http://www.suedafrika.org/ Politik/Politics News de http://www.suedafrika.org/fileadmin/tt_news_article.gif http://www.suedafrika.org/ Politik/Politics News TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Thu, 13 Jun 2013 10:07:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1165&cHash=8cf4330311733da7ef59098d980b885c A few days ago, President Jacob Zuma was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU – our Pan-African organization founded in 1963 for promoting our unity in...  Honourable Members
 Your Excellencies Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Representatives of International Organizations;
 Distinguished guests;
 Ladies and gentlemen;
 Fellow South Africans; 
 Comrades and Friends, A few days ago, President Jacob Zuma was in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the 50th anniversary celebrations of the OAU/AU – our Pan-African organization founded in 1963 for promoting our unity in diversity, strengthening our solidarity, and building on our common history and shared values.   Kwame Nkrumah captured this vision in his address to the inaugural meeting of the OAU when he said: “Our objective is African union now. There is no time to waste. We must unite now or perish”. Indeed, we have not perished – today we are a continent on the rise.  We pay tribute to our forbearers for their foresight that gave our continent the OAU and its successor, the AU. Honorable Speaker,
 
 Next year will be twenty years since as a nation we began our journey in 1994 towards a better South Africa in a better Africa and a better world.   During the negotiations, we spelt out our transformation agenda in our May 1992 document rightly entitled Ready to Govern: ANC Policy Guidelines for a Democratic South Africa which set four foreign policy goals for the post-apartheid dispensation, namely:

• The  transformation of our foreign policy with the view to democratizing our international political and economic relations for peace and friendship; 
• Our integration as a full member of the international community; 
• To develop a foreign  policy that will promote regional cooperation, peace and security; and
• To establish a professional foreign service in which training, employment equity and affirmative action will be important components for the attainment of high standards of service.

Soon after the 1994 elections, we elaborated these ideas further in a document we called Foreign Policy Perspective in a Democratic South Africa which provided additional details of the foreign policy that the new government was going to pursue.  All these unfolded in an era of the transition from the end of the Cold War to a new world order which many thought would be dominated by a triad made up of North America, the European Economic bloc, and Japan. In just nineteen years we reset South Africa’s international relations that were constructed and developed during 400 years of exclusion, colonialism and apartheid.Today, the goals we set for ourselves when we began this journey have been achieved:

• Our country is no longer a pariah state but a valued and respected member of the international community;
• We have a dynamic, independent foreign policy that speaks to our domestic priorities, which is supported by a professional foreign service;
• We expanded our global footprint from 34 to 126 Missions across all continents and time zones;
• Our international trade surged, creating millions of jobs; and tourist arrivals continue to grow year after year;
• Our African Agenda has placed our continent at the center of our foreign policy;
• Our relations with countries of the South are firmly grounded on shared interests and common challenges;
• Our partnership with countries of the North is based on mutual respect and cooperation; 
• We are active in the multilateral system for the transformation of the global governance architecture; 
• Our economic diplomacy promotes South Africa’s broad economic objectives globally; and 
• We are considered globally a member of what has become known as “emerging powers”. 

In the next year and beyond, DIRCO will lead a coordinated campaign, through the footprint we have established, to diversify and consolidate our international relations. The budget we present to you today (Honourable Members) is about availing more resources so that DIRCO can power ahead into new frontiers of cooperation, contributing towards the eradication of poverty, inequality and unemployment.  The proposed figures are attributable to our reality of operating in an international environment. Honorable Members,
 
 Our journey since 1994 whose achievements are widely recognized has been through small but yet giant steps that we take, working together with our people.  This Administration is one such giant step. In 2009, this Administration made a number of foreign policy commitments to the people of this country in the context of the five priorities of creating decent work and sustainable livelihoods, while focusing on education, health, crime, and rural development.  This was done with an understanding that the cornerstone of our foreign policy lies in our domestic interests. We stand before you today to affirm that these commitments we made in 2009 have been fulfilled.  We therefore wish to thank all who responded to our call that working together, we can do more.  Honourable Speaker,
 
 Our relations with our neighbours are in good shape, thanks to our bilateral mechanisms as well as the integration objectives of the SADC and SACU. Bilaterally, we continue to work for strong diplomatic and economic ties with countries of our region; and our Bi-National and Joint Commissions, including continuous exchange of high-level visits, have all been instrumental in this regard. We stand for a strong SADC as an integrated community in various domains that is supported by an effective Secretariat. SADC has taken a lead in working for peace and stability in our region, and our contribution in this regard has been through preventive diplomacy and mediation; our membership of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security; and through regional peacekeeping efforts. As a member of the SADC Organ Troika, we have urged the leaders in Madagascar to put their country first and act in accordance with the letter and spirit of the roadmap that they themselves have committed to in order to ensure a credible election with an acceptable outcome. We remain seized with the process of assisting the parties in Zimbabwe to implement the Global Political Agreement and the Roadmap to elections in the context of the SADC mediation framework.  We welcome the proposal for an Intervention Brigade as a realistic option to bring security normalcy to the eastern DRC.  SADC’s leadership has set a good example by deploying its brigade as part of this intervention force.Our government condemns in no uncertain terms attacks on civilians, humanitarian actors, and MONUSCO peacekeepers.  These excellent relations we have with our neighbours extend to all regions of our continent.   During his recent State Visit to our country, Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan emphasised the value to Africa and the importance of a strong working relationship between South Africa and Nigeria. We remain concerned with the peace and security situation on our continent.  The stabilisation of the Great Lakes Region, Central Africa, North Africa as well as parts of West Africa and the Horn of Africa – requires urgent attention if we are to consolidate the gains we have made in recent years to restore peace to Africa. We are therefore in full support of peace initiatives in the DRC, the CAR, Mali, Guinea Bissau, Somalia, and between South Sudan and Sudan.  Libya, Tunisia and Egypt need all of us as they transit towards a new socio-economic and political dispensation. We firmly support the ongoing constitutional processes in these countries and are indeed ready to revitalize our structural bilateral consultation mechanisms with them. The humanitarian assistance we provide is an act of solidarity with sisterly countries in need. We have for many years been seized with the issue of the status of Western Sahara.  It remains our firm commitment to continue supporting all efforts aimed at achieving a just, lasting and mutually acceptable political solution in that country. The self-determination of the people of Western Sahara is essential. Honourable Speaker
 The primary objective of the OAU was to achieve a better life for the people of Africa, eradicating all forms of colonialism, and defending their sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. We must therefore recall to memory the contribution made by the Conference of All Independent African States and the All African People Conference (AAPC) to the birth of the OAU, because it was these two conferences that led the way and shaped the ideas that are associated with the OAU today.  The AAP Conference,which met for the first time in December 1958 in Accra, Ghana, was a gathering of anti-colonial movements fighting for freedom, along with the few independent African states under the clarion call “Hands Off Africa!”.While the ANC could not attend this conference because of restrictions imposed on it by the apartheid regime, it was nonetheless represented by one of its leaders who was resident in Ghana, a former Treason Trialist, Comrade Alfred 'Tough' Hutchinson.  He read the ANC’s message to delegates which I wish to quote: We ... welcome the convening of the Conference and wholeheartedly congratulate its organisers. We should like particularly to place on record the deep appreciation of the oppressed people of South Africa of the fact that those who have already achieved their freedom and independence have not forgotten their duties and responsibilities to those who are still in chains, and to the sacred cause of African freedom and independence.
 (Close quote) This history is important not only because of the background it gives to the origins and outlook of the OAU, but also to demonstrate that South Africans were not bystanders in the evolution of the OAU.  Indeed, the ANC participated in the inaugural meeting of the OAU in 1963 and continued as a member through the Liberation Committee which was established for the execution of the OAU’s objective of decolonization. As such, a series of national activities are envisaged for our own celebration of the Golden Jubilee of the OAU/AU under the theme: “Pan Africanism and the Renaissance”.  A special sitting of this House is to convene so that our Parliament can also pronounce itself on this important Pan-African event. The celebration of the Golden Jubilee of our Union is the beginning of another voyage towards the centenary of the continental body in 2063. Today, Africa is different from what it was fifty years ago.   Not only is the decolonisation process almost complete, but significant progress has also been achieved towards African unity. Our continental Peace and Security Architecture, the NEPAD, and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) – are all among the concrete steps we have taken to find African solutions to our challenges of peace, development and democracy.  South Africa’s contribution to this Pan-African endeavor is the reason our country is respected on the continent and globally.  Our role during the transition from the OAU to the AU, in the establishment of NEPAD and the APRM, as a member of the AU Peace and Security Council, as well as our commitment to the AU Commission and other organs of our Union – are all informed by our belief that a better Africa is possible, and in our lifetime.   Honourable Speaker
 
 Building strong South-South relations is another leg on which our foreign policy stands.  We do this through:

• Establishing good bilateral relations with countries of the South;
• Developing a focused strategy and approach for engagement with the “emerging powers” of the South; and
• Participating in mini-lateral bodies of countries of the South such as the Non-Aligned Movement for the pursuit of the interests of developing countries in the global system.

In this regard, our government is inspired by the outcomes of recent BRICS Summit as contained in the eThekwini Declaration and eThekwini Action Plan. The IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa) Trilateral Agreement celebrates its 10th anniversary this year; and we will use this to reflect on the milestones and long-term future of this formation. What makes our South-South engagement strategy so effective is the fact that it is rooted on strong bilateral relations. Our relations with the countries of Asia continue to strengthen at a pace that necessitates a greater focus to the East.Africa and Asia share a complimentary outlook for the future. China and India are not only strategic bilaterally, but are also partners through the BRICS and IBSA.  Furthermore, their partnership engagements with Africa resonate with our African Agenda. With regards to FOCAC, you would recall that South Africa assumed the Co-Chairship in June 2012 in Beijing. We remain committed to work together with China over the next six years to ensure the implementation of the 5th FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2013-2015).  The Gulf region is equally important as a political player in global affairs as well as a source of FDIs and destination for our exports. However, peace in the Middle East remains elusive despite the various efforts to bring some respite to the almost daily toll of human life and shattered livelihoods of people. The view that the conflicts in the Middle East constitute a risk for international peace and security is not far-fetched. It is for this reason that we will continue to direct our efforts in contributing to the peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Palestine, Syria and other areas of conflict in that region.  As president Zuma said in his State of Nation Address: “We stand with the people of Palestine as they strive to turn a new leaf in their struggle for their right to self-determination; hence we supported their bid for statehood. The expansion of Israeli settlements into Palestinian territories is a serious stumbling block to the resolution of the conflict”. Our relations with Latin America and the Caribbean region are also underpinned by shared South-South values and goals. This partnership is indeed strengthened by the presence of a large African Diaspora in the region. We are committed to the expeditious implementation of the Five Legacy Projects of the AU Diaspora Summit we hosted last year. Honourable Members
 
 We have good bilateral relations with countries of the North.Our strategic political dialogue with the United States of America continues to positively impact our bilateral relations. The US remains our major trade, investment, tourism and technology partner.  Europe remains South Africa’s main trading partner, source of investment and valuable supplier of cutting-edge technology and capacity-building.  Our partnership with the European Union serves as a platform for political dialogue and the expansion of our economic ties. We are looking forward to participate at the TICAD V Summit to be held in Yokohama, Japan, from 1-3 June 2013. Honourable Members;
 
 Our country attaches great importance to promoting multilateralism.  Since re-entering the world stage in 1994, South Africa has taken up many international positions of responsibility, often the task was daunting, but through the innovative hard work and dedication of our people, we have consistently recorded resounding successes.  Today we are an influential global player.  We have sought to utilise our various memberships in the international fora to promote our national interests and advance the African Agenda.  The United Nations remains one single fora where nations of the world converge under one roof to discuss issues of common interest. South Africa’s election to the UN Peace Building Commission, following directly on our UN Security Council membership, is testament to our continued commitment to global peace and security. It also coincides with our membership of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which is the principal coordinating body for economic and social matters within the UN system. Building on G20 reforms of the international financial architecture and the Bretton Woods institutions, we should intensify our advocacy and diplomatic work on the transformation of the global governance system.  The expansion of the UN Security Council in the permanent and non permanent category should be a priority. South Africa has continued to play an active international role in numerous multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation meetings, because this is important to our agenda for the creation of a peaceful and prosperous century.  The next three years will also be critical in setting the post-2015 agenda for the international partnership for development.  Honourable Members
 
 This journey to freedom, as our icon Madiba taught us, is but a long walk.  Every good step we take is just the beginning of a better one. Some priorities should therefore preoccupy our approach into the future. We have initiated implementation modalities on the National Development Plan.  One of these is on South Africa’s national interests with the view to elaborating a policy and strategy in a manner that balances our domestic priorities with equally important imperatives of cooperation and partnership as well as Pan Africanism and South-South solidarity. The African Agenda must be consolidated.  The AU continues to be the primary vehicle that carries the hopes and aspirations of all Africans. As we look to the future, as South Africa, we embrace Vision 2063 of the AU which is encapsulated in the 50th Anniversary Declaration adopted recently at the conclusion of the Golden Jubilee celebrations. This Vision contains priorities that form the pillars of the tasks bestowed on us by history in our march to the next 50 years of our Union in 2063.   The achievements of decolonisation must entail self-reliance and true socio-economic emancipation.  The success of NEPAD’s Presidential infrastructure initiative that we champion and the AU’s Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA) is essential not only to our integration agenda, but specifically for the realisation of the Continental Free Trade Area. The current trend of gaining political power unconstitutionally has to be halted.  In this regard, the decision taken by the recent AU Summit, at the initiative of South Africa on the urgent establishment of the African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crises is historic, and indeed a leap towards the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.    Elections should not be a source of dispute and political instability but a democratic path through which the people decide peacefully on who should govern them as stipulated in the AU Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance. Honorable Members;
 
 We are glad to announce that the administrative requirements for the establishment of the South African Development Partnership Agency have now been completed. The Proclamation was signed by President Zuma and the Agency will soon become operational. Shortly, we expect to table a Bill in Parliament for the creation of the Partnership Fund for Development. This Fund will replace the African Renaissance and International Cooperation Fund and provides the mechanism for the funding of development cooperation programmes administered through the Agency. 
 The establishment of the South African Council on International Relations (SACOIR) is also in the final stages. DIRCO has made strides to improve on our human resource capacity by filling some of the key positions which were vacant. Organizational development remains at the heart of a well functioning organization.  Our Department took heed to a Presidential call for job creation.  Since 2005, DIRCO placed unemployed youth on Cadet, Learnership and Internship programmes through which we continue to contribute towards job creation initiatives.  Today, beneficiaries of the Cadet programme, Ms M Letlala, Ms NP Malekane and Ms NS Msimang are here as my special guests.  I am also pleased to be joined by 20 scholars from three schools in Cape Town, that is, Langa High School, Zonnebloem Nest Senior Secondary School and Beauvallon Secondary School who are here as part of the DIRCO’s “Take-a-Girl and Boy-Child to Work Day”.
 We remain committed in our efforts to further respond to another Presidential call to prioritize “communication and marketing” in our work. We continued to strengthen our Public Diplomacy mandate through informative public participation platforms to enhance communication between government and public. We believe that the establishment of our internet based radio station “UBUNTU Radio” will further enhance and strengthen our desire to reach out to our national and international partners with ease.  Honorable Speaker and Members,
 
 The foreign policy goals we set for ourselves when we began this journey in 1994 have been achieved. We have now reached a turning point where we have to marshal our forces in order to remain among the top economies of the world of today and the future. We are ready for this task.  History defines destiny, not only in humans, but also amongst states.We are stronger and more determined for the long walk in this journey to a better South Africa in a better Africa and a better world. As we say in anthem of the Africa Union:
 Let us all unite and toil together
 To give the best we have to Africa
 The cradle of mankind and fount of culture
 Our pride and hope at break of dawn. 
 
 I thank you!]]> Politik Topnews Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:07:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1164&cHash=9427ccbdeb66f6f6f8afd68bb4619e83 As our foreign policy approaches its 20th Anniversary next year, it is critical that we fully assess the progress made in respect of our international relations agenda. It is appropriate that...
Honourable Speaker;
Honourable Minister Maite Nkoana Mashabane and other Ministers with us today;
Honourable Deputy Minister Ebrahim Ebrahim;
The Chairperson and members of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, and High Commissioners;
Representatives of International Organizations;
Ladies and gentlemen;

As our foreign policy approaches its 20th Anniversary next year, it is critical that we fully assess the progress made in respect of our international relations agenda.  It is appropriate that we evaluate the impact of our engagements against the agenda we have placed before us.  In her address, our Minister did justice to that.

Today, South Africa is a better place than it was 19 years ago. Our promise to create a better life for all our people is beginning to see the light of day.  When the ANC took over the reins of government in 1994, our new government was faced with multiple challenges of transformation. Today, this country has been transformed in every sphere.

Today, our international relations engagements have elevated our country from a pariah state to a great nation we can all be proud of. We have   opened up economic opportunities for our people, integrated our land into the global village and played no small role in bringing peace and stability to our continent. But we also recognize the challenges that still lie ahead.

From increased levels of education, access to water, electricity, sanitation and housing, to a visionary foreign policy that is premised upon the principles that our economic prosperity as a country  is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of the rest of Africa. Over the past 19 years we have   promoted relations with strategic partners, and built formidable partnerships with like-minded states, we developed and implemented a robust and independent foreign policy agenda that is founded on the principle that there can be no development in Africa without peace and no peace in Africa without development.

We have played our role in preventing and mediating conflicts across our continent, we have committed our resources to post reconstruction and development on our continent.  We have developed and implemented independent bilateral, multilateral and trilateral policies that are aimed at transforming the international multilateral global architecture in favour of the developing world. We have successfully designed and implemented a foreign policy based on the principal of Ubuntu, human rights, human development and international solidarity with the developing world and oppressed.

Today, we can confidently say that we have made progress.  Africa today is a far more peaceful (albeit the challenges) continent than it was 2 decades ago. Today even the Economist magazine who a decade ago spoke about Africa being the Dark Continent acknowledges that Africa today is the hopeful continent that is rising and that the next decade will even be better.  In brief, this is what this great nation and our foreign policy have contributed to in the past 19 years.

Honourable Members,
This year 2013 marks the penultimate year before our country celebrates the 20th Anniversary of our freedom in 2014.  This year also the 25th anniversary of the death of another great patriot, diplomat and protégé of our leader OR Tambo - Cde Dulcie September, a women, activist, internationalist and cadre from the Cape Flats who was brutally assassinated (in Paris) by the Apartheid regime for her commitment to international solidarity, justice, peace, democracy, non racialism and non sexism and whose assassins have to date still not been brought to book. In the words of one of our other giants of diplomacy and former minister of foreign affairs the late Cde Alfred Nzo when we he spoke at Dulcie’s funeral “if ever there was a soft target, Dulcie was one"

These comrades and patriots lived and died for the ideals of a non racial, non sexist and democratic South Africa, Pan Africanist unity, ubuntu, international solidarity with the oppressed masses of the world, peace stability and friendship. So to the families of these great patriots and heroes and heroines of the struggle some of whom are present here today namely the nephew of Cde Dulcie September, Mr Michael Arendse, we say to you thank you, Baie Dankie, Enkosi Kakhulu.

Honourable Speaker,
The extent to which we succeed in our foreign policy is directly dependent upon the support and mandate we receive from the masses for our foreign policy agenda.   Yet, our foreign policy initiative has historically been perceived by ordinary South Africans as an area that is divorced from our communities and our domestic priorities. Secondly a perception exists amongst ordinary South Africans that our objectives and victories within the international relations arena has neither correlation nor impact on local community priorities and daily existence.  It is for this reason that the Public Participation Programme under the leadership of our President and, approved by Cabinet in 2010 has been fully utilized by our department to debunk these misconceptions and ensure that our people are fully involved in the development and implementation of our foreign policy agenda in a manner that they both understand and directly and indirectly benefits them. 

In this regard we have over the past few years successfully revved up and effectively implemented this public participation platform to demystify the work we do and its impact on local communities.  We have used this space in order to reinforce accountability to citizens and robustly engage with them in respect of policy priorities through continuous public participation events throughout the year, giving impetus to the letter and spirit of the constitutional principles as it relates to developmental public participation.  We have in the past three years travelled the length and breadth of this country. We engaged and interacted with the citizens through structured meetings. We shared and debated our foreign policy trajectory with students, business, the elderly, our youth, NGOS and CBO’s and across all other spectrums of society.

Yesterday was the latest in a litany of examples where we had a very successful community engagement in Gugulethu Cape Town and an opportunity to interact with more than 2000 people.  In addition we have had focused sectoral meetings with the different sectors of society as well as mass based community consultation meetings in preparation for the COP17/CMP7, the Global African Diaspora Summit, and recently the 5th BRICS Summit amongst others. This year we also intend establishing BRICS community chapters which will form the basis for community empowerment by our BRICS countries within local communities giving impetus to BRICS commitments at a local level. This will ensure that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME's) women, youth and disabled entrepreneurs are able to be brought into and benefit from our international trade relation dialogues.

Honourable Chairperson,
The promotion of peace, democracy, and justice in the continent is critical for stability. Our Minister has just announced the progress made thus far regarding the establishment of the South African Partnership Development Agency (SADPA).  The Agency will serve as the focal point for all South Africa’s outgoing development assistance. It will provide greater policy cohesiveness, harmonization, synergy and coordination amongst all spheres of government. We believe that South Africa is uniquely placed to develop partnerships with African countries, and other partners of the South, the multilateral institutions, civil society and the private sector, in a manner that drives innovation around African developmental challenges for the creation of self-sufficient societies, reducing the need for aid and capitalising on the human and natural resource assets of Africa.  In this regard (even prior to SADPA through the ARF) we have already committed millions in Aid to Somalia for capacity building in a number of areas including and in particular in programs that seek to strengthen its governance and financial institutions and architecture. This we hope, in line with our vision, will ensure that Somalia will become more sustainable and less dependent upon international developmental aid in the long term.

