administra- and trilateral commitment in other parts tion, the CEPGL Centre for Agricultural of Africa. Belgium’s Federal Government Research,” SSR and Institution building and the Regional Governments, in par- including at Provincial levels. ticular Flanders, gave special attention to South Africa’s challenges regarding ECONOMIC COMMITTEE economic and social development and The Committee noted the significant Director-General, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba co- both sides agreed that capacity building progress made between Belgium and chaired the Plenary Session and skills development to develop the South Africa with regard to bilateral trade. Second Economy will remain crucial is- Since 2006 Belgian exports to South Af- The second meeting of the Joint sues in the immediate future. rica grew by 12% and reached 1,078 Commission between the Repub- billion €, breaching the 1 billion target for lic of South Africa and the King- POLITICAL COMMITTEE the first time in the two countries’ trade dom of Belgium was held in Pretoria The Political Committee discussed history. During the same period, Belgium on 24 and 25 October 2007 to review recent political developments with re- imported 1,477 billion € of South African progress since the first session of the gard to SADC and AU/NEPAD. Both goods, an 8.72% growth compared to Commission on 10 November 2006 in parties noted the positive developments 2005. The figures reflect the strength of Belgium. The meeting consisted of a in the area of peace and security and SA-Belgian economic relations, and also Plenary Session co-chaired by Dr. Ay- the growing democratisation of Africa. echo the huge potential for further growth. anda Ntsaluba, Director-General of the South Africa welcomed the continued It is therefore important that both coun- Department of Foreign Affairs of South involvement of the EU and the UN in tries further commit to the promotion of Africa and by Ambassador Jan Grauls, addressing the peace and security chal- bilateral trade and investment. Both del- Chairman of the Board of Directors of lenges in Africa. Belgium reaffirmed egations agreed to explore further ways the Federal Public Service of Foreign its support through the EU for the AU, to encourage economic development in Affairs, Foreign Trade and Develop- the establishment of the African Peace the Democratic Republic of Congo. ment Co-operation of Belgium, followed and Security Architecture and the AU’s Energy by work sessions of the Committees socio-economic programme, NEPAD. The Committee recognises that on Political Issues, Economic Matters, It also expressed its appreciation for strengthening bilateral energy coop- Defence and Development Co-opera- South Africa’s mediation efforts in Africa. eration, especially in areas of energy tion. The relationship between Belgium Other issues discussed included recent efficiency and renewable energy, is and South Africa is strong and flourish- developments in the EU, EU-SA Strate- of benefit for the environment and the ing. Since the previous session it has gic Partnership and TDCA Review, Joint economic development of the two coun- also been characterized by increased EU-Africa Strategy/ EU-Africa Summit tries. Both parties expressed willingness consultation between the two parties as and EU-SADC Economic Partnership to explore modalities for cooperation to Non Permanent Members of the United Agreement. The parties also discussed enhance consultation and information Nations Security Council. Both delega- trilateral co-operation where they reit- exchange on policies, strategies, tech- tions reviewed political, economic and erated their declared commitment to nologies, projects in areas of energy social developments in their respective trilateral cooperation in an active part- conservation and renewable energy.

10 DFA Now • November 2007 Departmental Events

This will create opportunities for energy cooperation between enterprises of the two countries in these areas. Customs Co-operation The two parties reported on the excellent co-operation and progress in the field of customs and underlined the importance of this key project in the fur- ther development of our bilateral trade relations. Parties also discussed pos- sibilities for trilateral cooperation in ca- pacity building in the customs area in the DRC. With regard to possible future cooperation in other areas the Direct Air Links issue was discussed and both del- egations welcomed the re-opening of a cargo flight between Belgium and South Africa, operated by the Belgian airline company Cargo-B, with the local sup- port of South African forwarding agents. The opening of this cargo link will con- DFA officials and Dr Idranie Ram from Regenesys Management at the Brooklyn Guest House siderably contribute to the growth of our bilateral economic relations. Both delegations agreed that they should continue to support any private initiative DFA officials attend to re-establish a full regular passenger service between our two countries. Report Writing Course DEVELOPMENT CO- OPERATION COMMITTEE Twenty officials from the Department be given a change to attend future The Committee on Development attended a Report Writing Skills Course courses. Cooperation in their discussions em- at the Brooklyn Guest House held from phasized the importance of aligning 29-31 October. The course was organ- The intensive course included the ODA funding to the government’s de- ised by the Directorate: Generic Skills following topics: Communication; the velopment agenda, sectoral strategic Development and was presented by Dr. do’s and don’t of report writing; the plans and budget priorities including Indranie Ram from Regenesys Man- generic components of reports; dia- sub regional and African development agement. gramming as an analytical tool, im- commitments. It was noted that the portant report writing tips, information SA/EU Country Strategy Paper Multi The course was presented in from data, proposals and business annual Indicative Programme 2007 – an informal but holistic manner that plans; guidelines for a project plan 2013 (CSP MIP) was recently signed takes into account the complex na- report and a project progress report with the participation and endorse- ture and rapidly changing circum- as well as guidelines for impact as- ment of 11 EU Member States includ- stances under which officials have to sessment reports, research reports ing Belgium with focus on employment work. Since report writing is such an and project evaluation reports. The creation amongst other things. integral part of the work done in Mis- twenty participants shared their views sions and at line function positions, it of how these generic models can be DEFENCE COMMITTEE is of utmost importance that DFA of- applied to DFA requirements and they During the meeting, both Parties ficials are trained in skilfully compil- even had the chance to create their shared information and experiences on ing relevant well writing reports that own reports that were presented to the ongoing external operational com- can keep the Department abreast of the group and discussed thereafter. mitments (participation in UN Mandated an ever-changing environment, at At the conclusion of the course Dr. Peace Missions), potential future trilat- home and abroad. A total of 80 ap- Indranie Ram praised the DFA offi- eral military co-operation in the Great plicants applied for this course and cials for their lively participation in the Lakes Region, future Air Force-to-Air serves as an indication of the aware- course work and the lively debates Force co-operation, future Navy-to-Navy ness amongst officials of the impor- regarding relevant issues pertain- co-operation, Current and future military- tance of proper writing skills needed ing to their training. She stated that to-military co-operation focusing on high- within the DFA. Though only twenty with such enthusiastic attendees, she level visits, exchanges of students and officials could be accommodated at is positive that this course will have instructors and exchange of intelligence. this course, the other applicants will definite impact in the work of DFA.

DFA Now • November 2007 11 Where were you...?