September 2005 • Volume 1 • Number 3 dfa NowThe voice to be heard Contents DFA IMBIZO: BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS FOR A BETTER LIFE FOR ALL HALALA SADC HALALA SADC MILESTONES THE RECENT SADC SUMMIT Editorial Editorial his issue of DFA Now focuses on the inaugural DFA Imbizo T held successfully at Jameson Hall, the University of Cape Town on Tuesday 23 August and the annual SADC Summit held in Gaborone, Botswana from 17-18 August. The Imbizo was held under the theme of “A People United in Peace and Friendship towards a better Africa in a Better World” and was aimed at building a partnership between government, the academia, stu- dents and surrounding communities. The Imbizo article reflects on the pertinent is- sues discussed at the event such as the importance of SADC as the foundation for regional, continental and international en- gagement”, South Africa’s contribution to various peace-building, conflict resolution and post conflict reconstruction and the UN Reform. With this initial Imbizo the de- partment has begun to instil an awareness of South Africa’s international relations and an understanding of the strengths, weak- nesses and opportunities that exist for South Africa and the African continent to take up their rightful place in the world. Celebrating its twenty-five years of ex- istence the recent SADC Summit was held to discuss matters of common concern particularly in the fields of politics, econom- ics and social engagements. This article touches on the history of the organisation, its achievements thus far and future objec- tives and projects, which still needs to be accomplished. Among other achievements the Summit saw the adoption of the Proto- col on the Facilitation of Movement of Per- sons which aims at the elimination of ob- stacles to the movement of persons within the region and the admission of Madagas- car as the 14th member into the SADC. As you read this issue of DFA Now, think how you could respond to this new channel of communication - e.g. give it to a colleague to read or even better send us your response. Keep in mind that your constructive feedback and suggestions are required to maintain and improve the standard of this mode of internal commu- nication. Write to the Editorial Board on the email address [email protected]. ◗ Director-General of Foreign Affairs Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba 2 DFA Now • Volume 1 • Number 3 • September 2005 Cover Story DFA IMBIZO Building partnerships for a better life for all A “People United in Peace and Friendship towards a better Africa in a Better World” was the theme at the launch of the first ever DFA driven Imbizo at the University of Cape Town (UCT), 23 August 2005. The gods had blessed the occasion with a tumultuous storm. Unperturbed by the heavy rains, about 1000 people turned up in high spirits to participate and be counted at the historic Imbizo. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma pictured during the opening address to DFA Imbizo, with the Director-General, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba; Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Prof. Rob Davies; Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad; the Minister of Education, Naledi Pandor; Prof. Njabulo Ndebele, the Vice-Chancellor of UCT and Deputy Minister Sue van der Merwe and the Premier of the Western Cape Government, Ebrahim Rasool at the table (from left-right). he Imbizo was spearheaded by the Vice-Chancellor of UCT, Presi- by the political principals dent of the Association of African Uni- T of the DFA represented by versities, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, as well as members of the academic Deputy Ministers Sue van der Merwe “South Africa stands for community of the Western Cape. and Aziz Pahad and the provincial a democratic, peaceful, The aim of the inaugural Imbizo government of the Western Cape, was to build a partnership between lead by Premier Ebrahim Rasool. stable, prosperous, government, the academia, students Government was also represented non-racist, non-sexist and surrounding communities in an by Minister of Education, Ms Naledi effort to ensure active engagement Pandor, Deputy Minister of Trade and society with respect and participation in the implementa- Industry, Professor Rob Davies and for human life, and tion of government programmes and Mr Barry Gilder, Co-ordinator of the an awareness of the role played by National Intelligence Co-ordinating which contributes to a the Ministry and the DFA. Committee. It was geared to serve world that is just and Minister Dlamini Zuma reaffirmed as an information session to the vari- to the public that South Africa’s for- ous communities of Cape Town about equitable” eign policy is firmly rooted in the prin- the role DFA plays as the lead depart- ciples and values as guided by the ment in international affairs in our Freedom Charter and the Constitution country. The event was also attended of the Republic of South Africa. DFA Now • Volume 1 • Number 3 • September 2005 3 Cover Story “South Africa stands for a demo- cratic, peaceful, stable, prosperous, non-racist, non-sexist society with respect for human life, and which contributes to a world that is just and equitable” said the Minister. In this way, the Minister conveyed that our foreign policy holds sacro- sanct the values of a culture of a respect for human rights, the promo- tion of democracy, a commitment to justice and international law, interna- tional peace and peaceful resolutions of conflicts, economic development through regional and international co- operation as well as the consolidation of the African agenda. Africa occupies centre stage in our foreign policy as evidenced by the critical role performed by our country in the transformation of the Organi- sation of African Unity to the African Union and the creation of organs such as the Pan African Parliament, The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma during her address and in the New Partnership for Africa’s De- replying to questions focussed on the role of women in society and stressed that they are velopment (NEPAD) and the African central in the future of this Continent Peer Review Mechanism to steer the continent on the path of good govern- ance and economic development. Infrastructure development, sci- Among other issues under discus- ence and technology, agriculture, “Through the Peace and sion was the India-Brazil-South Africa environment and information and tri-lateral co-operation, South-South communication technology were Security Council we shall solidarity, the role of the African identified as priority sectors for the continue to contribute to Diaspora as a contribution to Afri- developmental agenda of the African ca’s development and the continued continent through the NEPAD. various peace-building, socio-economic engagement with The Minister emphasised that our conflict-resolution countries in the North. These present conflict resolution skills received com- our country with a golden opportunity mendable reviews from the interna- and post conflict to forge bridges and linkages with tional community in striving to solve reconstruction efforts that the broader international community the conflicts in Burundi, Rwanda, the and strengthen our country’s vision of DRC and Sudan with the realisation we are engaged in”. striving for a better life for all. that South Africa’s success and pros- The need to transform structures perity are intertwined with the rest of of global political and economic gov- the continent: “We must continue to ernance also took centre stage at the “Through the Peace and Se- strive for a just, humane Imbizo with the Minister engaging the curity Council we shall continue to audience on the importance of restruc- contribute to various peace-building, and better world”. turing the UN as well as the focus on conflict-resolution and post conflict the eradication of global poverty. reconstruction efforts that we are “As we celebrate sixty years after engaged in”. the founding of the United Nations, it “We must continue to strive for a the Economic Community Of West is clear that no UN reforms have taken just, humane and better world”. African States (ECOWAS), the place”, she said. The Minister emphasised the im- Intergovernmental Committee on In the true spirit of the old age portance of SADC “as the foundation Development (IGAD) and the Com- tradition of participatory democracy, a for regional, continental and interna- mon Market for Eastern and Southern lively interactive session ensued which tional engagements”. Africa (COMESA) are the building saw over 20 questions posed to the “SADC with the other Regional blocks for Africa’s economic integra- Minister and her colleagues on ques- Economic Communities (REC) like tion. tions of conflict resolution, UN Reform 4 DFA Now • Volume 1 • Number 3 • September 2005 Cover Story Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Prof. Rob Davies and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Aziz Pahad replied to questions on the issue of mercenaries on the Continent and regional integration. and the role of women in develop- ment. On the issue of the so-called Did you know? “dogs of war”, Deputy Minister Pahad said that the Foreign Military Assist- ance Act legislation will ensure that he Imbizo is about unmediated communication mercenaries are severely punished to prevent them from undermining Tbetween government and its people. It is a forum for the African Union and South Africa’s enhancing dialogue between senior government execu- efforts in securing peace and stability tives and ordinary people. Imbizo provides an opportuni- across the Continent. On the question of inter-regional ty for government to communicate its action programme trade, Deputy Minister Davies men- and the progress being made directly to the people. tioned that integration in the region Imbizo also promotes participation of the public in the has been on the agenda before1994 and that there are programmes of programmes to improve their lives.