Another of the agencies key strategic focus areas will include   the development of an integrated continental skills database which will strengthen our continental and developing world partners with the matching, placing, sharing and exporting of human capital in and between countries in an integrated manner based on our continental agenda. It will also allow us to ensure a more synergised trilateral arrangement between countries such as Cuba in the deployment of their skills across Africa particularly in the area of Engineering and Health amongst others.

We will continue to use all our diplomatic tools and fora including development aid to further our policy position of international solidarity and support the people of Palestine, Cuba and Western Sahara amongst others.

In this regard we once again call upon our civil society organisations to work in partnership with us in finding a lasting and peaceful solution to the situation in Palestine and Western Sahara. We also make the clarion call to our members of civil society to increase its support and international solidarity for the release of the remaining 4 members of the Cuban Five.

Honourable Speaker,
We have also participated fully in the resolution of conflicts in the region. To use one example since the 2009 coup, Madagascar has been suspended from membership of both SADC and the African Union, pending restoration of a constitutional order. The road ahead seemed very long for the Malagasy. Our country as a member of the SADC Ministerial Committee Organ Troika as well as the chair during the period 2010-2011 committed itself to ensure that Madagascar implemented its Roadmap to return it to constitutional normalcy. For our part, we will continue to work closely with the SADC Troika on politics, defence and security cooperation in its efforts to finding lasting peace and stability through peaceful elections.   

Honourable Members,
Our Department remains central in the coordination of the implementation of South Africa’s foreign policy pursuant to Cabinet’s approval in 2008 of the Measures and Guidelines for Enhanced Coordination of South Africa’s International Engagement.  Our success in securing the release of Prof Karabus is an example of an expression of this mandate. This case was an example of a sterling social compact between government, civil society, media, members of the religious and cultural communities and numerous businessmen nationally and internationally as well as the Prof’s family. It is proof of what we can achieve when we are united as a nation and pull together with a unity of purpose based on the principles of human rights, Ubuntu and humanism. I hope that we will be able to emulate and build upon this goodwill and social cohesion across all sectors in other areas.

Honourable Speaker
In a complex and insecure world, it is necessary that South Africa articulates and present its foreign policy positions with a singular voice since we are a unitary state and not a federal one. Consequently being a unitary state we have one foreign policy for our democratic state under one executive authority- President Zuma and by implication matters of state in relation to foreign policy are executed by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation at the instruction of the President of the Republic of South Africa. 

Yet over the past few months we have experienced inherent intergovernmental policy tensions as it relates to implementation of foreign policy where provincial and local governments operate in silos creating a multiplicity of foreign policy positions and decisions and by implication contradictions.

 Within this context I want to address an issue currently confronting our country and the people of the Western Cape. It is wrong for any city, metro or local municipality in South Africa to invite a Head of State to receive a Freedom of the City Award without following the appropriate Intergovernmental relations framework and protocols both in letter and spirit by not consulting with national government and in particular, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation as the custodians of Foreign Relations. Equally so, it is both ethically and morally wrong not to consult residents of that city or local municipality when making such a decision.

Honourable Speaker,
The extent to which our country can achieve its domestic priorities, especially job creation, depends on the potential successes of our economic diplomacy – Economic diplomacy should be an instrument that reinforces our vision of a better South Africa in a better Africa. Our economic diplomacy initiatives must therefore find expression in the vision set out in our National Development Plan. For us to succeed in building alternative continental global economic system, the NDP must have a strong focus on Africa, especially our quest to promote peace, democracy, and justice in the continent.

Having due regard for the above our diplomatic academy continues to provide training on economic diplomacy to our prospective diplomats, in order to enhance the work of our missions abroad. Introducing this training has set our missions on a path to influence and set the agenda of public discourse on economic diplomacy. 

On that note, I also want to add by calling upon all our young people to start interacting with our DIRCO website as it will provide them valuable insight into the requirements and skills required for those wanting to choose a career path in diplomacy.

Honourable Speaker,
The current international economic outlook depicts a negative trajectory which by implication, challenges on our ability to deliver on our set objectives. It has become an international trend that as a result of these current economic constraints the foreign affairs budget globally are the first to be cut as due to domestic priorities taking precedence.  I call on parliament and leaders to take a more strategic and long-term approach in this regard.  We need to reflect upon this current paradigm and trend of sacrificing the foreign affairs budget first during declining economic conditions. We must calculate the unintended consequences and potential economic losses in the long term and impact upon addressing the triple challenges of poverty, inequality and unemployment, given that there is a direct link between our international relations agenda and its role in growing our economy.

Yet at the same we remain committed to and are inspired by innovative ideas to do more with less.

The proposed budget vote tabled by the Minister today is premised upon this principle and represents the priority areas that the Department continued to place significant emphasis on - Administration, International Relations, International Cooperation, Public Diplomacy and State Protocol, and Transfer Payments.

Despite the limited resources, we have been able to do our work. Now we must look forward into the future with great optimism, and do more in attaining the goals we set in our vision for 2030.

Today, Africa is rising. Let us also rise as peoples of Africa. As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the OAU/AU, let us recommit ourselves to promoting an integrated, prosperous, peaceful and unified Africa driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.

I thank you. ]]> Topnews Politik Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:00:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1163&cHash=30cadd0ce459e0461e13e7bb6bc8e3d0 Our foreign policy of Ubuntu expresses the desire for others to also have what we want for ourselves. South Africa’s foreign policy, like that of any other state, is a projection of our domestic...
Honourable Speaker;
Honourable Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers present;
Honourable Deputy Minister Marius Fransman;
The Chairperson and Members of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation;
Honourable Members of Parliament;
Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, and High Commissioners;
Representatives of International Organisations,
Invited Guests;

Ladies and Gentlemen,
Our foreign policy of Ubuntu expresses the desire for others to also have what we want for ourselves. South Africa’s foreign policy, like that of any other state, is a projection of our domestic imperatives. Through our foreign policy, we project South Africa’s vast opportunities as an investment destination of choice, as a world-class tourist destination, and as an exporter of quality goods and services.

Indeed, this is what we do on a daily basis through all our Missions abroad, through our high-level visits, diplomatic interactions and the various channels of mass communication. A recent study released by Brand SA affirms that South Africa ranks very favourably, especially with regard to financial infrastructure, competitiveness, governance and human development in comparison to global and emerging market competitors. These findings were compiled from data sourced from the World Bank, the United Nations Development Programme, the World Economic Forum and the Ibrahim Index of African Governance, among others.

Honourable Members;
It is in our national interest that we continue to champion the promotion of human rights in our country, Africa and the world.

The major hallmarks of our human rights agenda are most visible in the conduct of our foreign policy strategies, particularly, in our efforts to strengthening the African Agenda. Our involvement in peacekeeping missions in Africa finds expression in our key foreign policy strategy on Africa. We are inspired by the belief that the promotion of human rights is essential for development and prosperity of any nation in the world.

It is not surprising that South Africa is increasingly called upon to share its experiences and to play an active role in mediating between conflicting parties, in assisting with post-conflict reconstruction and development efforts by those countries emerging from conflict, and to assist others in developing their own mechanisms for reconciliation and nation-building.

We have demonstrated our commitment to continue monitoring the ongoing political transitional processes in Egypt, Libya and Tunisia. We have offered our assistance and experiences to the transitional governments and political role players in these countries, particularly in the drafting of their respective constitutions and in the reconciliation process.

We must also emphasise that, for Libya in particular, we have made an undertaking to share our experience with the formation of a National Defence Force as well as the establishment of an institution similar to our Truth and Reconciliation Commission. We will be firming up this commitment in the near future.

We have been actively involved with the Government of Sri Lanka. Our approach has also taken into account the important role of civil society, non-governmental organisations and other relevant stakeholders. The idea behind our involvement is to help the people of Sri Lanka in dealing with the aftermath of the civil war that took place in 2009. I have personally visited Sri Lanka to engage at various forums, mainly about our own experiences. Similarly, I also had an opportunity to engage with a number of delegations visiting our shores from Sri Lanka on the same issues. We will continue our efforts to share the message of hope and peace with the people and the Government of Sri Lanka.

Such countries are constantly reminded of the importance of strengthening economic ties, which in turn ensures that the transition to peace is accompanied by visible and growing prosperity among all sectors of society.

Our message is therefore consistent throughout – the importance of establishing inclusive dialogue, the importance of justice, democracy, the rule of law and a legitimate Constitution as a basis for peaceful co-existence.

Honourable Chairperson:
As the Minister has already indicated, Asia remains a strategic continent for South Africa, and our political and economic relations continue to strengthen.

The importance of some of the countries notably China, Japan, India and South Korea as foreign direct investors in our country could not be overemphasised. The region’s importance for South Africa is underscored by the fact that Asia is the fastest-growing region in the world, followed by Africa. Although trade between South Africa and these countries is growing, the skewed trade in their favour requires sharp focus.

The South African Government will continue to strengthen its engagements with all its key partners, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

Honourable Members;
Another important structure that defines our milestones is the South Africa-China Strategic Dialogue. This is an important platform where we engage on issues of common interest and mutual benefit. At its fifth session, which took place in November 2012, the establishment of the Joint Working Group on South Africa-China Cooperation featured prominently. It was also during this session that the Chinese Government offered a total of 200 scholarships to the Government of South Africa. We must take advantage of this opportunity.

Our relations with Japan remain solid. We continue to enjoy cordial bilateral relations with this part of Asia, through our Strategic Cooperation Partnership. In March this year, I had an opportunity to co-chair the 12th South-Africa-Japan Partnership Forum meeting, which was an important milestone in the evolution of our bilateral relations, focussing on the official development assistance  from Japan to South Africa, and the upcoming Fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD V). 

Our relations with South Korea are sound, particularly in the fields of trade, information and communications technology and water management.

Honourable Chairperson;
Our engagements with Central Asia, specifically, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are gaining momentum. Towards the end of this year, we expect to welcome President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan in South Africa. We are looking forward to a stimulating dialogue on issues of common interest.

We are also making economic strides in neighbouring Uzbekistan. SASOL has established a permanent presence in this country, and will partner with the Uzbek Government in the production of liquid fuel from gas.

Honourable Members;
The deteriorating military and humanitarian situation in Syria and the resultant number of fatalities, internally displaced people and refugees continues to increase.  South Africa has condemned the ongoing violence perpetrated both by the Government of Syria and the atrocities committed by rebel and sectarian groups. South Africa is convinced that there can be no military solution to the crisis and urges all parties to immediately put an end to the violence, to start engaging in dialogue, and reach an agreement on a political transition based on the Geneva Communiqué of June 2012. 

The granting of Observer Status to Palestine by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly last November was a significant turning point in the struggle for Palestinian statehood. We again urge all parties in the Palestine/Israeli conflict to enter into genuine negotiation, to create an independent Palestinian State, based on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Likewise, we continue to support the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people.

The Republic of Iraq remains an important country for South Africa. We are guided by our shared common history of a struggle for independence and self- determination. We have already welcomed and hosted the Minister of Trade of the Republic of Iraq to our shores in November 2012, and an agreement on economic and technical cooperation between the two countries was signed.

Although the Islamic Republic of Iran finds itself in a difficult position internationally, our government is of the view that we should continue to maintain good relations with this country. At the invitation of Dr Hossein Abdollahian, Deputy Iranian Foreign Minister for African and Arab Affairs, I paid a visit to Iran in April 2013. One of the objectives of my visit was to encourage his government to take the necessary steps to seek consensus with the UN and its agencies on its nuclear programme.

Honourable Members;
India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) are both strategic platforms, which allow for South-South politico-economic cooperation to strengthen and counteract the global balance of forces.

Ladies and Gentlemen;
Moving closer to the prospects that the Indian Ocean Rim holds for our development, it must be emphasised that this formation has attracted the quest for influence and hegemony in the geo-strategic context, driven by global competition for natural resources and market share. A clear strategy to engage this formation is therefore necessary for our own economic development.

In the immediate neighbourhood, these include countries such as India, which is projected to rank third-largest in the global economy by 2050.

The need to leverage this agglomeration of key economic anchor countries is in congruence with South Africa’s domestic priorities, namely economic growth, job creation and skills development, as well as the regional and continental integration agendas.

Clearly, South Africa’s foreign policy continues to evolve and respond to the dynamics of the ever-changing global politics.

We will therefore continue to work effectively to advance our national interests through our foreign policy engagements.

I thank you.]]> Topnews Politik Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:43:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1141&cHash=58e6370051239b9c7cf7cb9325a5b746 “2013 will mark a momentous occasion for the continent: the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, and 11 years of the launch of the African Union. As the Secretariat... “2013 will mark a momentous occasion for the continent: the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Organisation of African Unity, and 11 years of the launch of the African Union. As the Secretariat of the union, the commission will ensure that the marking of the 50th anniversary is an important milestone in the history of the continent. It will be an opportunity to reflect on where we come from, appreciate where we are, and plan for where we are going in the next 50
years.” – Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, African Union Commission Chair

The Organisation of African Unity (OAU) was established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on signature of the OAU Charter by representatives of 32 governments. A further 21 states have joined gradually over the years, with South Africa becoming the 53rd member in 1994. The main objectives of the OAU were, among other things, to:

• rid the continent of the remaining vestiges of colonisation and apartheid
• promote unity and solidarity among African states
• coordinate and intensify cooperation for development
• safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of member states
• promote international cooperation within the framework of the United Nations.

As a continental organisation, the OAU provided an effective forum that enabled
member states to adopt coordinated positions on matters of common concern to the continent in international fora and defend the interests of Africa effectively. Through the OAU Coordinating Committee for the Liberation of Africa, the continent worked and spoke as one with undivided determination in forging an international consensus in support of the liberation struggle and the fight against apartheid.  As the then Deputy President of South Africa, Mr Jacob Zuma, said at the opening of the 76 Ordinary Session of the OAU Council of Ministers in Durban on 4 July 2002: “When it was established in 1963, the main mandate of the OAU was to unite the African people, fight colonialism, imperialism and all forms of racial oppression, including the most inhumane one – apartheid, thereby promoting the independence of the African nation states. “The struggles waged by our people under the banner of the OAU were aimed at freeing and restoring the dignity of the African people. The unity and solidarity of our peoples from Cape to Cairo, and from Madagascar to Senegal characterised the anti-colonial struggle. Today, we are able to celebrate this major achievement of the OAU.” “Those achievements of the OAU have laid the perfect foundation for the AU, which will seek to consolidate the gains of the OAU, and foster unity and cohesion in confronting the challenges facing the continent.” The OAU initiatives paved the way for the birth of the AU and its official launch in July 2002 in Durban. The vision of the AU is that of: “An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa,
driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena.” This vision of a new, forward-looking, dynamic and integrated Africa will be fully
realised through relentless struggle on several fronts and as a long-term endeavour. The AU has shifted focus from supporting liberation movements in the erstwhile African territories under colonialism and apartheid, as envisaged
by the OAU since 1963 and the Constitutive Act, to an organisation spear-heading Africa’s development and integration. “May I reiterate our conviction that only by working together, as a single and indivisible continent of Africa, under the able leadership of the African Union, can we do more to improve the quality of life of all Africans while discharging our responsibilities on the African continent and globally.” – Dr Nkosazana
Dlamini Zuma. (Acknowledgement: www.au2002.gov.za, http://au.int/en/about/nutshell) Source: |+| Ubuntu Magazine (pdf)]]> Topnews Politik Afrikanische Union Thu, 02 May 2013 16:03:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1130&cHash=3bcc04896eb7f829ea47e757feeb9fbd Finance Ministers and central bank governors from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (Brics) agreed, during meetings in Washington in April, to an “intensive” six-month work programme to...
The programme, which was confirmed by South Africa’s Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan this week, was one of several initiatives approved following the ‘Durban Declaration’, which was issued by the heads of State after their yearly Brics Summit, in South Africa in March.

Gordhan said the work programme would interrogate the bank’s mandate and scope of operations, its capitalisation and the sources of funding, as well as where the new bank would be located and when it would become operational.

A report would be provided to the Brics leaders when they met in Saint Petersburg, Russia, in early September, where they would be assembling for the 2013 G20 Summit.

Reports suggest that the Brics countries aim to complete preparations for the bank in time for the 2014 Brics Summit, which is scheduled for Brazil. In fact, Reuters recently quoted Indian Finance Minister P Chidambaram as saying that “we hope to complete our homework” ahead that summit.

Representatives from the central banks of the five countries were also preparing the way for a treaty to deal with the contingency reserves arrangements agreed in Durban and Gordhan expected progress “over the next few months”.

A work programme had also been initiated on the development of a Brics trade reinsurance scheme, which would seek to diversify these activities away from European institutions. A technical paper would be produced, which would feature on the agenda of a Brics finance Ministers meeting scheduled for Moscow, in July.

Attention was also being given to the issue of improved tax and customs arrangements between the Brics participants.

Besides following up the Durban Declaration, the Brics finance Ministers and central bank governors also jointly raised concerns about the state of International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform.

They were particularly unhappy with the lack of agreement on a new ‘quota formula’, which determined a country’s voting strength within the IMF, and the “bias” in the current formula against certain emerging and development countries.

“Generally, the view is that European economies are over represented in the IMF, particularly given the new economic circumstances were you’ve got new and stronger actors emerging,” Gordhan said.

There was a particular concern that the current formula would result in the further erosion in the “voice and representation” of sub-Saharan African countries as the IMF sought to accommodate the bigger emerging economies.

“What we are fighting for here … is that Brics countries and developing countries more generally must be given a greater voice in the governance and other processes of the IMF. And from an African point of view, we are saying that, in the new formula, it is very important Africa doesn’t, once again, lose a quota share in order to benefit constituencies outside of Africa.” By: Terence Creamer    
Published: 26 Apr 13
Source: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za ]]> Topnews Wirtschaft Politik Mon, 29 Apr 2013 10:39:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1128&cHash=b77c694982e969a7c8bbc79a747444bf 27 March 2013, Ethekwini. We, the Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met on the occasion of the Fifth BRICS Summit on 27 March 2013 in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. We... 27 March 2013, Ethekwini. We, the Leaders of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa met on the occasion of the Fifth BRICS Summit on 27 March 2013 in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal. 

We considered that developing countries face challenges of infrastructure development due to insufficient long-term financing and foreign direct investment, especially investment in capital stock.

This constrains global aggregate demand. BRICS cooperation towards more productive use of global financial resources can make a positive contribution to addressing this problem.

In March 2012 we directed our Finance Ministers to examine the feasibility and viability of setting up a New Development Bank for mobilising resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other emerging economies and developing countries, to supplement the existing efforts of multilateral and regional financial institutions for global growth and development.

Following the report from our Finance Ministers, we are satisfied that the establishment of a New Development Bank is feasible and viable.

We have agreed to establish the New Development Bank. The initial capital contribution to the bank should be substantial and sufficient for the bank to be effective in financing infrastructure.  In June 2012, in our meeting in Los Cabos, we tasked our Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to explore the construction of a financial safety net through the creation of a Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) amongst BRICS countries. They have concluded that the establishment of a self-managed contingent reserve arrangement would have a positive precautionary effect, help BRICS countries forestall short-term liquidity pressures, provide mutual support and further strengthen financial stability. It would also contribute to strengthening the global financial safety net and complement existing international arrangements as an additional line of defence. We are of the view that the establishment of the CRA with an initial size of US$

100 billion is feasible and desirable, subject to internal legal frameworks and appropriate safeguards. We direct our Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors to continue working towards its establishment.

We are grateful to our Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors for the work undertaken on the New Development Bank and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement and direct them to negotiate and conclude the agreements which will establish them. We will review progress made in these two initiatives at our next meeting in September 2013.

I thank you.]]> Politik Wirtschaft Pressespiegel Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:49:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1133&cHash=90132a4b729d11b1f5cd85992ff3d583 Marking another milestone in the history of the country and continent, President Jacob Zuma hosted Her Excellency President Dilma Rousseff of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His... Dilma Rousseff of the Federative Republic of Brazil, His Excellency President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, His Excellency President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China and the Honourable Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of the Republic of India for the fifth BRICS Summit in Durban from 26 to 27 March 2013. A major outcome of the summit, outlined in the eThekwini Declaration, was the announcement of the establishment of the BRICS-led Development Bank to address the challenges faced by developing countries of infrastructure development due to insufficient long-term financing and foreign direct investment, especially investment in capital stock. The leaders said BRICS cooperation towards more productive use of global financial resources could make a positive contribution to addressing this problem. Another announcement, among several others, was the construction of a financial safety net through the creation of a Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) among the BRICS countries. The self-managed CRA will have a positive precautionary effect to help BRICS countries forestall short-term liquidity pressures, provide mutual support and further strengthen financial stability. It is envisaged that Africa’s development will be enhanced through infrastructure development projects and the BRICS countries will play a pivotal role. This was affirmed during the discussions between BRICS and African leaders during a Retreat on 27 March in Durban post the summit.  The theme of both the summit, “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Development, Integration and Industrialisation” and the retreat, “Unlocking Africa’s Potential: BRICS and African Cooperation on Infrastructure”, followed on the 2011 Sanya Summit commitment that discussions would continue on the role of BRICS partnering with Africa to support Africa’s infrastructure development and industrialisation. For more information on the summit and the eThekwini Declaration and Action Plan, visit www.brics5.co.za   |+| Statement by BRICS Leaders on the Establishment of the BRICS-led Development Bank]]> Topnews Presse Wirtschaft Politik Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:45:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1107&cHash=d95309e14c3dccc7d456c85d72e3fe1f 21 January 2013. UNAids executive director Michel Sidibe has congratulated South Africa and President Jacob Zuma on the progress the country is making in the fight against HIV and Aids.Zuma met...
Zuma met with Sidibe at his residence in Pretoria on Friday. The two discussed various ways in which the fight against the disease in Africa and the world could be intensified.

According to the Presidency, Sidibe said he was particularly impressed by the government's policy interventions and leadership that, since 2009, have led to significant progress in the fight against HIV and Aids in the country.

He appealed to South Africa to "lead all efforts in Africa, especially in manufacturing their own medicine and thus reducing dependency on countries outside the continent".

"We appreciate the support of UNAids in this difficult battle against the epidemic," Zuma said.

Zuma reiterated that the country had moved from "very difficult times" on HIV and Aids to a success story in a short space of time.

There were now more than 1.7-million South Africans on antiretroviral treatment, with dramatic improvements in life expectancy, Zuma said. "We have about 2 948 public health facilities now initiating patients on antiretroviral treatment compared to 495 in January 2010."

The country had also seen a drop in the rate of new infections, from 1.4% to 0.8%, in the 15-24 age group, while mother-to-child transmission of HIV had been massively reduced, from about 8% in 2008 to 3.5% in 2011.

Zuma added that more than 20-million South Africans had been tested for HIV through the government's HIV Counselling and Testing Campaign since its launch in 2010.

"This indicates that the stigma around the disease is being eradicated, which will assist our continued prevention efforts, and the rate of new HIV infections looks set to decline over the coming years as we deepen our existing programmes."

Source: SANews.gov.za

Read more: http://www.southafrica.info/about/health/aids-210113.htm]]> Topnews Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 22 Jan 2013 11:57:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1105&cHash=78bdedace308ef9de0ba653ca9029aee The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has launched a new quarterly publication entitled "Ubuntu Diplomacy" which aims to guide readers in... Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has launched a new quarterly publication entitled "Ubuntu Diplomacy" which aims to guide readers in understanding South Africa’s foreign policy and the positions the country takes on the global stage. Besides introducing some of the central figures and concepts of South Africa's diplomacy, this first issue explains South Africa's position in relation to some of its main foreign policy instruments like its current role in the UN Security Council, the upcoming BRICS Summit in Durban and the challenges faced by the AU. The publication is available for free download on the Department's Website in PDF format. |+| Read more (pdf, 9,1 MB)]]> Topnews Politik NEPAD Afrikanische Union Tue, 01 Jan 2013 08:49:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1104&cHash=b58ab26db294c2bff4175f8ed279e5e4 The governments of South Africa and Vietnam signed a landmark agreement that authorities hope will help quash the alarming scourge of rhino poaching that has been seen in... South Africa and Vietnam signed a landmark agreement that authorities hope will help quash the alarming scourge of rhino poaching that has been seen in the North West, Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. (…) the memorandum of understanding, signed by South Africa's Environmental Affairs Minister Edna Molewa and her Vietnamese counterpart Cao Duc Phat, could signal the broadest step yet by the two governments to pull the plug on illegal rhino horn dealings.  The bilateral agreement sealed today lists seven areas of cooperation in biodiversity and is not only limited to the issue of rhino poaching. But judging by the media interest the poaching crisis has generated and what has been coming out of Molewa's department, the fight to save the horn will be central to the agreement. South Africa wants Vietnamese government officials at the highest level to commit to the fight by imposing strict punishments for poachers. "Having signed this memorandum of understanding with Vietnam today, we hope that the two countries will be able to tighten the regulatory framework so that any potential transit that can happen or could happen is actually curbed," Molewa said. |+| Read more]]> Topnews Politik Tourismus Südafrika Mon, 10 Dec 2012 08:46:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1089&cHash=afa553998172c4f3270d2b5deeb890e7 South Africa has been elected to the UN Economic and Social Council, the International Relations Department said yesterday."South Africa finishes its two-year non-renewable, non-permanent...
"South Africa finishes its two-year non-renewable, non-permanent membership of the Security Council on December 31 and immediately assumes membership of the Economic and Social Council on January 1," the department said.

South Africa last served on the council in 2006. Responsible for economic and social development, it is one of the principal organs of the UN, alongside the Security Council and the General Assembly.

"It is significant that South Africa will be a member of this critical organ of the UN at the time that the target date [2015] for the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals is fast approaching," the department said.

The council includes commissions on population and sustainable development, crime prevention, science and technology, and the status of women. South Africa will promote Africa's interests. ]]> Pressespiegel Politik Tue, 13 Nov 2012 15:50:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1070&cHash=2a6fbd548158f34628e7842c497ffd44 19 August 2012. President Zuma has declared a period of national mourning from Monday 20 to Sunday 26 August 2012, to commemorate the lives of all South Africans who have died violently, especially...
Ten Lonmin mine employees were killed between 10 and 12 August, and on 16 August, 34 people were killed and 78 were injured.

The period of mourning is also for the eight members of the community-based anti-stock theft group called Isikebhe, who were ambushed and killed in Pomeroy near Msinga in KwaZulu-Natal.

Flags will fly at half mast at all flag stations in South Africa and missions outside the country, from 20 to 26 of August. 

The President has also declared Thursday, 23 August as the official day for memorial services to be held around the country to mourn and promote a violence-free society.

“The nation is in shock and in pain. We must this week reflect on the sanctity of human life and the right to life as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic. We must avoid finger-pointing and recrimination. We must unite against violence from whatever quarter. We must reaffirm our belief in peace, stability and order and in building a caring society free of crime and violence." 

In addition, the President has appointed an Inter-ministerial Committee on the Marikana Tragedy, led by the Minister in the Presidency Mr Collins Chabane. The Committee comprises the following: 

Ministers and Premier;
North West Premier, Ms Thandi Modise
Ms Susan Shabangu, Mineral Resources
Mr Nathi Mthethwa, Police
Ms Bathabile Dlamini, Social Development
Mr Richard Baloyi, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.
Ms Mildred Oliphant, Labour
Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, Defence and Military Veterans,
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Health
Dr Siyabonga Cwele, State Security.
Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Home Affairs.

The committee will visit Marikana tomorrow. They will coordinate and lead all support to families and relatives including the identification of family members, counselling and burials. 

The President has requested faith-based organisations to work with government in assisting families during this difficult period.

The President met with the police and the injured mineworkers in Marikana on the 17th of August, and announced the establishment of a commission of inquiry into the tragedy.

It will be a judicial commission of inquiry, and the President will announce the composition and terms of reference in a few days’ time. As per Circular Letter from the Presidency, please note that the South African Flag will fly at half-mast at all flag stations in South Africa and missions outside the country, from 20 to 26 of August 2012.

Enquiries: Mac Maharaj 079 879 3203 or Harold Maloka on 082 847 9799. 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria]]> Pressespiegel Presse Politik Topnews Mon, 20 Aug 2012 13:45:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1069&cHash=402979cdff4024393aea50ad07f13d25 Issued by: GCIS, 17 August 2012. Premier Modise, Ministers and Deputy Ministers, Ladies and gentlemen of the media, I have just returned from the SADC Summit in Maputo to be with the...
We have all been saddened and dismayed by the events of the past few days and hours around the Marikana mine.

The loss of life among workers and members of our Police Service is tragic and regrettable.

These events are not what we want to see or want to become accustomed to, in a democracy that is bound by the rule of law, and where we are creating a better life for all our people.
 
We do not expect such incidents, particularly in a country where there is a high level of organization within the labour movement. We have trade unions with many years of experience in organizing workers, within the framework of the labour laws of the country.

Today, our thoughts are primarily with the families of those who have lost their lives.

As government and as fellow citizens, we offer our sincere condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones.

Our thoughts are also with those who are recovering in hospitals and clinics.

Our thoughts are also with our Police Service who are at times called upon to intervene in difficult situations.

The events of the past few days have unfortunately been visited upon a nation that is hard at work, addressing the persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

We undertake this work in conditions of peace and stability, working with all sectors in our country.

We also work with international investors and development partners who have over many years derived great benefits from working in, and associating with South Africa.

We assure the South African people in particular, that we remain fully committed to ensuring that this country remains a peaceful, stable, productive and thriving nation, that is focused on improving the quality of life of all, especially the poor and the working class.

It is against this background that we have to uncover the truth about what happened here.

In this regard, I have decided to institute a Commission of Inquiry. The inquiry will enable us to get to the real cause of the incident, and to derive the necessary lessons.

However, today is not an occasion for blame, finger-pointing or recrimination.

Today challenges us to restore calm and to share the pain of the affected families and communities.

Today is about reminding ourselves of our responsibilities as citizens. We have rights that are guaranteed in the Constitution of the Republic, such as the rights of association, assembly and freedom of expression.

We can protest against any institution peacefully. It is one of the cornerstones of our hard won democracy.

However, as I said, this is not a day to apportion blame. It is a day for us to mourn together as a nation. It is also a day to start rebuilding and healing.

We have gone through painful moments before, and were able to overcome such challenges through coming together as a nation, regardless of race, colour, creed or political affiliations.

We must use that national trait again during this difficult period.

Most importantly, we will not be derailed from the progress we have made as a country since 1994.

We will continue with our task of consolidating our hard-won freedom and democracy. And we will continue working tirelessly, to build a united, non-racial, non-sexist and prosperous South Africa.

I thank you. 

Enquiries: Mr Mac Maharaj 0798793203]]> Pressespiegel Presse Politik Topnews Mon, 20 Aug 2012 12:43:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1053&cHash=68974c2a36a91ac688e5f34c3c26bde1 ADDIS ABABA, July 15, 2012 (AFP) - South Africa's Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma won a tight fought vote to become the new head of the African Union Commission, the first woman to hold the post, African...
She beat the incumbent, Jean Ping of Gabon, in a closely fought election over several rounds of voting.

"Now we have the African Union chair Madame Zuma, who will preside over the destiny of this institution," Benin's President and current AU Chairman Thomas Boni Yayi said.

Ms Dlamini-Zuma, 63, an experienced diplomat, is a veteran of the fight against apartheid. A doctor by training, she has served as Health, Interior and Foreign Minister in South Africa.

Her victory brings to an end an impasse that has lasted for the past six months.

Her former husband, South African President Jacob Zuma, was one of the first to offer his congratulations after the vote.

"It means a lot for Africa... for the continent, unity and the empowerment of women -- very important," Mr Zuma said.

Voting took place at an AU summit, where, earlier in the day, Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo agreed to an international force to neutralise rebels in eastern DR Congo, as the African Union said it was ready to send peacekeepers there.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame told AFP both sides had agreed "in principle" to accept the force.

He was speaking after his first face-to-face meeting with DR Congo President Joseph Kabila since a UN report in June accused Rwanda of supporting Congolese rebels. The two leaders met on the sidelines of the AU summit. Ms Dlamini-Zuma's win follows her challenge six months ago to unseat Mr Ping, the former Commission Chairman, which ended in deadlock after neither won the required two-thirds of the vote, leaving Ping in the post.

"She's a freedom fighter, not a bureaucrat or a diplomat," said Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, beaming enthusiastically.

Noureddine Mezni, spokesperson for the outgoing chairman, told AFP that Ping had acknowledged defeat.

He "has accepted the results of the elections and wishes Madame Dlamini-Zuma the very best.

"He expressed his readiness to cooperate with her to work together for the unity of the continent."

Erastus Mwencha of Kenya was re-elected as Deputy Chair of the AU Commission, he added.

Members of the South African delegation smiled and congratulated one another as they filed out of the conference hall.

"It's good for southern Africa. We (in southern Africa) never had this job," a delegate from Zimbabwe told AFP with a broad grin.

Officials said the elections went to four rounds of voting before Ms Dlamini-Zuma won 37 votes, three more than the required majority, to confirm her win over Ping.

Jakkie Cilliers of the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies told AFP how Dlamini-Zuma's score had crept up from one round of voting to the next.

"She got ahead in the first round and after that the momentum kicked in," said Mr Cilliers. "The Heads of State wanted a decision.

Ms Dlamini-Zuma's win had brought "clarity as to who's in charge" at the AU, after six months of deadlock over the leadership issue, he added.

Some analysts say South Africa has violated an unwritten tradition that continental powerhouses do not run candidates for the post, but leave smaller nations to take the job.

Before the vote however, Ms Dlamini-Zuma played down concerns that the vote could divide the AU.

"I don't think the continent will be polarised," she said.

The winner would "make sure they work with everybody, irrespective of where and who they voted for," she added.

Mr Cilliers said he was optimistic that divisions created by the vote would heal.

"She'll be an inclusive chair, she won't be divisive ... She was a very competent Foreign Minister and even better at Home Affairs (the Interior Ministry)," he said.

Rwandan and DRC leaders will meet again in early August to try to thrash out the details of the force -- including size, mandate, nationality and deployment details -- for eastern DRC.

UN peacekeepers already operate in the region. UN Deputy Secretary General Jan Eliasson called for an immediate end to the violence, warning that "countries of the region ought to respect the principle of non-interference."

AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra said that changing the mandate of the UN peackeeping mission there "was one scenario.

On Monday the heads of state will wrap up their two-day meeting.]]> Topnews Politik Afrikanische Union Pressespiegel Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:29:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1036&cHash=3e976de7038f979382b2f80eb66c93f0 30 May 2012. The South African Government has condemned the horrific killing of men, women and children in the Syrian village of El-Houleh, near Homs, over the past weekend. The Government has also...
The Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim, said: “We find the use of violence in Syria repugnant and appeal to all parties to the conflict to immediately cease the violence in all manner and forms.” 

“Those responsible for these criminal acts of violence must be held accountable,” said Deputy Minister Ebrahim, expressing South Africa’s support for an immediate and thorough investigation of these events with the involvement of the United Nations Supervision Mission in Syria (UNSMIS).

Deputy Minister Ebrahim further called on all parties to the conflict to support and ensure the implementation of the 6-Point Peace Plan for Syria as presented by the Joint Special Envoy, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan.  

“The Annan Plan offers hope and an opportunity for settlement of the conflict through diplomacy and dialogue that allows for the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people to be responded to.  All parties should commit active efforts to see its success materialises,” said Deputy Minister Ebrahim.  

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION 
OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Pretoria ]]> Politik Thu, 31 May 2012 15:40:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1035&cHash=57cc38547706cf9dc36b1b2528fa53f8 The results of the seventh Bi-National Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany are captured in a joint communiqué. It entails the results of the joint...
|+| Download this communiqué in pdf |+| Final Speech by Deputy President Motlanthe |+| Final Speech by Foreign Minister Westerwelle]]> Bilaterale Beziehungen Politik Topnews Presse Tue, 08 May 2012 15:56:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1032&cHash=e27fdfff37efeb18b6eef8a44d55cd26 Your Excellency, my delegation and I wish to thank you most sincerely for the warm welcome extended to us since our arrival to your beautiful country and historic city yesterday. |+| Download a PDF... |+| Download a PDF version of the Speech Your Excellency, Dr Guido Westerwelle, Foreign Minister of Federal Republic of Germany;
Ministers and Deputy Ministers; 
Ambassadors and Senior Government Officials;
Ladies and gentlemen: Your Excellency, my delegation and I wish to thank you most sincerely for the warm welcome extended to us since our arrival to your beautiful country and historic city yesterday.   I am happy to preside jointly with you over the seventh session of the Bi-national Commission, another milestone in our strategic co-operation since it was launched during the State Visit of former President Mandela in 1996.  South Africa and Germany have become partners in the international community, and have shared a joint vision of how to create a world which is worthy of its inhabitants and future generations. We took note of the German Government’s Africa Strategy with interest and welcome your Government’s renewed commitment to Africa, on the basis of a partnership of equals.   Both our countries share the goals of enhancing peace and security; good governance; rule of law; democracy and human rights; economic development; and indeed, dealing with the challenges posed by climate change, as well as finding new sources of energy. Let me also point out that our deliberations are taking place at a critical juncture. Since the last meeting of the BNC in Pretoria two years ago, the world has been in a state of flux. These changes require constant monitoring and detailed analysis so as to find practical solutions to the resultant socio-economic challenges before us. 
The economic crisis in Europe and the other parts of the world has had a ripple effect around the globe and as such we felt it strongly in South Africa.  Despite our careful stewardship of the South African economy, our exports declined massively in the period 2008 to 2009. However, we are pleased that our trade with Germany is approximating levels previously reached before the crisis of 2008.  In addition, South Africa values even more Germany’s strong financial support, especially with regard to its efforts to strengthen peace and stability on the African continent.  Accordingly, we look forward to enhancing the success of our cooperation and to extend even further our joint support of development cooperation projects on the African continent. The strategic partnership between South Africa and Germany is showing concrete and specific outcomes. For example, the South African-German Year of Science was launched on 16 April 2012 in Cape Town by our Ministers of Science and Technology and of Education and Research.  The initiative aims to further foster local skills development and innovation, while providing a platform for further joint ventures in science. We look forward to identifying new projects of cooperation in this field. I am also pleased to note that the decision taken at the BNC of 2010 in Pretoria that the political dialogue on foreign policy and global issues between our countries should further be strengthened was implemented and that a meeting was held yesterday between our respective departments.  There are also other opportunities in many sectors, particularly infrastructure development, renewable energy, automotives, mining, chemicals, agro-processing and cultural industries.  In this regard, Your Excellency, I wish to bring to your attention the South African Government’s nationwide infrastructure development drive, overseen by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, (PICC), which was established in September 2011, bringing together ministers, provincial premiers and mayors of big cities, under the leadership of President Jacob Zuma.    We are targeting a range of areas, including roads, rail, ports, water infrastructure, and telecommunications. To this end we wish to invite the Government of Germany and German cooperates to participate in this important initiative.  Your Excellency, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen,
Let me pause here to allow the committees to report on the outcomes of their engagements over the last few days. Lastly, let me convey our sincere gratitude to you, for your kind words of condolence on the loss of one of our own ministers.  He actually left a cabinet meeting on Thursday last week, to travel to Ethiopia, where  he was to attend a meeting of the African Peer Review Mechanism.  I thank you.]]> Topnews Bilaterale Beziehungen Politik Presse Tue, 08 May 2012 15:40:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1031&cHash=d27aa08e537ad29999955648d1e0efaf Berlin, 7.Mai 2012. S.E. Botschafter Makhenkesi Stofile begrüßte den südafrikanischen Vizepräsidenten Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, in der Botschaft der Republik Südafrika in Berlin. Unter der Leitung... S.E. Botschafter Makhenkesi Stofile begrüßte den südafrikanischen Vizepräsidenten Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, in der Botschaft der Republik Südafrika in Berlin. Unter der Leitung von Vizepräsident Motlanthe wird die südafrikanische Delegation an der siebten Südafrikanisch-Deutschen Binationalen Kommission teilnehmen. Diese Kommission wurde 1996, anlässlich des Staatsbesuchs von Präsident Nelson Mandela in Deutschland zur Förderung der bilateralen Zusammenarbeit vereinbart. Die Initiative war Ausdruck des Interesses auf beiden Seiten, eine langfristige und ein breites Spektrum umfassende strategische Partnerschaft zwischen beiden Ländern aufzubauen und die Beziehungen auf eine neue Stufe zu heben und tritt seitdem alle zwei Jahre zusammen. Die letzte Kommission fand im April 2010 in Pretoria statt.

Vizepräsident Motlanthe wird von Ministern aus den Ministerien von Wissenschaft und Technik, Handel und Wirtschaft und Finanzen begleitet. Außerdem nehmen hochrangige  Vertreter aus Politik und Wirtschaft daran teil.

Die Zusammenarbeit innerhalb der Kommission erstreckt sich derzeit auf sieben Bereiche, zu denen jeweils Fachkommissionen tagen: Wirtschaft, Umwelt, Entwicklungszusammenarbeit, Verteidigung, Bildung/Wissenschaft/Forschung, Kultur, Arbeit und Soziales.]]> Botschaft Topnews Bilaterale Beziehungen Presse Mon, 07 May 2012 13:16:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1028&cHash=dbd3a644f6e7afeb555556af1b64b7a6 The Deputy President of the Republic; Mr Kgalema Motlanthe; The Chief Justice of the Republic, Honourable Mogoeng Mogoeng; Honourable Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Noma... The Chief Justice of the Republic, Honourable Mogoeng Mogoeng; 
Honourable Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, 
Ms Noma India Mfeketo; 
Honourable Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Ms Thandi Memela;
The Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Mashatile and all Ministers; Deputy Ministers and MECs present;
Acting Premier of Gauteng Mr Nkomfe and all Premiers present;
Representatives of Chapter nine institutions;
Representatives of political parties represented in Parliament; 
Mayor of Tshwane, 
Mr Ramokgopa and all other Mayors present; 
Government representatives from all levels;
Religious and Traditional Leaders; 
Compatriots;
Fellow South Africans,

The free, democratic, non-racial and non-sexist South Africa is coming of age today, as it turns 18 years old.

This year’s Freedom Day theme is “Working Together to Build Unity and Prosperity’’. It takes into account our strong focus on boosting inclusive growth and prosperity.  

It also underscores the focus on heritage and the celebration of unity through celebrating the heroes of our struggle for freedom, to whom we owe so much.

The past 18 years have seen huge progress towards building a truly non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and free South Africa. 

Together we have built from the ashes of apartheid a country that is dedicated to patriotism, nation-building and reconciliation. 

We have built stable democratic institutions based on our country’s progressive Constitution. 

We have a Bill of Rights that enshrines and entrenches a human rights culture, ensuring that we totally undo the evil of the past and promote a new society.

The creation of a stable democratic system has opened conditions for us to tackle our socio-economic development challenges. 
It has been a short but very meaningful road from a pariah state to a peaceful, stable, vibrant non-racial, non-sexist, democratic country that is working hard to achieve prosperity for all.

Formerly oppressed peoples and nations celebrate Freedom Day or Independence Days for very good reasons.

As South Africans, we celebrate this significant day in order to ensure that the present does not erase the past, and in order to protect the future. 
On the 27th of April, we celebrate  how as a people, we brought to a close, phase one of our struggle, as we buried colonial oppression, racism, apartheid and hatred when we cast our votes together for the first time in 1994. 

Like a phoenix, a new society rose from the ashes of a system that had been declared a crime against humanity by the United Nations.

On Freedom Day we recall and celebrate a heroic and selfless struggle that was fought over more than three centuries.

It was fought in the wars against land dispossession.

It was fought in the campaigns against the pass laws, described by Lillian Ngoyi as “a badge of slavery in terms whereof all sorts of insults and humiliation may be committed on Africans by members of the ruling class”.

It was fought in the struggles against the inhumane migrant labour system which violated the right to human dignity.

It was fought in the battles of young people for education.

It was fought by the workers for a living wage, with the conditions of farm and mine workers being horrific. These are the conditions that inspired men like Selope Thema and later Gert Sibande into action, particularly in the Northern and Eastern Transvaal areas such as Bethal, to rise against these injustices.

The struggle was fought by women for their rights and dignity, and we recall how they fired the first salvo of protest against pass laws in Bloemfontein in July 1913.  

It was fought by rural communities for land, as the 1913 Land Act systematically took away 87 percent of the land from the African people.

And our people never gave up. As Lillian Ngoyi said at the third Federation of South African Women Conference in 1961, “Freedom does not come walking towards you - it must be won’’.

It has indeed been a long walk from the days of Master and Servants Act, where long hours of work, child labour, and unpaid labour were the order of the day.

And we have indeed come a long way since General Smuts’ utterance in 1906, that:  “When I consider the political future of the Natives in South Africa I must say that I look into shadows and darkness, and I feel inclined to shift the intolerable burden of solving that sphinx of a problem to the ampler shoulders and stronger brains of the future.”  

Today we celebrate that ampler and stronger brains of the future, such as the gallant leaders of the struggle for liberation, proved Smuts wrong.

On Freedom Day we celebrate our victory over racial bigotry.

We celebrate that this country produced visionaries black and white, who were determined that South Africa shall be a free, non-racial and non-sexist democracy that enshrines human rights.

We recall today that our freedom was gained through blood, sweat and tears. It is through the blood of the people of Sharpeville, Soweto, Langa, kwaMashu, kwa Zakhele, Mdantsane, and many other areas, that we gained our freedom and equality.

In essence, today we are celebrating the colossal victory over colonial oppression and apartheid, marking the end of the first phase of our struggle. 

We are celebrating the unique nature of the South African struggle for liberation, which although was against racism, was never a racist struggle. 

That is why there were so many white democrats and freedom lovers who sacrificed so much so that South Africa could be free.

They include heroes like Braam Fischer, Father Trevor Huddlestone and Ruth First. 
 
It is that unique nature of the struggle, that produced the profound words in the Freedom Charter adopted in 1955 in Kliptown, when delegates proclaimed that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, black and white, and that no government can justly claim authority unless it is based on the will of the people’’.

In turn the Freedom Charter inspired the democratic constitution that we have today which in its preamble also declares that “South Africa belongs to all who live in it, united in our diversity.”

It is those ideals which were formalised in the adoption of a Constitution that entrenches democracy, through the Bill of Rights which enshrines rights of all people of our country, and affirms democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom. 
 
We also celebrate our unique and model Constitution which is an envy of many nations all over the world. 

Our Constitution is among the best in the world with equality clauses, which guarantees equality before the law, right to life, and human dignity, right to privacy, freedom of religion, belief and opinion, freedom of expression, freedom of association and freedom of assembly, demonstration, picket and petitions. 
   
We are indeed a unique people and unique nation, as Chief Albert Luthuli explained in 1961 as follows;  “It may well be that South Africa's social system is a monument to racialism and race oppression, but its people are the living testimony to the unconquerable spirit of mankind.’’ 

He was right, because the first phase of our struggle delivered political freedom for all, black and white. 

For the black majority, April 27 delivered true liberation, human dignity, full citizenship and real belonging to their motherland. 

The colour of their skin no longer determined where they could live, go to school or church. Colour no longer determined the jobs they could do or the wages they should get.

For white compatriots who had benefitted from the policies of successive racist regimes, April 27 brought about the lifting of the burden of guilt or shame. 

For those who believed in, and practiced racism, April 27, 1994 freed them from the fear of a black majority that could rise against them at any time. 

It freed them from vengeance, as the democratic state immediately instituted reconciliation as a policy of government to heal the divisions and pain of the past. 

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission was instituted to manage this process and help the new nation to find healing. 

Indeed the first phase of our freedom was the freedom of all of us, black and white.

Following the attainment of freedom, the task of turning South Africa around began, as stated by the former ANC President OR Tambo in 1993 at the International Solidarity Conference. He said: “The challenge confronting all of us is to turn South Africa round - to make of her the opposite of what she has been”.

Work to consolidate political freedom and to achieve a better life began immediately after the inauguration of President Nelson Mandela as the first President of a democratic South Africa.

The democratisation of government, the judiciary and the legislature began, in order to de-racialise the three arms of the State, and make South Africa the opposite of what she had been.

During the first ten years of democracy, Parliament approved 789 laws or amendments to eliminate institutionalised racism from our statute books.

A lot has been achieved in the extension of basic services since 1994, in turning South Africa around, but much more still needs to be done.

The fourth democratic administration has made it its primary focus to invest in the achievement of prosperity.  

In this regard, we are leading the struggle to eradicate unemployment, inequality and poverty through promoting inclusive economic growth. 

In 1994, we knew that our toughest task was to transform the economy to reflect the change to democratic governance. 

The challenge has been to ensure that more of our people benefit from economic growth whilst maintaining and indeed building on the strength of our economy. 

The international economic downturn in 2008 was a major setback, especially on the employment front. We are still recovering from that downturn. 

Despite these setbacks, employment has risen by over a third since the mid-1990s. 

Ladies and gentlemen;

The past 18 months have seen a substantial recovery. In 2011 alone, employment grew by a thousand jobs a day; investment climbed by 4%; and the GDP grew by just over 3%. 

The challenge now is to accelerate our gains – to ensure above all that growth supports increased inclusion, employment and equity. 

Finally, we are committed to a massive expansion in public employment programmes as a measure to support unemployed people in the short run, especially the youth. 

In particular, we are working to expand the Community Work Programme over the coming two years. 

This programme is critical because it provides the basis for collective action and mobilisation by communities, which determine where the employed people should work. 

We are working with all South Africans to build unity and prosperity, as outlined in the State of the Nation Address in 2012, and also in 2011 when we declared that year as one of job creation and inclusive growth.

The proportion of the population living below a R422 a month poverty line decreased from 50% in 1994 to 34,5% in 2009. 

In education, we have improved our school enrolments drastically since 2003 and have put 8.8 million learners on the nutrition programme.

We have allocated R8.2 billion for school infrastructure.

In 1994, only 62% of households had access to running water, and the figure has risen to 94,5%. With regard to water infrastructure, forty-three regional bulk projects will be completed by 2014, benefiting 3.2 million people.  

In 1994, only 50% of households had access to decent sanitation, which has now risen to 82%.

By 2011, 75,8% of households had access to electricity, a huge improvement from 51% in 1994.

Our government has delivered over three million subsidized housing units since 1994 and provides one billion rand guarantee fund to help lower income earners.

Most importantly, primary health care in South Africa is now accessible to all South Africans regardless of race, background and nationality. 

Through the National Health Insurance, all South Africans will have access to quality health care irrespective of their economic and social standing.

On the land issue we have transferred 6.7 million hectares of land since 1994 through restitution and redistribution. We must still do much more in this regard in order to meet the 2014 target of 30 percent.

We are working together as the national, provincial and local government in preparing for the implementation of the projects.

Since 2012 has been declared the United Nations International Year of Cooperatives, with the theme “Cooperative Enterprises Build A Better World”, we also acknowledge the central developmental role that cooperatives play, particularly in rural economy. 

As government we therefore will assist the 54 000 registered cooperatives financially by increasing funds for the Cooperative Incentive Scheme and to access the markets. 

Esteemed guests;

Our bid to host the Square Kilometre Array Radio Telescope   has made excellent progress and we are confident of our infrastructure, technical and scientific ability.   
  
At the cost of over two billion Euros, this is the biggest telescope ever built, which will create many jobs for over fifty years.  We look forward to winning this bid and thank you for your support.

There is a lot more work that is being done to extend services and improve the quality of life, as we consolidate political freedom and democracy.

Having gone far in consolidating democracy and achieving a non-racial, non-sexist society, our  fourth democratic administration has made it a priority to move to the second phase, that of achieving a more prosperous South Africa.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The fight against crime is one of the five key priorities of our government.

Ladies and gentlemen,

In keeping with the spirit of the celebration of our 18 years of freedom, and in line with established international practice, I have decided, in terms of the powers given to me by section 84 (2) J of the Constitution, to grant a special remission of sentence to specific categories of sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees.  

This is the first time that we have taken a decision to grant such a remission under the current term of office of this Administration.  

The previous remissions, granted to coincide with key national days have been on 10 May 1994 (Madiba’s Inauguration); 27 April 1995 (first anniversary of our freedom); 18 July 1998 (Mandela’s 80th birthday) and on 30 May 2005 (First year of former President Thabo Mbeki’s second term of office). 

The Ministers of the JCPS cluster will provide the relevant details and specific circumstances with regard to those offenders who will benefit from the reduction of a part of their sentence as a result of this decision.

The categories and the lengths of reduction will be based on the decision of Cabinet in relation to the previous special remission of 2005, in terms of which the following categories will apply:

• 6 months blanket special remission of sentence to all sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees, and an additional 12 months special remission of sentence for all sentenced inmates, probationers and parolees  excluding sentenced offenders, probationers and parolees who have been sentenced for aggressive, sexual, firearm and drug related offences. 
• People who are declared dangerous criminals in terms of section 286A of the Criminal Procedure Act of 1957.

This evening, we will, with great delight, acknowledge those who in various ways contributed to the achievements that our country has enjoyed.

Special reference will be made to some of the ANC presidents who led the struggle for liberation over many years.  

As a country we will honour the following former Presidents of the ANC with National Orders Awards, Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver Reginald Tambo, James Sebe Moroka, A.B. Xuma, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, Zac Mahabane, Josiah Gumede and Sefako Makgatho, for their outstanding role in ensuring that our country became a free and democratic society. 

They represented particular epochs in our country’s history and contributed immensely to the society we live in now.

We will also honour citizens in various categories from the arts, journalism, science and technology, crime fighting as well as distinguished foreign nationals who played a critical role in the advancement of the struggle.

In celebrating these achievements, and in recalling where we come from, we urge all to continue working for unity and to build a strong South African nation that is mindful of the past it has emerged from only 18 years ago.

We dare not forget. We must put the country first in everything we do, and work together to make a success of the second phase of struggle, that of working towards a prosperous South Africa.  
As we continue to work we must remember the theme for Freedom day this year: “Working Together to Build Unity and Prosperity’’.

Happy 18th Birthday to the Republic of South Africa and Happy Freedom Day to you all! I thank you.]]> Topnews Politik Pressespiegel Thu, 03 May 2012 11:57:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1021&cHash=f29331b58b54253a5a3e838060e8d22a Bundesforschungsministerin Annette Schavan und die südafrikanische Ministerin für Wissenschaft und Technologie, Naledi Pandor, eröffneten heute in Kapstadt, Südafrika, das Deutsch-Südafrikanische...
„Ziel ist es, die Potenziale unserer Wissenschaftsstandorte zu bündeln und die bestehenden Forschungspartnerschaften in Deutschland und Südafrika zu stärken“, betonten beide Ministerinnen bei der Eröffnung. Schon jetzt kooperieren deutsche und südafrikanische Wissenschaftler beispielsweise bei einem Projekt zur Entwicklung und Realisierung eines effektiven Energie- und Klimaschutzkonzeptes unter Einbeziehung technischer, wirtschaftlicher, ökologischer und sozialer Fragestellungen. Auch am Auf- und Ausbau einer nachhaltigen Wasser- und Abwasserinfrastruktur in einigen der trockenen Regionen  Südafrikas wird gemeinsam geforscht.

Deutsche und südafrikanische Forschungseinrichtungen, Hochschulen und Unternehmen sind nun dazu aufgerufen, sich mit eigenen Initiativen und Veranstaltungen am Deutsch-Südafrikanischen Jahr der Wissenschaft 2012/2013 zu beteiligen. Auf einer gemeinsamen Webseite werden aktuelle Meldungen und Veranstaltungshinweise präsentiert. Ein Deutsch-Südafrikanisches Science Network Portal fördert den Austausch unter Forschern und Nachwuchswissenschaftlern.

Der Fokus des Jahres liege auf den globalen Herausforderungen, vor denen wir heute stehen, unterstrich Schavan in ihrer Eröffnungsrede: „Der Klimawandel, die fortschreitende Urbanisierung, die Nutzung knapper Ressourcen, die Sicherung der Welternährung und globale Gesundheitsprobleme stellen uns in Politik und Gesellschaft vor große Herausforderungen. Diesen Herausforderungen müssen wir gemeinsam begegnen.“ Unter dem Motto „Forschungspartnerschaften stärken für Innovation und nachhaltige Entwicklung“ stehen daher sieben Themenfelder im Mittelpunkt des Wissenschaftsjahres: Astronomie, Bioökonomie, Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften, Human Capital Development, Innovation in der Gesundheitswirtschaft, Klimawandel und Urbanisierung/Megastädte.

Mehr als 200 Wissenschaftler beider Länder reichten im Rahmen der Bekanntmachungen des BMBF und DST ihre Vorschläge für Initiativen im Rahmen des Wissenschaftsjahres ein. Davon wurden in einem aufeinander abgestimmten Prozess 41 Vorschläge vom BMBF und DST zur Förderung ausgewählt. Sie repräsentieren die sieben Themenfelder des Deutsch-Südafrikanischen Jahres der Wissenschaft 2012/2013. Beispielsweise unterstützt die Zusammenarbeit zwischen der Bauhaus-Universität Weimar (BUW) und North West University Petschefstroom (NWU) den Erfahrungsaustausch und die Mobilität von Nachwuchswissenschaftslern auf dem Gebiet der nachhaltigen, Ressourcen orientierten Siedlungswasserwirtschaft und Bioabfallnutzung. In einem weiteren Projekt wird von der University of Pretoria and der Fachhochschule Kiel eine Konferenz Women in Science – Promoting Excellence and Innovation for Future Development durchgeführt, um Frauen in Wissenschaft und Forschung zu fördern.

Die feierliche Eröffnung fand im International Convention Centre in Kapstadt mit Vertretern aus Politik und Wissenschaft, Studenten und weiteren Akteuren des Jahres statt. Auf der gemeinsamen Pressekonferenz im Anschluss bekräftigten die Ministerinnen Schavan und Pandor die hohen Erwartungen, die sie an die Kooperation knüpfen: „Wir erhoffen uns Impulse für zukünftige, zukunftsweisende Projekte und Innovationen“, so Ministerin Pandor. Eine begleitende Ausstellung der Partner des Jahres der Wissenschaft und ein Astronomie-Symposiums mit dem Titel Innovating the future; reaching for the stars rundeten die Zeremonie in Südafrika ab.

Über die internationalen Wissenschaftsjahre
Das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) setzt mit dieser Initiative die Reihe der internationalen Wissenschaftsjahre mit strategisch wichtigen Partnerländern fort. Seit 2006 wurden erfolgreiche Wissenschaftsjahre und Länderkampagnen mit Schwerpunkten in Wissenschaft und Forschung mit Ländern wie z.B. China, Brasilien und Russland durchgeführt. Pressematerialien
Pressemappe: Deutsch-Südafrikanisches Jahr der Wissenschaft 2012/2013
ZIP, 5.2 MB

Pressemitteilung: Deutsch-Südafrikanisches Jahr der Wissenschaft 2012/2013 gestartet, 16.04.2012
PDF, 1.1 MB Source: |+| Deutsch-Südafrikanische Jahr der Wissenschaft]]> Bilaterale Beziehungen Politik Topnews Presse Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:41:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1019&cHash=99684c2dcf6e703708b8f155cdd26711 14 April 2012. The Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim noted that the situation in Syria remains fragile and reiterated South Africa’s call for all sides to...
Enquiries: Clayson Monyela on 082 884 5974 
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria]]> Un Sicherheitsrat Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 17 Apr 2012 14:45:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1012&cHash=3416b45b9130aff5ab527d8e0d29d932 MEDIA STATEMENTPretoria, 30 March 2012South African Government's response to the recent military confrontation between the Republic of Sudan and South SudanPresident Jacob Zuma joins the...
Pretoria, 30 March 2012

South African Government's response to the recent military confrontation between the Republic of Sudan and South Sudan

President Jacob Zuma joins the international community in expressing his deep concern following the recent military confrontation between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), which took place in the disputed border region between Sudan and South Sudan.

This recent military confrontation has the potential to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the affected region, leading to further civilian casualties, and also threatens to precipitate a resumption of conflict between Sudan and South Sudan.

President Zuma urges the two parties to once again demonstrate the exceptional leadership and commitment to peace that was shown when they signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005, which brought an end to the civil war that had ravaged the region.

The President stated that "the tremendous display of the will of the people was a moment we all stood in awe of in January 2011 when the referendum in South Sudan went ahead without incident. The honour displayed by Presidents Omar Al Bashir and Salva Kiir during the inauguration of South Sudan in July 2011 gave hope to all of us on the Continent that peace and mutual respect is achievable." President Zuma urged Sudan and South Sudan not to allow this incident to derail the gains made thus far.

The President also commended the two parties for their courage and resolve in concluding a Non-Aggression and Cooperation Pact on 10 February 2012, which makes provision for the two States to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He urged that this pact must be implemented in full.

President Zuma called on both parties not to undertake any action that would undermine the security and stability of the region and each other's territories. Furthermore, President Zuma has called on his dear brothers, President Al Bashir and President Salva Kiir, to resume their scheduled talks and ensure that the Summit in Juba takes place as planned. The Summit would be a strong gesture and have a calming and restorative effect on the relations, as did the visit of President Bashir just days before the referendum.

The President has urged both States to utilize the upcoming session of the Joint Political and Security Mechanism to defuse tensions along the border, and to continue working within the context of the negotiations carried out under the auspices of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel (AUHIP).

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building

460 Soutpansberg Road

Pretoria (This document is available in English only)]]> Politik Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:07:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=1011&cHash=e6e1cca5ebb639d96f0364757fa74232 Media statementPretoria, 30 March 2012South Africa's response to the developments in SyriaThe South African Government welcomes the announcement by the Syrian Government that it has accepted the...
Pretoria, 30 March 2012

South Africa's response to the developments in Syria

The South African Government welcomes the announcement by the Syrian Government that it has accepted the proposals by the United  Nations and League of Arab States Special Envoy for Syria, former UN Secretary General Koffi Annan, to end the violence in the country; provide for international humanitarian assistance for the population affected by the conflict; and to arrange for peaceful dialogue leading to a political transformation in the country. In welcoming this announcement, Deputy Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim called on all other parties involved in the conflict to also accept the proposals of the Special Envoy and to commit to peaceful dialogue with the Syrian Government in order to promote an all-inclusive process of negotiations, free of any form of violence or intimidation, leading to a political outcome  that responds to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.

Issued by: Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 Soutpansberg Road

Rietondale

Pretoria

(This document is available in English only)

]]> Politik Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:05:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=992&cHash=b00852be74092f3d7701e319fb02bfc0 State of the Nation Address By His Excellency Jacob G Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa on the occasion of the Joint Sitting of Parliament, Cape Town 9 Feb 2012Honourable Speaker of the...
9 Feb 2012

Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces,
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP,
Deputy President of the Republic, Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe,
Former Deputy President FW De Klerk,
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete,
Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic, and all esteemed members of the Judiciary,
Honourable Chairperson of the SADC Parliamentary Forum and Speaker of the
Parliament of Zimbabwe; Mr Lovemore Moyo,
Honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Honourable Minister of International Relations of the Republic of Angola, Mr Rebelo Chikoti,
Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Mozambique, Mr Julio Baloi,
Distinguished Premiers and Speakers of our Provinces,
Chairperson of SALGA, and all local government leadership,
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders,
The Heads of Chapter 9 Institutions,
The Governor of the Reserve Bank,
Leaders of all sectors from business, sports, traditional and religious leaders,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Special and distinguished guests,
Fellow South Africans,
Dumelang, good evening, goeie naand, molweni, thobela, abuxeni!

I would like to extend warm greetings to all on this important day.

It is an honour to speak to South Africans in this House and in their homes and viewing centres around the country.

I also extend a warm welcome to Ambassadors and High Commissioners representing 146 countries, with which South Africa has diplomatic relations. We value your presence in our country.

Compatriots and friends,

This State of the Nation Address takes place during a significant year in the history of our country, the centenary of the ruling party, the African National Congress.

In marking this occasion we are recognising the work of all South Africans in bringing about a truly free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous country.

We wish to single out the former presidents of the ANC who led our struggle for liberation and of creating a better life across generations. We salute John Langalibalele Dube, Sefako Makgatho, Zac Mahabane, Josiah Gumede, Pixley ka Isaka Seme, AB Xuma, JS Moroka, Chief Albert Luthuli, Oliver Tambo, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.

We welcome the families of the former ANC Presidents who are our special guests this evening.

We also recognise other components of the liberation movement - the Black Consciousness Movement which was led by Mr Steve Biko, whose son Samora is also our special guest, and the Pan-Africanist Congress which was led by Mr Robert Sobukwe.

We acknowledge too, the contribution of the late former MP, Ms Helen Suzman, who was a lone voice in this very House, speaking out against oppressive laws.

Honourable Members,

Compatriots and friends,

The year 2012 is also special because it marks the 16th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic, which gives full expression to our democratic ideals.

The Constitution is South Africa’s fundamental vision statement, which guides our policies and actions. We reaffirm our commitment to advance the ideals of our country’s Constitution at all times.

Compatriots and friends,

At the January Cabinet lekgotla, we decided to undertake a mid-term review, looking at progress from 2009 till now instead of the usual annual review.

The mid-term review indicated steady progress in various areas such as health, education, the fight against crime, human settlements, energy, water provision, rural development and others.

However, the triple challenge of unemployment, poverty and inequality persists, despite the progress made. Africans, women and the youth continue to suffer most from this challenge.

Somlomo nosihlalo abahloniphekileyo,

Njengekhabhinethi kazwelonke sithathe isinqumo sokuthikufanele senze ngokwedlulele, ukukhulisa umnotho wezwe, ukuze siqede lezizinkinga zokwesweleka kwemisebenzi, ubumpofu kanye nokungalingani ezweni.

Ilezo zinto ezintathu esizobhekana nazo ngqo, kulonyaka naseminyakeni ezayo.

Compatriots,

When freedom was attained in 1994, South Africa inherited a problem of structural unemployment which goes back to the 1970s. Employment continued to deteriorate in the 1990s and the early 2000s due to slow growth and declining employment in gold mining and agriculture.

Although jobs grew rapidly during the boom of 2003 to 2008, unemployment did not fall below 20%.

Employment received another setback in the recession of 2009.

Fortunately, Government entered the 2008-2009 recession with healthy public finances, and a comparatively low level of debt.

This allowed for a flexible response to deteriorating economic conditions.

For example, we increased spending on social security and on infrastructure development to stimulate the economy, mainly through the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup build programme.

Informed by some of these difficulties and the need to move away from piecemeal planning, we took a decision in 2009 to establish the National Planning Commission and asked them to produce a national development plan for the country, informed by the Constitution of the Republic.

The Commission released the first draft of the National Development Plan [PDF] for consideration, which looks at where we want to be in 20 years’ time.

The Plan also directly addresses the elimination of poverty and inequality as critical points that must be attended to.

The solution for the country therefore, is higher growth and job creation to reduce and ultimately eradicate poverty and inequality.

As a developmental state that is located at the centre of a mixed economy, we see our role as being to lead and guide the economy and to intervene in the interest of the poor, given the history of our country.

Informed by this responsibility, in 2010 we launched the New Growth Path framework and identified our job drivers as infrastructure development, tourism, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and the green economy.

We declared 2011 the year of job creation, and mobilised our social partners, namely business, labour and the community sector, to work with us in implementing the New Growth Path.

The results are encouraging, although we are not out of the woods yet, given the global economic situation.

The fourth quarter figures released on Tuesday, indicate that the rate of unemployment has come down from twenty-five percent to 23.9% as a result of new jobs.

During 2011, a total of 365 000 people were employed. This is the country’s best performance since the recession of 2008.

What is also important is that all the new jobs are in the formal sector of the economy, in sectors such as mining, transport, community services and trade to name a few.

There are two main things that we did right in 2011 which are contributing to this joint success.

Firstly, we mainstreamed job creation in every government entity including state owned enterprises.

Secondly, we strengthened social dialogue and cooperation between government, business and the community sector.

The Accords, signed by government, business and labour on procurement, skills development, basic education, and the green economy, confirm our common purpose and determination to build this country.

Government alone cannot solve the challenges faced by the country, but working together, solutions are possible.

Compatriots,

Let me take this opportunity to report back on the undertakings made in the SONA last year.

The Job Fund which we announced last year began operating in June. Over 2 500 applications were received in the first round. Project allocations of over one billion rand have been committed.

We had also announced 20 billion rand worth of incentives under Section 12(i) of the Income Tax Act, designed to support new industrial projects and manufacturing, and seven projects with an investment value of 8,4 billion rand were approved.

The procurement regulations empowering the Department of Trade and Industry to designate specific industries where local content is prescribed came into effect in December.

The sectors include clothing textiles, canned vegetables, leather and footwear.

Progress has also been made in amalgamating small business institutions, and a new entity will be launched this year.

We had announced 10 billion rand to be set aside by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) for job creation.

To date, about one point five billion rand was approved for 60 companies to promote job creation.

Compatriots and friends,

The mining industry, one of the job drivers in the New Growth Path, plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of the country.

As part of addressing the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment, government has developed a beneficiation strategy, which seeks to provide opportunities in the downstream part of the minerals sector.

We remain committed to the creation of a favourable and globally competitive mining sector, and to promote the industry to attract investment and achieve both industrial growth and much-needed transformation.

Honourable Speaker,

Honourable Chairperson of the NCOP,

The work done last year indicates that if we continue to grow reasonably well, we will begin to write a new story about South Africa—the story of how, working together, we drove back unemployment and reduced economic inequality and poverty.

It is beginning to look possible.

We must not lose this momentum.

For the year 2012 and beyond, we invite the nation to join government in a massive infrastructure development drive.

Baba Somlomo noSihlalo,

Sizoqala umkhankaso omkhulu wokwakha izingqalazizinda ezweni lonke. Lokhu kuzophakamisa izinga lomnotho, futhi kuveze amathuba emisebenzi.

Compatriots,

We will use the project management expertise gained during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup to make this project a success.

The infrastructure plan will be driven and overseen by the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, (PICC), which was established in September, bringing together Ministers, Premiers and Metro Mayors under the leadership of the President and the Deputy President.

The PICC has identified and developed projects and infrastructure initiatives from state-owned enterprises as well as national, provincial and local government departments.

These have been clustered, sequenced and prioritised into a pipeline of strategic integrated projects.

We have chosen five major geographically-focussed programmes, as well as projects focusing on health and basic education infrastructure, information and communication technologies and regional integration.

The projects are as follows:

Firstly, we plan to develop and integrate rail, road and water infrastructure, centred around two main areas in Limpopo: the Waterberg in the Western part of the province and Steelpoort in the eastern part.

These efforts are intended to unlock the enormous mineral belt of coal, platinum, palladium, chrome and other minerals, in order to facilitate increased mining as well as stepped-up beneficiation of minerals.

Using the developments in Limpopo as a base, we will expand rail transport in Mpumalanga, connecting coalfields to power stations.

This will enable us to decisively shift from road to rail in the transportation of coal, which has caused a deterioration of the roads in Mpumalanga.

The eastern parts of the North West province will also benefit from the greater focus on infrastructure connected to mining and mineral beneficiation.

Secondly, we will improve the movement of goods and economic integration through a Durban-Free State-Gauteng logistics and industrial corridor.

This project is intended to connect the major economic centres of Gauteng and Durban/Pinetown, and at the same time, connect these centres with improved export capacity through our sea-ports.

In this regard, I am pleased to announce the Market Demand Strategy of Transnet, which entails an investment, over the next seven years, of three hundred billion rand in capital projects.

Of this amount, 200 billion rand is allocated to rail projects and the majority of the balance, to projects in the ports.

Amongst the list of planned projects, is the expansion of the Iron Ore Export channel from 60 million tons per annum to 82 million tons per annum.

It also includes various improvements to the Durban-Gauteng Rail corridor and the phased development of a new 16 million tons per annum manganese export channel through the Port of Ngqura in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The Market Demand Strategy will result in the creation of more jobs in the South African economy, as well as increased localization and Black Economic Empowerment. It will also position South Africa as a regional trans-shipment hub for Sub-Saharan Africa and deliver on NEPAD’s regional integration agenda.

We have also been looking at the necessity of reducing port charges, as part of reducing the costs of doing business. The issue of high port charges was one of those raised sharply by the automotive sector in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage during my performance monitoring visit to the sector last year.

In this regard, I am pleased to announce that the Port Regulator and Transnet have agreed to an arrangement which will result in exporters of manufactured goods, receiving a significant decrease in port charges, during the coming year, equal to about 1 billion rand in total.

Thirdly, we will develop a major new South Eastern node that will improve the industrial and agricultural development and export capacity of the Eastern Cape region, and expand the province’s economic and logistics linkages with the Northern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

In the former Transkei part of the Eastern Cape, we are committed to building a dam using the Umzimvubu River as the source, in order to expand agricultural production.

In addition, the implementation of the Mthatha revitalization project, which is a Presidential special project, is proceeding very well.

Work is at an advanced stage to improve water, sanitation, electricity, roads, human settlements, airport development and institutional and governance issues.

Fourthly, in the North West, we will expand the roll-out of water, roads, rail and electricity infrastructure. Ten priority roads will be upgraded.

Fifthly, we see enormous potential along the west coast of the country and need to improve infrastructure to unlock this potential.

Our plans include the expansion of the iron-ore rail line between Sishen in Northern Cape and Saldanha Bay in the Western Cape, which will create large numbers of jobs in both provinces.

The iron-ore capacity on the transport-side will increase capacity to 100 million tons per annum.

This will allow for the expansion of iron-ore mining over the next decade to feed the developing world’s growing investment in infrastructure and industrial activities.

Compatriots,

We have also identified critical social infrastructure projects. These include projects aimed at laying the basis for the National Health Insurance system such as the refurbishment of hospitals and nurses’ homes.

A total of 300 million rand has been allocated for the preparatory work towards building new universities in Mpumalanga and Northern Cape.

Another infrastructure project with great potential is South Africa’s bid to host the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope in partnership with eight other African countries. The winning bid will be announced next month. We urge you to support the country’s bid.

Lastly, our infrastructure work extends beyond our borders. South Africa champions the North-South Road and Rail Corridor, which is part of the African Union’s NEPAD Presidential Infrastructure Championing initiative [PDF].

Work in this regard, comprises various inter-related projects that cover roads and railways, border crossings, energy and information and communication technologies.

Compatriots,

The massive investment in infrastructure must leave more than just power stations, rail-lines, dams and roads. It must industrialise the country, generate skills and boost much needed job creation.

I will convene a Presidential infrastructure summit to discuss the implementation of the plan with potential investors and social partners.

Honourable Speaker, Honourable Chairperson of the NCOP,

I would now like to discuss matters relating to the extension of basic services, addressing inequalities, peace and security and social cohesion.

I received a lot of valuable correspondence in the run-up to this SONA. Such interaction enables us keep in touch with our people and their needs.

I received an email relating to a housing problem from Mzukisi Mali, a public servant from the Fingo area in Grahamstown. He wrote;

“In 1994 my income was too high to get an RDP and too low to get a bond, this continued until to date.I have three children and my wife is not working.

“When I apply for an RDP I am told that I do not qualify and cannot get a bond because I am risky to the banks...’’

Fortunately we have gone some way to address the problem facing Mr Mali and many others.

In 2010, we announced a one billion rand guarantee fund to promote access to loans.

We are pleased to report that this fund will start its operations in April, managed by the National Housing Finance Corporation. The scheme will enable the Banks to lend to people who are in a similar situation as Mr Mali.

In addition, from April, people earning between three thousand five hundred rand and R15 000, will be able to obtain a subsidy of up to R83 000 from Provinces, to enable them to obtain housing finance from an accredited Bank.

Ungalilahli ithemba Mr Mali nabaningi abanye, kuzolunga ngenxa yalomxhaso ozotholakala kohulumeni bezifundazwe, kanye nalomshwalense omusha ozokwenza kubelula kumabhange ukuthi aniboleke imali.

Compatriots,

There is an ongoing concern from business and communities about high electricity costs.

I have asked Eskom to seek options on how the price increase requirement may be reduced over the next few years, in support of economic growth and job creation and give me proposals for consideration.

We need an electricity price path which will ensure that Eskom and the industry remain financially viable and sustainable, but which remains affordable especially for the poor.

However to achieve sustainability, a pact will be required with all South Africans – including business, labour, municipalities, communities and all customers and suppliers.

We must save electricity.

For the next two years, until the Medupi and Kusile power stations come into operation, the electricity system will be very tight.

We should all play our part in order to avoid load shedding.

To increase energy capacity we will continue searching for renewable energy sources, especially solar electricity and biofuels as we implement the Green Economy Accord with economic stakeholders.

To date we have installed more than 220 000 solar geysers nationwide.

The Government target is one million solar geysers by 2014-2015.

Honourable Members,

Compatriots,

Government continues to extend access to basic water supply. However, clearly, water access is still a challenge in some areas.

An email from Mmatsheko Pine from Hammanskraal is a case in point.

The writer says; “There is the area called Ngobi near Hammanskraal, under Moretele Local Municipality, the people residing in the area are now old, aged and mostly sick.

“The area has been without water for the past two years. People rely on rain to harvest water.

There are water pipes and machines installed but the problem is said to be pressure to pump water. Could your office kindly assist with the powers that be?”.

I have asked the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs to investigate this matter with a view to finding an urgent solution.

Water expansion has been delayed in some parts of the country due to a lack of infrastructure.This is being attended to. For example, five new water augmentation schemes are on schedule.

These are Olifants River Water Resource in Steelpoort in Limpopo Province, the Vaal River Eastern Sub-System in Secunda in Mpumalanga, Komati Water Augmentation Scheme in Nkangala in Mpumalanga, the raising of Hazelmere dam in KwaZulu-Natal and the Clan William Dam in Clan William in the Western Cape. In addition, nine out of 25 dams have been rehabilitated.

In relation to the announcements we made during the United Nations COP17 climate change conference, an amount of 248 million rand is to be invested over next two years to deal with the issue of Acid Mine Drainage in Witwatersrand.

Let me take this opportunity to congratulate the inter-ministerial committee on COP17 for making the conference a huge success

The final outcome of COP17 was historic and precedent setting, ranking with the 1997 conference where the Kyoto Protocol was adopted.

Building on the success of COP17, South Africa will participate in the Rio plus 20 Summit in Brazil, which marks the 10th anniversary of the World Summit on Sustainable Development.

Honourable Speaker and Honourable Chairperson,

Our intensive focus on education is paying off.

We are pleased that the matric percentage pass is on an upward trend.We congratulate the teachers, learners, parents and the communities for the efforts.

We will continue to invest in producing more teachers who can teach mathematics, science and African languages.

Compatriots,

Our call to teachers to be in school, in class, on time, teaching for at least seven hours a day remains pivotal to success. We thank the teacher unions for supporting this campaign.

A major achievement is the doubling of Grade R enrolment, from 300 000 in 2003 to 705 000 in 2011. We appear poised to meet our target of 100% coverage for Grade R by 2014.

To fight poverty and inequality and to keep learners in school, over 8 million learners attend no-fee schools while over eight million benefit from government’s school feeding scheme.

Last year, national government instituted a Section 100 (1)(b) intervention in the Eastern Cape, to assist the department of education to improve the delivery of education.

Problems included non-delivery of textbooks, non-payment of scholar transport, excess teachers and a general poor culture of learning and teaching.

The implementation of the intervention will continue and we are working well with the province in this regard. Sizimisele ukwenza immeko yemfundo ibengcono eMpuma Koloni. We call on all stakeholders to work with us to make this turnaround a success.

Compatriots,

During the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, we resolved that the South African legacy would be to promote universal access to education.

School attendance in the country is now close to 100 percent for the compulsory band, 7-15 years of age.But we remain concerned by the report of the General Household Survey in 2010 that just over 120 000 children in that band are out of school.

Grade 10 drop outs appear to be a problem, particularly in the rural and farm areas of the Western Cape.

The national Government will work closely with the Western Cape government, to trace these learners and provide support so that they do not lose their future.

With regards to higher education, we are exceeding targets. Close to 14 000 learners were placed in workplace learning opportunities over the past year, and over 11 000 artisans have completed their trade tests.

Siyajabula ukubona ukuthi liyanda inani lentsha efunda amakhono kulamakolishi abizwa phecelezi ngama-Further Education and Training Colleges.

Siyaninxusa bazali ukuthi nigqugquzele izingane zifunde kulamakolishi. Akufanele zicabange ukuthi imisebenzi ifundelwa emanyuvesi kuphela.

Siyawadinga amakhono atholakala kulamakolishi.

To expand access to tertiary education as per our announcement last year,200 million rand was utilised to assist 25 000 students to pay off their debts to institutions of higher learning.

Compatriots and friends,

We congratulate the health sector as well as the South African National Aids Council led by the Deputy President of the Republic on the success of the HIV and AIDS programme.

While we are doing well with regards to treatment and the prevention of mother to child transmission, general prevention efforts must also be accelerated.

We also wish to encourage South Africans to live healthier lives to reduce the impact of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension.

Compatriots and friends,

The year 2013 will mark the centenary of the Natives Land Act of 1913, which took away 87 percent of the land from the African people.

The Constitution requires that the State must realise the restitution of land rights for those who were dispossessed by the 1913 law.

We have only distributed 8% of the 30% target of land redistribution for 2014 that we set ourselves. The process is slow and tedious and there is general agreement that the willing buyer- willing seller option has not been the best way to address this question.

That is why have introduced a new policy framework, the Green Paper on Land Reform.

We urge the public to participate in the process of improving land redistribution and reform to reverse the impact of the 1913 Act.

Honourable Speaker,

Compatriots,

On economic transformation, we are amending the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act [PDF]. The amendments amongst other things, establish a statutory Commission that would deal with non-compliance and circumvention.

The proposed law will also criminalise fronting and other forms of empowerment misrepresentation.

With regards to issues of disability, we have directed all government departments to ensure that we meet the target we set several years ago of having 2% of people employed in the Public Service to be disabled persons.

We are also working towards a Women Empowerment and Gender Equality Bill, to promote compliance in both government and the private sector and to provide for sanctions in the case of non-compliance.

Meanwhile, the NEDLAC Process on the Atypical Forms of Employment and Labour Broking has now been completed.

Government seeks to eliminate all forms of abusive practices inherent in labour broking, in order to strengthen the protection of vulnerable workers. We trust that common ground will be found this year on this matter.

Compatriots,

In 2009 we made a commitment to accelerate the fight against crime and corruption.

The crime statistics for the period 2010/2011 indicate that our country witnessed a decline of 5% in the number of reported serious crimes compared to the previous year.

We will however, not become complacent. We are continuing to implement our programmes of making South Africans feel safe and to be safe.

We also continue to improve the performance of the state in various ways, including the fight against corruption.

The Multi-Agency Working Group on procurement led by the National Treasury, SARS and the Financial Intelligence Centre is reviewing the entire state procurement system to ensure better value for money from state spending.

Initiatives include the vetting of supply chain personnel in government departments.

To further improve security, the Department of Home Affairs, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the banking industry, to roll out the online fingerprint verification system in all participating banks, to assist in fraud prevention and detection.

Compatriots and friends,

We are working with various provinces to improve governance, systems and administration.

These include Gauteng to improve health service delivery, the Free State on transport and roads and Limpopo to improve governance and financial administration in five departments, including the provincial treasury.

We welcome the launch of Corruption Watch by COSATU, as well as the recent agreement between government and business to implement anti-corruption programmes.

These interventions will complement the work of government in combating corruption.

Compatriots and friends,

As part of promoting social cohesion, this year we will undertake and continue many heritage projects.

Museums and centres to be unveiled will include the 1980 Matola Raid museum in Maputo, the Ncome museum in KwaZulu-Natal, phase 2 of the Freedom Park museum and the Steve Biko heritage centre in Ginsberg in King Williamstown.

We have also prioritised thehomes and graves of former ANC Presidents and other national heroes including Thomas Maphikela, Lillian Ngoyi, Walter and Albertina Sisulu, Griffiths and Victoria Mxenge, Robert Sobukwe and others.

Memorial sites to be prioritised include that of the Pondo Revolt, the sites of the Frontier Wars, the 1913 revolt by African women in the Free State, the 1957 anti-pass revolt by women in Zeerust, the Rocklands Civic Centre in Mitchells Plein where the United Democratic Front was formed and the Gugulethu Seven monument in Cape Town.

We are also in the process of purchasing and rehabilitating the Winnie Mandela house in Brandfort, the Dr. Moroka house in Thaba Nchu and the Bram Fischer house in Westdene.

Additional projects include the launch of the Dube Tradeport and the unveiling of the statue of John Dube at King Shaka International Airport next month and renaming the Kings House presidential residence in Durban after Dr Dube.

The Presidential Guest House in Pretoria will be named after Mr Sefako Makgatho and the Diplomatic Guest House in Pretoria after the late prolific diplomat, Mr Johnny Makatini.

Government will also table the National Traditional Affairs Bill which makes provision for the recognition of the Khoi-San communities, their leadership and structures.

It is important to remember that the Khoi-San people were the most brutalised by colonialists who tried to make them extinct, and [View Source] undermined their language and identity. As a free and democratic South Africa today, we cannot ignore to correct the past.

I discussed this matter extensively with the Khoi-San community when I met with them in Cape Town last year and we agreed to work together to redress the injustices of the past.

Compatriots,

Next year 2013, the seat of government, the majestic Union Buildings, will mark 100 years of existence and planning will start this year to mark the centenary.

Fellow South Africans,

We must perform better in sports this year! Our star performer, Oscar Pistorius has set the standard for the year by winning the 2012 Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability Award.Congratulations for this achievement.

We also congratulate the national women’s soccer team Banyana Banyana for qualifying for the London Olympics for the first time. With our support, they will do well.

We have been given the honour to host the Africa Cup of Nations next year, replacing Libya as they are unable to do so.

Compatriots,

Allow me to use this opportunity to extend heartiest congratulations and good wishes to Mama Rebecca Kotane, wife of former ANC treasurer general, Moses Kotane and SACP general secretary, who will turn 100 years old on Sunday the 12th of February.

The Young Men’s Guild of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, Amadodana aseWesile, is also celebrating 100 years this year.

Another centenary celebration is that of Omama Besililo of the United Congregational Church of South Africa.

We wish them all successful celebrations.

Compatriots,

We have outlined a busy infrastructure implementation programme for now until 2014 and beyond.

I would like to appeal to all our people to join hands as they always do, as we deal decisively with the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. Nobody will do this for us, it is in our hands. And we are all equal to the task.

As we get back to work tomorrow, let us internalise the words of ANC Women’s League founding president Charlotte Maxeke who said in her Presidential address to the National Council of African Women.

“This work is not for yourselves — kill that spirit of self, and do not live above your people, but live with them. If you can rise, bring someone with you’’.

I thank you.

Issued by: The Presidency
9 Feb 2012 (This document is not available in German)]]> Politik Pressespiegel Presse Topnews Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:11:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=988&cHash=97030989063e357e2365fada24ba6de0 Berlin, 17 January 2012. The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa hosted a one-day seminar arranged by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) to showcase South Africa’s...
The event is aimed specifically at promoting collaboration opportunities for German researchers in South Africa's ICT and Climate Change research programmes, with the further view of strengthening research collaboration between German and South African researchers in the two areas. The science and technology road show will also visit the UK, Netherlands and France.

The seminar was also in preparation for the South Africa-German Year of Science, a joint cooperation project between the Department of Science and Technology and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research that is scheduled to be launched in April 2012 in Cape Town.   The seminar is a further confirmation of the excellent cooperation between South Africa and Germany in the field of science and research.  This relationship was formalized in 2006 with the establishment of the Binational Commission and where a Working Group on Science and Technology was established. The seminar will further contribute to the meeting of the next Binational Commission planned for 2012 in Berlin, Germany. 
For more information, please visit the following websites:
www.esastap.org.za www.saccess-project.eu (This document is available in English only)]]> Botschaft Wirtschaft Bilaterale Beziehungen Pressespiegel Presse Mon, 23 Jan 2012 10:31:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=984&cHash=ab54d217b098780e7d44177c870abafd PRESS RELEASE22 December 2011 The month of January 2012 will be marked by several high-level events in the international relations calendar. These include, amongst others, South Africa assuming the... 22 December 2011 The month of January 2012 will be marked by several high-level events in the international relations calendar. These include, amongst others, South Africa assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and playing an important role in the UN High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability, the 18th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.


The South African government will take advantage of the above-mentioned occasions to advance South Africa’s foreign policy objectives, which include supporting the African Agenda, South-South and North-South cooperation with a view to promoting democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights.

1. Presidency of the UNSC

South Africa will assume the presidency of the UNSC for the month of January 2012.  Consistent with the practice of the UNSC, the Office of the President of the Security Council rotates monthly among its members on the basis of the English alphabetical order, and the Council is organized to be able to function continuously. The Permanent Representative of the relevant member state assumes the role of the President of the UNSC and his/her staff form the Presidency for a particular month.  

According to the provisional rules of procedure of the Security Council, the role of the Presidency is to “preside over meetings of the Council” (rule 19). However, in practice the Presidency is also responsible for organizing, coordinating and guiding the work of the Council. In addition, the South African delegation is expected to help prepare the agenda of the Council for the month in consultation with other Council members, chair meetings of the Council, guide the UNSC to decisions on a range of issues on its agenda and act as the Council's official contact point for other UN Member States, the media and civil society. The Presidency of the UNSC also offers an opportunity to promote a theme that is of particular regional or national importance.

 
In this context, South Africa will utilize its Presidency of the Security Council in January 2012 to continue exploring concrete measures for strengthening the relationship between the United Nations (UN) and regional organizations, in particular the African Union (AU), in the maintenance of international peace and security in terms of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter.  At the same time, it is expected that the South African delegation will convene a high level thematic debate with the aim of adopting concrete measures to ensure greater coherence between the UN and the AU in the area of conflict prevention, management and resolution of conflicts on the African continent.
2. High-Level Panel on Global Sustainability

Still in January 2012, President Jacob Zuma and President Tarja Halonen of Finland will co-chair UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon’s High-level Panel on Global Sustainability at the UN Headquarters in New York. The Secretary-General launched the High-level Panel on Global Sustainability (GSP) on 09 August 2010 to formulate a new plan for achieving sustainable development and meeting the Millennium Development Goals and other development objectives.

Since its establishment, the Panel has explored approaches to growth that would translate into effective socio-economic development and poverty reduction. The Panel focused mostly on climate change as a sustainable development challenge, addressing the three pillars of sustainable development; namely economic, social and environmental. Moreover, the Panel also reflected on a new vision for sustainable growth and prosperity by assessing strategic solutions to climate change as a key point of departure to the management of global issues and challenges.

It is expected that the GSP will release its final report on 12 January 2012. The recommendations contained in the GSP’s report will feed into inter-governmental processes, including preparations for the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio 2012), and the annual meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

3. The 18th Ordinary Session of the AU

At the 18th Ordinary session of the Summit of the African Union (AU), scheduled for 23-30 January 2011 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, South Africa will put forward the candidature of Home Affairs Minister, Dr Nkozasana Dlamini Zuma, for the position of Chairperson of the African Union Commission. The position will become vacant after the term of the current Chairperson ends in January 2012. The AU Summit takes place twice a year to make policy decisions affecting the Continent. The theme of the upcoming AU Summit will be “Boosting Intra-African Trade.”

 

4. World Economic Forum

The annual meeting of the World Economic Forum will take place from 25 to 29 January 2012 in Davos, Switzerland, under the theme: “The Great Transformation: Shaping New Models”. Leaders will share insights on what has changed fundamentally in the world, explore emerging conceptual models and collaborate on the risks and opportunities that lie ahead. As is the tradition of the Annual Meeting of the WEF, the programme will focus on business and economics in order to generate ideas and the collaborative spirit needed to manage the future course of world economic affairs. (This document is available in English only)]]> Politik Afrikanische Union Un Sicherheitsrat Pressespiegel Presse Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:49:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=982&cHash=4e4f435a1ae3da6b556c0c2fa3d14aea RESS RELEASE, 11 December 2011COP17/CMP7 – The Durban PlatformAfter months of preparation and a marathon two weeks of negotiations that ended in the early morning hours of 11 December 2011, the...
COP17/CMP7 – The Durban Platform

After months of preparation and a marathon two weeks of negotiations that ended in the early morning hours of 11 December 2011, the United Nations (UN) Climate Change Conference or COP17/CMP7 came to an end at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban.
Parties have delivered a breakthrough on the future of the international community’s response to climate change, whilst recognizing the urgent need to raise their collective level of ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep the average global temperature rise below two degrees Celsius.
The Parties thanked the COP17/CMP7 President, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, for her leadership in guiding the conference to produce a positive outcome.

Durban expectations

There were two main tasks that the UN wanted the conference to accomplish. One related to building the institutions that would help support the developing countries response to climate change.
The second pressing task for governments was to answer the question of how they would move forward together to achieve their agreed goal to limit the average global temperature rise to two degrees Celsius, and how to review progress towards that goal between 2013 and 2015.
A decision on the future of the Kyoto Protocol was also a central part of the Durban outcomes. The Kyoto Protocol is the only legally binding treaty the world presently has to combat climate change, and it is important that governments safeguard what they had worked on so long to agree and develop, and what has proven effective.

The process

During the first week of the Conference negotiators worked on the technical aspect of the negotiations. The officials were joined by no fewer than 12 Heads of State and Government, as well as 130 ministers, during the High-Level Segment which started on 6 December 2011.
At the opening of the COP17/CMP High-level Segment, President Jacob Zuma said: “We are agreed that this global challenge requires a global solution. However, different positions still prevail on some critical points. It is important that there is common ground on the elements that will remain critical in reaching any agreement. These are multilateralism, environmental integrity, common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities, equity, and honouring of all international commitments and undertakings made in the climate change process.”

The outcomes in Durban

Speaking at 5:10am at the conclusion of the Conference, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane thanked all Parties for their dedication, hard work and for the spirit of Ubuntu and compromise that prevailed during the Conference.
“I applaud you for what you have been able to accomplish here in Durban. You were prepared to show the required political will to move this process forward. It is without any doubt in my mind that we have ‘worked together to save tomorrow, today!’”. The Minister said the decisions that had been taken were “truly historical”.

Decisions reached at COP17/CMP7

Governments decided to adopt a universal legal agreement on climate change as soon as possible, but not later than 2015. Work will begin on this immediately under a new group called the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action.
Governments, including 35 industrialised countries, agreed to a second commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol from 01 January 2013. To achieve rapid clarity, Parties to this second period will turn their economy-wide targets into quantified emission limitation or reduction objectives and submit them for review by 01 May 2012. This is highly significant because the Kyoto Protocol’s accounting rules, mechanisms and markets all remain in action as effective tools to leverage global climate action and as models to inform future agreements.
A significantly advanced framework for the reporting of emission reductions for both developed and developing countries was also agreed, taking into consideration the common but differentiated responsibilities of different countries.
In addition to charting the way forward on reducing greenhouse gases in the global context, governments agreed to the full implementation of the package to support developing nations, agreed last year in Cancun, Mexico (COP16/CMP6). This means that urgent support for the developing world, especially for the poorest and most vulnerable to adapt to climate change, will also be launched on time. The package includes the Green Climate Fund, an Adaptation Committee designed to improve the coordination of adaptation actions on a global scale, and a Technology Mechanism, which are to become fully operational in 2012.
Whilst pledging to make progress in a number of areas, governments acknowledged the urgent concern that the current sum of pledges to cut emissions both from developed and developing countries was not high enough to keep the global average temperature rise below two degrees Celsius. They therefore decided that the UN Climate Change process shall increase ambition to act and will be led by the climate science in the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) Fifth Assessment Report and the global Review from 2013-2015.  

Key decisions:

Green Climate Fund

•       Countries have already started to pledge to contribute to start-up costs of the fund, meaning it can be made ready in 2012, and at the same time  can help developing countries get ready to access the fund, boosting their efforts to establish their own clean energy futures and adapt to existing climate change.
•       A Standing Committee is to keep an overview of climate finance in the context of the UNFCCC and to assist the Conference of the Parties. It will comprise 20 members, represented equally between the developed and developing world.
•       A focussed work programme on long-term finance was agreed, which will contribute to the scaling up of climate change finance going forward and will analyse options for the mobilisation of resources from a variety of sources.

Adaptation

•       The Adaptation Committee, composed of 16 members, will report to the COP on its efforts to improve the coordination of adaptation actions at a global scale. •       The adaptive capacities above all of the poorest and most vulnerable countries are to be strengthened. National Adaptation Plans will allow developing countries to assess and reduce their vulnerability to climate change. •       The most vulnerable are to receive better protection against loss and damage caused by extreme weather events related to climate change.

Technology

•       The Technology Mechanism will become fully operational in 2012. •       The full terms of reference for the operational arm of the Mechanism - the Climate Technology Centre and Network - are agreed, along with a clear procedure to select the host. The UNFCCC secretariat will issue a call for proposals for hosts on 16 January 2012.

Support of developing country action

•       Governments agreed a registry to record developing country mitigation actions that seek financial support and to match these with support. The registry will be a flexible, dynamic, web-based platform.


Other key decisions

•       A forum and work programme on unintended consequences of climate change actions and policies were established. •       Under the Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism, governments adopted procedures to allow carbon-capture and storage projects. These guidelines will be reviewed every five years to ensure environmental integrity.
•       Governments agreed to develop a new market-based mechanism to assist developed countries in meeting part of their targets or commitments under the Convention. Details of this will be taken forward in 2012.

 
ISSUED BY THE PRESIDENCY OF COP17/CMP7

For further information, please contact Mr Clayson Monyela on 082 884 5974

This press release is only available in English.

]]> Topnews Pressespiegel Politik Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:32:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=970&cHash=f1003320c9a3c1e93b653796449a4f00 PRESS STATEMENT Stellenbosch, South Africa, 21 October 2011Pre-COP Ministerial Meeting, Spier Conference Centre, Stellenbosch, 20-21 October 2011Ladies and gentlemen of the media,Good afternoon,We...
Pre-COP Ministerial Meeting, Spier Conference Centre, Stellenbosch, 20-21 October 2011

Ladies and gentlemen of the media,

Good afternoon,

We just concluded the traditional Pre-COP Ministerial consultations, hosted here at Spier, Stellenbosch, on 20 and 21 October 2011. The meeting was attended by representatives from 42 countries.

Participants also included the Chair of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation, as well as the Chairs of the two Ad Hoc Working Groups.  

The Chairs made presentations on the status of the work under their responsibility and their assessment of what can be achieved in Durban.

I also shared with Ministers the impressions I have formed after the various consultations I had with Parties on their expectations for Durban, namely:

1.  All Parties appear to be in agreement that the outcome in Durban should be balanced, fair and credible, that it should preserve and strengthen the multilateral rules-based response to climate change. The approach to reach a balanced, fair and credible outcome in Durban must be informed by the principles that form the basis of the UNFCCC climate change negotiations. These principles include multilateralism, environmental integrity, fairness based on the principle of common but differentiated responsibility and respective capabilities, equity and honouring of all international commitments and undertakings made in the climate change process. These were again confirmed during the two day Pre-COP meeting.

2.  There is consensus on the position that the Cancun Outcomes must be operationalised, including the establishment of the key mechanisms and institutional arrangements. Here the Green Climate Fund represents a center piece of a broader set of outcomes for Durban. Developing countries demand a prompt start for the Fund through its early and initial capitalization.

3.  Adaptation is an essential element of the outcome in Durban as it is a key priority for many Developing Countries, particularly Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries and Africa. I have not heard anyone disputing this during the last two days. Another issue is the current fragmented approach to adaptation that must be addressed in a more coherent manner. The Ministers stressed the fact that equal priority must be given to adaptation and mitigation.

4.  For Durban to be successful, we have to do more than making the Cancun Outcomes operational. We have no option but to deal with the outstanding political issues remaining from the Bali Roadmap. This means finding a resolution to the issue of the 2nd Commitment Period under the Kyoto Protocol and agreeing on the legal nature of a future climate change system.

5.  Any outcome in Durban has to be adequate enough to adhere to the principle of environmental integrity. In this context, the low level current ambition of mitigation pledges is a serious concern as this will not take us to the 2 degree Celsius target that science dictates, or even 1.5 degrees Celsius some Parties demand.

We also discussed the very contentious issue of finance. There was general agreement that sustained scaled up financing remains one of the core elements of a balanced, fair and credible outcome in Durban. There is also a need to find a way forward on the 2nd Commitment Period under the Kyoto Protocol and agreeing on concluding a future multilateral rules-based system.

We also discussed a shared vision for long-term cooperative action, particularly achievement of a global goal and peaking of greenhouse gas emissions and how to maintain equity and environmental integrity. We looked at the legal options available to us and whether Durban could serve as the platform from which to launch a process to develop a future legal framework.

It is clear that Durban is the end of the line for some of these pressing climate change issues and we cannot delay it any longer. Therefore, I can say without any hesitation that Durban will not be an easy COP, but the discussions over the past two days have given me hope that there is political will to ensure the success of Durban.

I thank you.

Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane

Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Republic of South Africa and incoming President of COP17/CMP7

(This document is available in English only)]]> Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 25 Oct 2011 14:01:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=969&cHash=b4c21ae228e528bda6eac5c55eca6877 Berlin, 20 October 2011. On Thursday, 20 October 2011, eleven of the fourteen Southern Africa Developing Community (SADC) countries which are based in Berlin celebrated for the first time, “SADC DAY”... “SADC DAY” in Germany.  Each year, citizens of SADC come together on 17 August to celebrate SADC DAY. This Day was set aside following the 1992 Windhoek Treaty that transformed the South African Development Co-ordination Conference (SADCC) into Southern African Development Community (SADC).

This year’s SADC DAY celebration was dedicated to “the Protection and Development of the Child” and hosted at the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa, Berlin.

The theme of the SADC Day celebration, “Bridging the gap between SADC and German children,” saw many happy and excited children participating from the Nelson Mandela School, Die Arche, Caritas and SOS Kinderdorf, under the patronage of Mrs Wullff, First Lady of the Federal Republic of Germany, who was the guest speaker of the day. A general belief is that celebrating SADC Day would be more significant if it involves children. This will help them understand the role young citizens can play in the process of improving regional integration.

The First Lady, Bettina Wulff, has increasingly emphasised the importance of education and development of young children and was very impressed by the traditional games from the home countries, played by the SADC children.

The event included the singing of the SADC Anthem by students from the Nelson Mandela School in Berlin, a presentation of traditional dress from the participating SADC countries, a display of games that are played by the SADC children and the sampling of traditional SADC cuisine. (This document is available in English only)]]> Botschaft Topnews Pressespiegel SADC Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:48:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=964&cHash=89a3cdc95f1d9956775b87733056ae02 Speech by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana Mashabane, on the occasion of the "South African Mayors Conference on Climate Change in preparation for... Programme Director,

Honourable Ministers

Honourable MECs

Your Worships, Mayors

Honourable MMC’s,

Members of SALGA,

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

 

It gives me great pleasure and privilege to participate in this “South African Mayors Conference on Climate Change in Preparation for COP17/CMP7”.  My participation in this event is more apt, given the fact that you (Mayors and other stakeholders) are the primary link between Government and the various communities it serves.  Equally, my engagement with you here today is important primarily because the role of local government was officially recognized at the UN climate talks in Cancun (COP16) for the first time in the history of UN climate talks. Most if not all cities and local governments are now being recognized by states as 'governmental stakeholders'.

Programme Director;

The successful deliverance of COP17/CMP7 in Durban from 28 November to 09 December 2011 is one of the key issues that is at the centre of our Government’s key deliverables for the period 2011/2012. This is, in part, influenced by our hosting of COP17/CMP7 in the magnificent City of Durban, but also by the centrality that climate change has acquired as an urgent and immediate threat to our way of life as we know it.  

We have all witnessed the acute changes in weather patterns all over the globe.  Internationally, we have witnessed devastating floods in Pakistan, and the devastating power of the Tsunami in Japan.  Here in Africa we have all seen the helplessness of humanity when confronted by nature’s destructive power as evidenced in Somalia, where our Government in partnership with the Gift of the Givers continues to play an instrumental role in alleviating the challenges facing that country. We have also seen the changing weather patterns affecting Nigeria and Benin, where floods have wrecked havoc within those countries.  Here at home, we have experienced some of the coldest winters on record throughout the country, including changing rainfall patterns in the Eastern Cape.  These climatic challenges certainly have an impact on both our way of life as well as on our ability to feed our societies.

Your Worships

As the Incoming COP President, my role is to lead the world in forging a common consensus in terms of reversing these adverse effects of climate change. By hosting COP17/CMP7, South Africa hopes to uphold rules-based multilateralism as one of our fundamental interests which we aspire to globally.  Accordingly, South Africa will endeavor to uphold the consensus nature of decision-making that has characterized the UNFCCC and its Conference/s of the Parties, since 1995.

In this regard, South Africa, in cooperation with the Parties to the UNFCCC, will seek to facilitate an outcome which is fair, transparent, inclusive and upholds the Convention principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and capabilities. The negotiations in Durban will be a Party-driven process with South Africa playing an enabling role for Parties to find agreement on the salient issues of climate change.  South Africa will not seek to impose a solution of its own, as the UNFCCC is governed by its own processes and Rules of Procedure, which we think is important to observe since this strengthens multilateralism and the legitimacy of the whole process.

In this juncture, it is important to note that one of our critical immediate responsibilities is to ensure that the trust which was restored in Cancun does not suffer a second disconnect amongst Parties as evidenced in the Copenhagen negotiations. As the Parties prepare to meet in Durban, there is an urgent need for all Parties to approach the Durban negotiations with an element of maturity as the outcomes of the Cancun negotiations, although laudable, unfortunately did not address all the issues.

Programme Director
In order to generate the requisite momentum towards an acceptable outcome in Durban, in my capacity as the incoming COP President, I have since the beginning of this year begun high-level consultations with stakeholders both locally and internationally, including at recent meetings of the AWG/s in Panama City, Panama.  We continue to welcome to our shores various climate change envoys from all over the world who visit our country in order to share their views and possible outcomes of COP17/CMP7.  

I must, however, state that I was heartened by the attitude of the Parties and various climate change groupings in Panama.  They have indicated in unequivocal terms their overarching interest of making Durban a success. As we approach COP17/CMP7, I am confident that we will be able to deliver  a fair, credible, and balanced outcome, which is the overall interest of all Parties.

As we move beyond the 50 Day Countdown to COP17/CMP7, local government structures, in particular the City of Durban, has proven to be a worthy partner in our hosting of COP17/CMP7.  The host City of Durban has worked hand in hand with our logistical team and has been instrumental in terms of pioneering some of the projects that seek to minimize the carbon footprint of the COP, the greening projects within the City, and the creation and mobilization of communities on issues of climate change.

However, it is my strong view that the reduction of the carbon footprint, the implementation of greening projects, and the creation and mobilization of  communities on issues of climate change should not be limited to Durban, but should concern all of us, especially Your Worships who are present here today. There is a compelling need for all of us to harness the knowledge garnered in our hosting of COP17/CMP7 and share it with our various communities. Most importantly, we need to impress to all our communities the threat climate change poses to our world and articulate the need to adapt and mitigate the ill-effects of climate change in our country.
 

Programme Director

The success of Durban will be measured in terms of the following:

• One: There is consensus on the position that the Cancun Agreements must be operationalised, including the establishment of the key mechanisms and institutional arrangements agreed to in Cancun. Here the Green Climate Fund  represents a center piece of a broader set of outcomes for Durban. Developing countries demand a prompt start for the Fund through its early and initial capitalization.
• Two: For Durban to be successful we have to do more than making the Cancun Agreements operational. We have no option but to deal with the outstanding political issues remaining from the Bali Roadmap. This means finding a resolution to the issue of the 2nd commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol and agreeing on the legal nature of a future climate change system.
• Third: Adaptation is an essential element of the outcome in Durban as it is a key priority for many developing countries, particularly small island developing states, least developed countries and Africa. The current fragmented approach to adaptation must be addressed in a more coherent manner and give equal priority to adaptation and mitigation.

 
Your Worships

To conclude, early June this year, (in Bonn, Germany), the Chair of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change, and the Mexico City’s Mayor Marcelo Ebrard posited that the climate change architecture that is available now is not working – but Why? This is so because it is not designed to help the cities; it is designed to work with the national governments. He contended that communities should be involved in the decision making and delivery of local adaptation action as well.

I agree with him, and this is precisely why I believe that Mayors represented here should form the bulwark of our country’s efforts against climate change.  It is my firm belief that the legacy of our hosting of COP17/CMP7, should be judged by the extent to which we as a country have sensitized our citizens about the very urgent challenges of climate change and what we as a country are doing to confront this challenge.  This requires, Your Worships, bold action by municipalities including undertaking sensitization workshops on behalf of our communities, sensitizing our communities about the urgent need of taking greater care for our environment, and passing and adopting of climate friendly by-laws within our cities. I am pleased to note that the Mayor of EThekwini, Mr James Nxumalo is taking the lead on this aspect, as he recently became the 76th Member of the World Mayors Council on Climate Change.

I wish you a very successful conference, and also hope that you will come out of this event re-energised and fully charged to take up the challenges of ensuring that, through our hosting of COP17/CMP7, we will be truthful to our commitment to “Working Together: Saving Tomorrow Today”

I thank you! -- END -- ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

09 October 2011 (This speech is available in English only)]]> Politik Thu, 13 Oct 2011 10:40:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=956&cHash=99c88544c6eef984c5bf4742c02ba65f DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATIONDIRECTORATE: MINISTERIAL AND DEPARTMENTAL MEDIA LIAISON______________________________________MEDIA STATEMENTSouth Africa recognizes the National... DIRECTORATE: MINISTERIAL AND DEPARTMENTAL MEDIA LIAISON
______________________________________

MEDIA STATEMENT


South Africa recognizes the National Transitional Council.
 
The South African government notes and welcomes the decision of the African Union to “recognize the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the representative of the Libyan people”. The pronouncement by the Chairperson of the African Union H.E Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasongo, President of Equotarial Guinea followed a briefing from the Ad Hoc Committee of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) regarding the developments in Libya. The briefing was based on the outcomes of the meeting of the AUPSC held in Addis Ababa on the 26 August 2011 and the meeting of the Ad Hoc Committee on Libya held on 14 September 2011 in Pretoria.
At both meetings, the African Union encouraged the Libyan stakeholders to form an all-inclusive transitional government that would work towards the promotion of national unity, reconciliation and democracy and urged the National Transitional Council (NTC) to protect all foreign workers, including African Union workers.
The leadership of the National Transitional Council, in its letter to the Chairperson of the Commission on 5 September 2011, provided assurances stressing their commitment: 1) to the African Continent; 2) to give priority to national unity and to bring together all Libyan stakeholders, without any exception, to rebuild the country; and 3) to protect all foreign workers within Libya, including the African migrant workers. These commitments were in line with the provisions of the AU Roadmap.
The African Union’s decision was taken collectively after consultations.
Accordingly, the South African Government, hereby announces that it recognizes the National Transitional Council (NTC) as the representative of the Libyan people as they form an all-inclusive transitional government that will occupy the Libyan seat at the African Union.
It should be stressed that South Africa, through the AU Ad Hoc Committee, remains ready to offer its full support in this respect and to the overall efforts to stabilize the situation, promote democracy and reconstruction; and encouraged the Chairperson of the Commission to expeditiously take all steps required for the AU to play an active role in the ongoing efforts in Libya, in line with relevant PSC decisions.

The Government of South Africa would also like to further reiterate its readiness and commitment to work with the United Nations, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the European Union, and NATO, to ensure a coordinated support to the Libyan people.

For more information please contact Clayson Monyela.

OR TAMBO Building
460 Southpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

20 September 2011 (Document available in English only)



]]> Politik Südafrika Presse Un Sicherheitsrat Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:40:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=953&cHash=e7ce3a870a661d738934783755db91b5 On 24 September 2011, the Embassy of the Republic of South Africa will commemorate the national Heritage Day. The theme for 2011 is "Celebrating the Heroes and Heroines of the Liberation... "Celebrating the Heroes and Heroines of the Liberation Struggle in South Africa". The aim of the 2011 Heritage Month is to remind and reconnect the South African nation with its rich and diverse collective liberation heritage.

The story of the liberation of South Africa is a significant part of the cultural heritage of the country and is shared and celebrated by all those in the world who value equality and freedom. Ambassador Stofile stated that “our liberation heritage was forged in the theatre of struggle that shaped the new South Africa and it behoves us to ensure that we protect our common heritage and advance a national heritage which is accommodative of cultural diversity.”  
The aim of the Heritage Month is to strengthen the South African brand as one of the greatest theatres of struggle, victory over apartheid and a world-recognised model of reconciliation and nation-building.

Ambassador Stofile also expressed his appreciation to the contribution made by Germany and the many friends in the struggle for the liberation of South Africa. In the endeavour to intensify the good relations between our countries Ambassador Stofile pronounced that “I will give the opportunity to the younger generation to get involved to strengthen the ties between the two countries. South Africa was not alone in the battle against Apartheid and South Africa cannot be left alone in its battle for economic emancipation.” Heritage Month coincides with International Tourism Month, under the theme “Tourism Linking Cultures” and celebrates tourism’s role in breaking down barriers across cultures and fostering tolerance, respect and mutual understanding. The Government of the Republic of South Africa has therefore decided to call on all sectors to support the National Heritage Council Project of establishing a national liberation heritage route that will link all liberation heritage sites in South Africa, the Southern African Development Community region and the continent. In pursuit of active participation to promote unity in diversity, the South African  Government aims to illustrate the importance of the liberation heritage to all South Africans, especially the youth by ensuring interactive, interesting and modern platforms for the 2011 Heritage Month, geared towards creating awareness through oral history narrations, exhibitions, poetry, dance, songs and site visits to reinforce our collective memory and promote a national identity and the importance of our shared liberation heritage.

The 2011 Heritage Month celebrations will be held by various sectors across South Africa and the national celebrations will be hosted on 24 September 2011 in Mpumalanga.

(Document available in English only)]]> Botschaft Politik Südafrika Topnews Presse Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:31:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=941&cHash=245574e6262fc8c87be63fe3d79c8c93 On 3-4 July 2011, at the invitation of South Africa and Germany, a group of 35 Ministers and their representatives, the Chairs of the AWG-LCA, AWG-KP and SBSTA, as well as the Deputy Executive... Chancellor Merkel advocated strong leadership and stressed the urgency to act. The main messages from the discussion are summarised below in a non-exhaustive manner.

Ministers acknowledged the successful outcome of the Cancún Conference of Parties to the Convention and agreed that this was a powerful signal that the international community can indeed act collectively. Ministers agreed that it was important to build on this success and the trust it had created and show continued commitment and leadership. This is crucial for moving the process forward. However it was restated that the level of ambition of existing commitments and actions was insufficient to limit the global temperature increase to below 2 degrees and that countries should urgently consider how to raise their level of ambition both at the national and international level. Ministers recognised that the incremental approach adopted since the Copenhagen Conference had been successful and should be continued. Ministers emphasized that the Durban outcome needed to represent clear progress since Cancún, including both by addressing those outstanding issues from COP 16/CMP 6 and by operationalizing the COP 16/CMP 6 decisions. Ministers identified the key political issues under negotiation that needed to be dealt with before, during and after Durban, including the question of legal form, 2nd Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol, equity, and the level of ambition of mitigation pledges.

The continued value of the multilateral rules based system was strongly emphasised. The specific form that such a system would have in future was seen by some as a two-track outcome with a 2nd Commitment Period under the Kyoto Protocol and by others as a single legally binding agreement under the Convention. An indication was given that Durban should give political direction to the shape of and timing for a future comprehensive, global rules based system that ensures global warming stays below 2 or 1.5 degrees Celsius. In this regard the 2015 review will play a critical role. Ministers presented a variety of approaches on how to address equity in the negotiations. Equity was linked by some to the consideration of the long term global goal and others emphasised access to sustainable development. It was noted that further discussion was needed in the run up to Durban and beyond.

The successful operationalization of the Cancún Agreements can facilitate the resolution of outstanding political issues. Ministers noted that many countries have already launched projects, initiatives or programmes to tackle climate change and acknowledged the value of learning from experience. Examples of effective implementation were presented at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue II which demonstrates commitment and enhances mutual trust. The importance of sharing practical experience in particular in the area of MRV and transparency was highlighted. In relation to means of implementation Ministers stressed the importance of the delivery thereof to enable the delivery of a meaningful and credible Durban outcome.

Ministers reiterated the need to address both mitigation and adaptation in an equal manner. As a basis for effective action Ministers stressed the need for enhanced capacities in developing countries. Technology was also identified as an important component of sustainable economic transformation. On finance, Ministers highlighted that the timely and transparent delivery of “fast start” financing to support implementation of mitigation and adaptation action in developing countries will strengthen confidence in the multilateral process.

Ministers stressed the need to avoid a financing gap after 2012, when the fast start finance period ends. They also emphasised the importance of meeting the long term financing goal of US$100 bn per year by 2020. In this context some Ministers raised the need for meaningful mitigation action and transparency on implementation. A variety of sources would be required, and Ministers acknowledged the need to explore further sources for long term financing that will provide the required new, additional, adequate and predictable financial flows.

Ministers agreed that Durban should take a decision to operationalize the Green Climate Fund. At the same time Ministers cautioned against the fund becoming an empty shell. The Fund should play a catalytic role in assisting developing countries in their efforts to pursue transformational low-carbon and climate-resilient development paths.

There was a discussion about a possible Durban outcome which identified a variety of scenarios. Ideas for a transitional phase were suggested. With regard to mitigation Ministers acknowledged the linkage between the outcomes on the Kyoto and the Convention tracks and the relationship with the legal options for an agreed outcome on pending issues. Ideas on a transitional phase and middle ground options should be explored further.

As elements for a possible Durban outcome Ministers identified i.a. the operationalization of the Cancun outcomes, a transitional solution to ensure the continuation of a rules based system, equal emphasis of mitigation and adaptation, transparency (MRV, IAR, ICA) and finance, as well as progress on pending issues. In this regard, the insufficient level of ambition was noted. Ministers identified the need for a balanced outcome to move forward.

The meeting demonstrated once again the value of informal fora in stimulating an open and political exchange. Ministers further emphasised that such meetings were critical to advance formal negotiations and welcomed the South African initiative for further meetings in September and a PreCOP in October.

Ministers agreed to take the constructive spirit and ideas of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue II back to their respective delegations to the UN negotiations and the negotiation groups they were representing. In this way the key messages from this Dialogue will be communicated to the larger group of countries that would be coming together in the autumn of 2011. They further agreed that it was critical to provide political guidance and a clear mandate to negotiators.

Ministers expressed their optimism that this Ministerial Dialogue would contribute to progress in forthcoming negotiations, a further convergence of positions and the generation of much needed political momentum. This would be critical in making the Durban Conference in December a success and a key milestone in our long-term efforts to prevent dangerous climate change.

Source: http://www.dfa.gov.za/docs/speeches/2011/mash0706.html (Document available in English only)]]> Botschaft Politik Südafrika in Deutschland Topnews Presse Mon, 04 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=939&cHash=698b6eca6e8c0dae1c2747dd83378a42 3 JULY 2011Federal Chancellor MerkelMinister Norbert Röttgen,Excellencies,The Chairs of the Working Groups and the UNFCCC SecretariatDistinguished participants, delegates and colleagues,Ladies and...
Federal Chancellor Merkel
Minister Norbert Röttgen,
Excellencies,
The Chairs of the Working Groups and the UNFCCC Secretariat
Distinguished participants, delegates and colleagues,
Ladies and Gentlemen.

I also want to thank Federal Chancellor Merkel for the taking the time in her busy schedule to address us and again pointed out the difficulties and many challenges we face to address climate change impacts. It is inspiring to get this encouraging message from a prominent woman of the stature of Chancellor Merkel at a Forum like this and where she clearly gave us food for thought on the road leading to Durban.
For South Africa as the incoming COP17/CMP7 President, this provides a valuable opportunity to ensure that political support and guidance is given by the Parties. We need to deliberate and to share experiences and good practices in order to fortify our global effort to address Climate Change which in essence is now a key sustainable development issue.  
It is against this background that South Africa with all its challenges of poverty and job creation offered to take on the challenge of hosting and presiding over the COP17/CMP7.  I am sure you have by now learned that South Africa is very positive in our expectations. Being from the most affected continent, we have set our sights high, and we are ready to work with you to meet these challenges head-on.
Ladies and gentleman,
Cancun brought faith back in the multilateral process’ ability to achieve a globally acceptable agreement. However, the trust that was built in Cancun is fragile and the process requires compromises from all Parties by operationalising what has been agreed to and dealing with outstanding political issues, and ensure there is no legal gap in the international climate change regime. We do acknowledge that different Parties may have different views on the priorities and approaches to the Cancun decisions and the expected outcomes for Durban. However, after some informal consultations with various Parties it appears to us that if we do not make balanced progress in the first area of work, to operationalise the elements of what were agreed in Cancun, we may risk losing the trust and confidence in the multilateral system gained in Cancun.
It is within this framework that as the Presidency we identified the following as the way forward in relation to Durban:
1.    South Africa believes that fundamental to achieving success at the COP17/CMP7 in Durban, is the consolidation of trust rekindled at the COP16/CMP6 in Cancun as well as the belief restored in the UNFCCC multilateral process.
2.    Critical to the consolidation of trust must be a willingness by Parties to compromise, while seriously applying their collective wisdom to address intractable political issues.
3.    The operationalisation of the Cancun Decisions requires momentum from the commitment to deal with unfinished business from the Bali Road Map and Action Plan. Equally, addressing unfinished business from the Bali Road Map and Action Plans requires progress on actions to realize key decisions reached in Cancun.
4.    Durban is the end of the line for the postponement of key political issues. Therefore there is urgency for all the Parties to lead and be bold.
5.    South Africa will spare no effort in ensuring that Parties strive for a balanced and credible outcome. To this end we will rely on the Bureau; work optimally with the Secretariat of the UNFCCC and consult with the parties and their regional groups in an inclusive and transparent manner.

I can assure you that all the logistical arrangements are on track and that we are ready to receive all the delegates to Durban to make their stay a memorable one.  With regard to the substantial issues, we are well advanced in our consultations with Parties, to get the views of all of you, because I have heard it so many times that, countries insist that it is a Party Driven Process.  Above everything else, it is my government’s wish that the UNFCCC processes should emerge intact and much more secure. To this end, we will spare no effort in ensuring that all the Parties negotiate in good faith to consolidate all the gains made thus far in building the architecture to address climate change.  We will do our best to facilitate understanding among the parties and ensure that they hear each other and do not talk past each other in confronting the big political issues which if not addressed will put us all at the risk of collapsing the UNFCCC framework.

We are committed to find solutions in a multilateral system, because alone we can never achieve the credible outcome we all aspire to. Therefore Ladies and gentleman, in helping to strike whatever balances have to be struck in Durban, it is our hope this is the spirit that will infuse the negotiations at all levels to ensure that while we consolidate the gains thus far made, we secure these by addressing the big political issues as well as the future in good faith.  Yes, we all come into this with our own national interests, but we need to rise above our narrow interest and find innovative solutions to the very difficult issues we are confronted with.

With the leadership of the Mexicans, at the COP16/CMP6, they assisted us to again have faith in the UNFCCC process and we should not squander this momentum gained.    In Cancun, we managed to, create space for the parties to re-group and start to address the big political issues which we need to resolve.  We have now reached that uncomfortable point from which no-one can run away but which we must confront head-on.

Mindful of all of this ladies and gentleman, the central focus of our preparations with respect to the Durban outcomes necessarily must be to ensure that we do not loose the gains made in Cancun particularly for developing countries in finance, technology, adaptation and capacity building. The other elephant in the room is what to do with the Kyoto Protocol as the 1st commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol comes to an end.  Parties cannot avoid or postpone addressing this issue any longer.  Therefore in Durban, we are hoping for a spirit of compromise to prevail. To ensure that Parties rise to all these challenges, as mandated by the Cancun decisions as contained in 1/CP.16, I will use every avenue, specifically meetings as this one to intensify my consultations to build the political will and courage necessarily to deliver a credible outcome at the COP17/CMP7 in an inclusive and transparent manner.
Excellencies and Colleagues, it is therefore my hope that as you leave here you will not only support my efforts to galvanise the necessary political will, but will also assist in securing a healthy foundation for the continuation of the work you will do during this Dialogue. I therefore implore you to rally your negotiators and political primaries to approach Durban with a sense of urgency and common purpose.
In the final instance I trust that you will leave Berlin with a sense of accomplishment in order to secure the gains made in Bonn in preparation for the inter-sessional meeting in September/October 2011 in Panama.

Thank you. (Document available in English only)]]> Botschaft Politik Südafrika in Deutschland Topnews Presse Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:10:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=938&cHash=2474eb6e4bbec95581b358e36e5948d0 Berlin 2 July 2011. Today a conference gets underway in Berlin to prepare for the UN climate summit taking place in Durban, South Africa at the end of this year. Until 4 July ministers and ... Berlin 2 July 2011. Today a conference gets underway in Berlin to prepare for the UN climate summit taking place in Durban, South Africa at the end of this year. Until 4 July  ministers and high-ranking representatives from 35 countries are meeting for the Petersberg Climate Dialogue II at the invitation of Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen and South African Minister of International Relations Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. The following is the welcoming address by Minister Nkoana-Mashabane: Minister Röttgen
Excellencies
Ladies and gentlemen
Permit me to thank the German Government for their support to jointly host with us the Petersberg Climate Dialogue II – “Rising to the Climate Challenge”, here in Berlin. I believe the Petersberg Climate Dialogue could become a permanent fixture within the climate change calendar of events where ministers in an informal setting can meet and hold open and frank exchanges on possible ways forward within the UN climate change negotiations. This Dialogue in particular gives us an opportunity to exchange ideas and thoughts on the process leading up to the COP17/CMP7 in Durban at the end of the year.
Minister Röttgen has already outlined the major issues that we need to focus our attention on during the next two days.  For the incoming COP17/CMP7 President one of the major challenges facing the negotiation in the lead up to Durban is the fact that we have limited negotiating time. On the one hand, we have limited time to develop global consensus on the issues that have so-far proved to be politically very difficult to reach. These require policy choices, solutions and guidance at the political level.
On the other hand, we have limited time to develop a common understanding of the nature and extent of the in principle decisions/agreements reached thus-far, as well as to negotiate decision texts to operationalise these agreements. The decisions adopted in Cancun will shape major parts of the architecture of the future post 2012 climate change regime and need to be operationalize without delay.  It is however undeniable that the commitments made under the Bali Road Map, must also be honored as part of the future climate regime.  Progress on the one without progress on the other is not possible.  Therefore it is incumbent on us to bring to bear on the negotiations our collective political will as Ministers to ensure traction on both the operationalisation of the Cancun decisions and the resolution of outstanding matters of the Bali Action Plan and the Bali Roadmap.
The message coming out of the negotiations thus far and other fora is that the Durban outcome must be comprehensive, ambitious and balanced.  The question which we might want to focus on therefore is how we deal with the issue of the 2nd Commitment Period of the Kyoto Protocol. The outcome needs to ensure progress and to get a sense of the legal form under both Kyoto Protocol and the Convention. The outcome under the Convention on mitigation is directly linked to the Kyoto mitigation outcome. Mitigation in itself, comprises a balance between various currently contentious and divergent interpretations of the Cancun decision, namely how do we interpret the international consultation and analysis of developing countries mitigation actions, international assessment and review of developed countries mitigation commitments, and measurable, reportable, and verifiable support by developed countries to developing countries.
Although a solution for the mitigation question is critical, we need to balance mitigation with the issue of adaptation, as adapting to the impacts of climate change and financing this work is a key priority for many developing countries, particularly SIDS, LDC’s and Africa. Linked to this is progress on the issue of loss and damage, as well as the forum on response measures. The implementation and operationalisation on the decisions on adaptation taken in Cancun must receive highest priority. In this regard, the importance of the extension of the Nairobi Work Programme on adaptation cannot be over emphasised. For Africa and most other developing countries the urgent need to advance and deepen the response to adaptation is a matter of life and death.
We need to make substantive progress on the means of implementation, especially on the set of finance related issues namely; the design of the Green Climate Fund; the functions of the Standing Committee, as well as sources of funding and the scale of finance needed.
To achieve this, progress must be made on the key mechanisms and institutional arrangements agreed to in Cancun; the Adaptation Committee, the Technology Executive Committee, the Technology Centre and Network, the mitigation registry, the Finance Standing Committee of the Green Climate Fund.  
Another pressing question is how to increase our collective level of ambition setting a long term global goal and peaking year. How do we use the 2013/15 review innovatively through the decisions of the Durban COP17/CMP7?
I wish to use this opportunity to thank the Ministers that will act as facilitators during the next two days. I am certain they will steer the discussions wisely.
I thank you. (Document available in English only)]]> Botschaft Politik Südafrika in Deutschland Topnews Presse Sun, 03 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=940&cHash=818c47b6084b053bcc41403e1e3e1c18 Berlin 2 July 2011. Today a conference gets underway in Berlin to prepare for the UN climate summit taking place in Durban, South Africa at the end of this year. Until 4 July ministers and... Berlin 2 July 2011. Today a conference gets underway in Berlin to prepare for the UN climate summit taking place in Durban, South Africa at the end of this year. Until 4 July  ministers and high-ranking representatives from 35 countries are meeting for the Petersberg Climate Dialogue II at the invitation of Federal Environment Minister Norbert Röttgen and South African Minister of International Relations Maite Nkoana-Mashabane. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel will hold the keynote speech on Sunday. At the start of the conference Röttgen noted: "Last year on the Petersberg near Bonn we set the course for the outcome of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Cancun. We want to build on this tradition. This year, too, we want to use this informal ministerial meeting to mark out at political level an ambitious yet realistic framework for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Durban."

Germany and the EU advocate legally binding reduction targets as described in the Kyoto Protocol. A binding legal framework provides transparency, ensures that countries and private players have a predictable planning base and generates confidence that commitments will actually be kept. However, those states that made reduction commitments under the Kyoto Protocol will not be able to stop climate change on their own. These countries account for less than one third of global emissions, and their share continues to fall. Therefore Germany and the EU are calling on the US to make comparable commitments and for the major newly industrialised countries to set themselves appropriate and binding targets.

Röttgen: "In Cancun we achieved important progress in international climate protection. For instance the 2 degree ceiling for global warming was recognised and important decisions were taken on strengthening international climate protection architecture, such as the establishment of a Global Climate Partnership Fund to support developing countries. These decisions must now be implemented. In addition we need to find a way of increasing the level of ambition regarding reduction commitments and make it legally binding. Step by step we must develop solutions to the complex question of how much, and in what form, each country contributes. I am certain that as the next holder of the presidency South Africa will find the right balance between widely different expectations."

Background: Petersberg Climate Dialogue
The first Petersberg Climate Dialogue took place in May 2010 on the Petersberg near Bonn. It began as a political initiative by the Federal Chancellor in 2009 in Copenhagen. As president of both the EU and G8 in 2007, Germany had already taken on a pioneering role in international climate policy. The aim of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue was to comprehensively support and advance the international climate negotiations following the disappointing summit in Copenhagen and bridge the gap between "implementation and negotiation".

This year's Petersberg Climate Dialogue II will continue in the same spirit. Once again the focus is on linking implementation and negotiation. Once again, Germany is sharing the chair of the Petersberg Climate Dialogue with the president of the next climate change conference – this year, South Africa. In 2010 Germany and South Africa launched the International Partnership for Emission Reductions and MRV, thus drawing developed and developing countries closer together on one of the core issues of the negotiations.
Source: http://www.bmu.de/english/current_press_releases/pm/47552.php

(Document available in English only)

]]> Botschaft Politik Südafrika in Deutschland Topnews Presse Sat, 02 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=937&cHash=e53fb760ff994b21fb6fd4ef538ec739 Berlin, 28 June 2011. The Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa Reverend MA Stofile was the keynote speaker at a reception co-hosted by German Africa Foundation (Deutsche Afrika Stiftung e.V.),... Reverend MA Stofile was the keynote speaker at a reception co-hosted by German Africa Foundation (Deutsche Afrika Stiftung e.V.), German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Deutsche Industrie und Handelskammertag e.V.), Afrika-Verein (Afrika-Verein der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V.)  and the Siemens AG with the theme: “Tasks, Challenges and Ideas” . In front of an audience of German politicians, industry representatives, media and clerical representatives the Ambassador outlined tasks, challenges and ideas of the German- South African relationship and his vision for his time as Ambassador in Germany in line with the South African government. The Ambassador´s speech was followed with many questions from the audience and a lively discussion. Please find the speech below, for a CV of Ambassador Reverend Stofile please click |+| here

Introduction
From time immemorial since the evolution of societies and nation states, human relations have always been defined by access to resources for livelihood and wellbeing. The search for resources, their protection and later ownership of e.g. land, minerals, animals (for hunters), roots and fruits (for gatherers) have always defined relations. In the modern era the situation has not changed but has become more sophisticated. “National Interests” have replaced what old sociologists called “human needs”. But the essence of what defines relations remains basically the same.

The ancient world relied on might and power of the armies to resolve contestations. Modern times have seen the ascendance of the power of the pen and debating fora for resolving relations among nations. Multi-laterals, bi-nationals and a plethora of Resolutions and Protocols have become very important tools for good neighbourliness and world peace. Force has not exactly been cancelled by these peaceful tools. But it has been immensely limited.

I have sketched this background to answer the question of why South Africa has a Mission in Germany. Such diplomatic Missions are established with the mutual consent of two states (Germany and the RSA). Our functions in Germany are largely the same with those of our counterpart in Pretoria, Dr Haller. They are:

• To represent the RSA in Germany:
• To protect in Germany the interests of the RSA, within International Law;
• Negotiating (when necessary) with the Government of Germany;
• The promotion of friendly relations between the RSA and Germany and our peoples;
• To develop and facilitate strong economic, cultural and scientific relations between our two countries.

These are the tasks I have been assigned and I mean to carry them out diligently and with great humility. Honourable Public Representatives (MPs) will be our important partners as we tackle these tasks.

As part of the large team of Ambassadors and High Commissioners that South Africa has deployed to many countries, here in Germany we must:

• Strive to consolidate the African Agenda. This means that we must promote and popularise NEPAD and its programmes. This way the economic growth and development of Africa will be enhanced. The African trade and investment must be aligned to regional and sub-regional Strategic Plans. It is also our task to support good governance and democratisation initiatives in Africa. This, in partnership with the German Government and institutions.
• Strive to strengthen our co-operation with Germany. Our two countries have cordial and dynamic relations based on mutual trust and equal partnership. Germany is our largest economic partner in Europe and our number 4 in the world. We have been instructed by President Zuma to strengthen this relationship. Of course, as we do so we shall also be contributing to a strong South – North cooperation. Minister Westerwelle correctly pointed out (15 June 2011) that Germany will strengthen existing relations whilst also forging new ones. This is normal for all countries of the world.
• Together with Germany we are confronting such challenges as poverty, underdevelopment in Africa, skills transfer, post conflict reconstruction and peace and security. As non-permanent members of the UNSC we consult regularly to develop a common approach to our endeavours to reform the UN and other Institutions of Global Governance. We work closely in promoting human rights and in promoting the global political and socio-economic stability within the multi-lateral system.

What are we going to do? (Challenges)
After centuries of colonial conquest followed by many decades of segregation, protest, resistance and brutal repression, our country is on the way to a fully functional and participatory democracy.  A significant progress has been made towards making our country a more just and inclusive society. Or political institutions have been entrenched through four national and provincial and local government elections. Such institutions as an independent Judiciary, a Public Protector, Auditor General, Human Rights, a Gender and Electoral Commissions are strong bulwarks for our democracy. But much more must be done still.

Divisions of race, gender and class remain. More often than not inequality reflects these lines of division. The continued social and economic exclusion of millions of South Africans is our biggest challenge. These have a historical basis in apartheid and are driven by a poor quality of education for many blacks which leaves a lot of people unemployed, poor and unemployable. Improving the supply and relevance of skills is desperately needed at home.

So Honourable Members, we are challenged to grow the level of German investments in South Africa and vice versa. We are challenged to come up with innovative technologies that will provide more jobs and skills for our people. The agreements between Germany and South Africa on Education, Science and Technology, Skills training, Provinces/Lände and City/City co-operatives must be made to work smarter and faster. MPs could assist by organising South Africa or Africa days in their constituencies. This way, our challenges can be properly and broadly explained. Potential entrepreneurs could also see how to participate in the R11 billion scheme announced by Government to boost infrastructure development and to promote innovative technology-driven industries.

Next week Germany and South Africa are hosting a very important Climate Change Conference. This is another effort to build a solid consensus as we move to COP17 in Durban, South Africa during November/ December 2011. All agree that a global, legally binding agreement is the first prize for Durban. But all concerned, agree the journey is not going to be easy. But we must walk that road, together.

Conclusion
We are cognisant of the immensity of our responsibilities. But we also know what happens when we work together. Preparations and the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup started with Germany and South Africa working together since 2004 already to prepare for the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The history of South Africa / German relations is very long. Of course it has not always been positive. But that is what diplomatic missions are for:  to iron out problematic areas. Some German Companies have been in South Africa for more than 150 years. We have climbed many hills together. We dare not stop now. (Document available in English only)]]> Wirtschaft Botschaft Politik Topnews Presse Wed, 29 Jun 2011 12:38:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=928&cHash=d8e6c1c46ec2fba0a753b76f2ab70aa9 Pretoria - The Department of International Relations and Cooperation celebrates 2011 Africa Day, under the theme Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development. Africa Day is... Accelerating Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Development.  Africa Day is annually commemorated on May 25, as on this day in the year 1963 the Organisation of African Unity (which has evolved into the African Union) was founded. The Republic of South Africa places high regard for this celebration as it marks an important sign of unity amongst the people of our continent and reaffirms our resolve to reconfigure our world along the values of human dignity, equality, and justice for all.  

In addition, the government and people of the Republic of South Africa acknowledge that the future of our continent is closely linked to our own future - as aligned in our foreign policy objective of establishing a better Africa in a better world.  In this pursuit, the Republic of South Africa continues to support regional and continental processes to respond to and resolve conflicts, strengthen regional integration, companions for an increase in intra-African trade and sustainable development of our continent. At the same time, South Africa continues to advance common African positions through its structured bilateral activities and other international fora.

In celebration of Africa Day 2011, the DIRCO has arranged a series of seminars at head office, OR Tambo Building, to commemorate this day of unity. These seminars, which commenced on Monday, 23 May 2011 and will end on Friday, 26 May 2011, are being held to raise awareness and unpack the concepts of an African identity and culture, the economic emergence of Africa, as well as the empowerment of our young African Diplomats. DIRCO’s trainees, academics, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other invited guests have been engaging in constructive exchange of ideas and were also treated to samples of African art, music and poetry. The Republic of South Africa’s diplomatic missions, throughout the world, are scheduled to celebrate this day in their respective countries of accreditation. The DIRCO will host the Diplomatic Corps accredited to South Africa in Johannesburg, Gauteng later this week.

]]> Topnews Südafrika Politik Afrikanische Union Tue, 24 May 2011 11:15:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=922&cHash=02984f54895c961721cf54c2ce62997e 03 March 2011. As we are all aware the term of our municipal councils will be ending soon. In terms of the Local Government: Municipal Structures Act, 1998 (Act No. 117) “the term of...
We have decided to announce the election date now to give the Electoral Commission more certainty and time to prepare for the elections.

Once the election date is gazetted next week, the municipal segment of the voters roll will close.  This means eligible voters have the last opportunity from today until the proclamation of the election date is published in the Government Gazette to ensure that their names appear correctly on the voters roll.

I therefore call upon all South Africans to make full use of the last voter registration weekend of 5-6 March 2011 set by the IEC to ensure that their names appear correctly on the voters roll.

Enquiries:
Thabo Masebe 082 410 8087
Issued by The Presidency]]> Politik Topnews Thu, 03 Mar 2011 12:03:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=892&cHash=921c5bcbdc20fb71bdf5d9599954e7fb Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly,Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces;Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP;Deputy President of the... Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces;
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP;
Deputy President of the Republic, Honourable Kgalema Motlanthe;
Former President Thabo Mbeki,
Former Deputy President FW De Klerk,
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete,
Honourable Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, and all esteemed members of the Judiciary;
Distinguished Premiers and Speakers of our Provinces;

Chairperson of SALGA, and all local government leadership;
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders; The Heads of Chapter 9 Institutions;
The Governor of the Reserve Bank; Gill Marcus
The Heads of our security institutions,
Leadership of all sectors – labour, business, sports, and religious leaders,
Members of the diplomatic corps;

South African and foreign media;
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang, good evening, goeie naand, molweni, thobela,

Thank you Honourable Speaker of the National Assembly and the Honourable Chairperson of the NCOP, for this opportunity to share with fellow South Africans and international guests our review and programme of action for this year. I called this Joint Sitting in the evening again so that all, including students and workers, can have an opportunity at first hand to listen to their government speak on issues affecting their lives. We thank the Presiding Officers for allowing us this opportunity. Let me also, on behalf of government, welcome the Members of Parliament back to this beautiful mother city of Cape Town. We would like to thank all South Africans who contributed to this State of the Nation Address through mainstream media, social media such as Facebook and Twitter, as well as direct contact.

The inputs have been very helpful.

Tomorrow will be 21 years since the release of our beloved President Nelson Mandela from prison.

It was a historic and very special moment for our country, which demonstrated the victory of our people over tyranny and apartheid oppression.

The events of that day prepared the ground for the implementation of our vision of a free, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, united and prosperous South Africa.
 
We have entered the 17th year of freedom, ready to continue the drive to make South Africa a successful and prosperous country, building on the foundation that was laid by President Mandela.

As we mark this milestone, we extend the nation’s good wishes to Tata Madiba and his family, and wish him a speedy recovery.

Compatriots,

We need to accept the reality that President Mandela, who is loved by all of us, young and old, men and women, black and white, is not young anymore.

He will, from time to time, visit medical facilities for checkups, which is normal for a person of his age.  

We should allow him to do so with dignity, and give the family and the medical team the space to look after him, on our behalf, in privacy.   

We owe him that much given his love of this country and its people, and the contribution he has made to South Africa, Africa and the world.

We thank the family, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the medical team for the sterling work that they are doing, in caring for a global icon, that we are so proud to call our own.

We want to assure the nation that Madiba is receiving very good medical care, and is comfortable.

TOGETHER WE HAVE ACHIEVED MUCH
Compatriots,

We continue to make steady progress as we work towards a more prosperous society. The political foundation is solid.
We have built a vibrant, fully functional Constitutional democracy.  

We have well-established institutions that support democracy and protect the rights of our citizens, such as the Office of the Public Protector, the South African Human Rights Commission, the Office of the Auditor General, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities and the Gender Commission.  

Without fail, national general elections are held every five years to enable South Africans to choose a government of their choice, run by our efficient Independent Electoral Commission.  We have a Parliament that is vibrant and holds the executive accountable.
We have an independent judiciary which is a trusted final arbiter in all disputes in our society. We have a media whose freedom is enshrined in the Constitution.

On basic services, we are also making progress. More than 400 000 additional people were served with basic water supply last year. About 81% of the country is electrified as compared to 63% in the year 2000. The crime statistics show a decrease in most crimes, particularly armed robberies, housebreakings and business robberies as well as contact crimes, for example, the murder rate declined by 8, 6 percent in the past year.

We are making a difference in education, as evidenced by the significant increase in the matric pass rate last year, and the interest displayed by the youth in education around the country.

Honourable Members,

Close to 15 million South Africans obtain social grants from the State. We will phase in the extension of the Child Support Grant to cover eligible children under the age of 18 years. Since we are building a developmental and not a welfare state, the social grants will be linked to economic activity and community development, to enable short-term beneficiaries to become self-supporting in the long run.

Honourable Members,

We are pleased with the performance of our financial sector. It has proven to be remarkably resilient in the face of the recent financial crisis and the global economic meltdown.

The Budget deficit is set to decline from the current 6.7% to between 3 and 4% by 2013.  

Concerns about the exchange rate have been taken to heart.

Exchange control reforms that were announced in the Medium Term Budget Policy statement last year are being implemented. Further information will be provided by the Minister of Finance in the Budget Speech.

The 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup was undoubtedly the most exciting project in 2010.

On the international front, we are greatly honoured to join the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa forum. It is an important bloc of emerging economies. We look forward to the inaugural meeting of BRICS in April in China.  

We have taken up our non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council, which we will use to promote the African agenda as well as peace and security in Africa and the world.
 
We have come a long way. We have achieved a lot, but challenges still remain.

Working together we will achieve much more.

BUILDING A MORE PROSPEROUS SOCIETY
Compatriots,

While many South Africans celebrate the delivery of houses, electricity or water, there are yet many others who are still waiting.


The legacy of decades of apartheid underdevelopment and colonial oppression cannot be undone in only 17 years.

But we are forging ahead, determined to achieve our mission of building a better life for all.

And we are doing so with the help of our people. We appreciate the feedback they continue to give us.

Bongokuhle Miya wrote on the Presidency Facebook page that his hometown Umzimkhulu is in an appalling condition, with burst sewerage pipes everywhere, no drainage system and domestic animals that are roaming around town.
 
He writes: “If the Government, which is doing very well, could just pay much more attention, with a bit of urgency to such areas”.
Indeed, we agree service delivery should move faster.

Our interactive government also obtains information from direct contact with our people.

In the past year we have visited many villages, townships and suburbs. Their message is consistent.

They appreciate progress made, request faster delivery and state their commitment to work with government to achieve more.

Given the work that must still be done, we decided in 2009 to focus on five priorities. These are education, health, rural development and agrarian reform, taking forward the fight against crime and creating decent work.  

We have done well on these priorities.

However, we are concerned that unemployment and poverty persist despite the economic growth experienced in the past 10 years.

To address these concerns, we have declared 2011 a year of job creation through meaningful economic transformation and inclusive growth. We have introduced a New Growth Path that will guide our work in achieving these goals, working within the premise that the creation of decent work is at the centre of our economic policies.

We urge every sector and every business entity, regardless of size, to focus on job creation. Every contribution counts in this national effort.  

I will provide just a broad outline of our programme of action in this address.

Ministers will announce their jobs targets and more specific details per sector, in their forthcoming Budget Vote Speeches.

All government departments will align their programmes with the job creation imperative. The provincial and local government spheres have also been requested to do the same.

The programmes of State Owned Enterprises and development finance institutions should also be more strongly aligned to the job creation agenda.

Honourable Members,

Research has indicated that we can create jobs in six priority areas. These are infrastructure development, agriculture, mining and beneficiation, manufacturing, the green economy and tourism.  

We cannot create these jobs alone. We have to work with business, labour and the community constituencies.  Experience shows that we succeed when we work together.

One key example is the work done by the Presidential Framework Response to the International Economic Crisis team, comprising government, business, labour and community sectors.

Amongst the key achievements of the team, South Africa introduced its first ever training layoff scheme to provide alternatives to retrenchments.  

Another intervention included financial support for firms in distress, which saved about seven thousand jobs. We thank the team for their sterling work, and look forward to ongoing collaboration.

While looking to the private sector in particular to help us create most of the jobs, government will certainly play its part.

We are pleased to announce the establishment of a jobs fund of 9 billion rand over the next three years to finance new job-creation initiatives. In addition, the Industrial Development Corporation has set aside R10 billion over the next five years for investment in such economic activities with a high jobs potential.

It is also my pleasure Honourable Members, to announce R20 billion in tax allowances or tax breaks to promote investments, expansions and upgrades in the manufacturing sector.  

For a project to qualify, the minimum investment must be R200 million for new projects, and R30 million for expansion and upgrades.

The programme will provide an allowance of up to R900 million in tax deductible allowances rand for new investors and R550 million for upgrades and expansions.

Compatriots,

The small business sector is a critical component of the job creation drive.

We will continue to provide financial and non-financial support to small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs), small scale agriculture as well as cooperatives.

We need to cut administrative costs, avoid duplication and direct more resources to small business.  We are therefore considering merging the three agencies Khula, the SA Micro-Finance Apex Fund and the IDC’s small business funding into a single unit.
The campaign to pay SMMEs on time, within 30 days, is proceeding well.

The Department of Trade and Industry payment hotline received about 20 000 calls in the last financial year, and the value of payments facilitated was R210 million.

Other departments have launched their own initiatives, for example the Re Ya Patala (We Pay) initiative of the Department of Public Works.

We are continuing with legislative reforms to make it easier to register businesses and also to strengthen the Competition Act to open the market to new participants.

Honourable Members,

The mineral wealth of our country is a national asset and a common heritage that belongs to all South Africans, with the State as the custodian.
South Africa has significant mining assets, currently valued at 2.5 trillion US dollars. By 2009, the mining industry contributed more than thirty percent to the country’s total export revenue, and employed 2.9% of the country’s economically active population. Estimates suggest that our mineral resources are expected to be exploitable for over a century to come. To take advantage of that potential, government has endorsed the African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation as the State Owned Mining Company, that will undertake the mining of minerals of strategic significance.

One of government’s priorities this year is also to finalise and adopt the beneficiation strategy as the official policy of government, so that we can start reaping the full benefits of our commodities.
Compatriots,

In communications, we have committed to convert our television and radio signals from the analogue platform to the more advanced digital signal which will enable quality pictures and sound.

Jobs will be created in manufacturing, packaging, distribution and installation during this period.  

Honourable Speaker and National Chairperson, We are pleased with the success of our tourism sector, especially given that sixteen tourists create one job in our country.

More than 7, 3 million tourists arrived in South Africa last year, as compared to about 6.3 million in 2009. For further growth, we will strengthen existing markets while exploring the emerging economies.

Our country also continues to be a popular destination for international gatherings.  

In July, we will host a high level sports gathering in Durban, the 123rd International Olympic Committee General Assembly Session.

We thank the IOC for the opportunity to host this important congress.

We have already secured ninety five meetings and conferences between 2010 and 2016.  

To further boost our tourism potential, we will amongst other measures, look into flexible visa requirements, improved landing slots at foreign airports as well as improved tourism infrastructure.  

Linked to tourism, we will continue to develop the cultural industries sector, which contributes about R2 billion to the Gross Domestic Product.  

We have also seen the value of events such as the Cape Town International Jazz Festival which, contributed more than R475 million to the economy of Cape Town and created 2 000 jobs in 2010.  

We also wish to extend a special mention to the popular Cape Minstrels Carnival, which brightens up this city every year on the 2nd of January, celebrating the freeing of slaves.

Honourable Members, Our infrastructure development programme enables us to expand access to basic services and to improve the quality of life.  

This includes projects for the provision of water, electricity and housing.
 
Energy security is critical for economic development and job creation.  To ensure the security of electricity supply for the country, Eskom has invested more than R75 billion, mainly on the new stations Medupi, Kusile and Ingula, as well as the return to service and transmission of other projects.

We must all save energy so that we do not have to resort to load shedding again as a saving measure.

This year we will start procuring power from Renewable Energy Power Producers, which will demonstrate our commitment to renewable energy.

Honourable Members,

The construction industry is a known driver for work opportunities. There are 1.2 million households living in the country’s 2 700 informal settlements.

By the year 2014, 400 000 of the said households should have security of tenure and access to basic services.  

We will also improve the delivery of rental accommodation as some people coming to urban areas do not intend to settle permanently.  

This should be welcome news to citizens such as Portia Busisiwe Mrwetyana who wrote on our Facebook page about inequalities in Bekkersdal, where an informal settlement which has no services, lies alongside a suburb across the road with all amenities.

She asks: “What I wanna know is why treat us differently, but we give you the same vote, WHY?”. Government will spend R2,6 billion on water services this year. Among the priority areas are the provinces of Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape where there are still high numbers of people without safe drinking water.

We noted the requests from many contributors to this address, for government to fix potholes.  Our Expanded Public Works Programme aims to create 4, 5 million work opportunities, and more than a million opportunities have been created already since the beginning of Phase 2.  Part of the programme focuses on repairing our roads networks.

Abantu abaningi bakithi bathola ukusizakala kakhulu ngaloluhlelo lwamatoho emisebenzi kahulumeni.  Kutholakala amatoho okulungisa imigwaqo, ezemidlalo, ukufundisa abadala ukufunda nokubhala, ukugcina imigqwaqo ihlanzekile.  

Uhlelo lokulungisa imigwaqo, olubizwa nge-Zibambele, seluzosatshalaliswa izwe lonke kulonyaka luvule amathuba emisebenzi.

We will develop infrastructure that will boost our agricultural sector, while also helping to create jobs.

Water reservoirs, windmills and irrigation schemes will be rehabilitated. Crops, livestock as well as grazing will be protected with the installation of fences.  

These projects will enhance food security and create work opportunities for many, especially women in rural areas.

To enhance our innovation in science and technology and create jobs, we are bidding to host the Square Kilometre Array radio telescope.

The bid has already provided 800 construction job opportunities in the Northern Cape and will create a further 100 jobs this year.

Our job creation drive should also enhance youth development.

The National Youth Development agency is in discussion with state organs and the private sector to mainstream youth development in public sector programmes and to promote youth enterprises and cooperatives.

Compatriots, We believe that the interventions we have mentioned briefly will take us forward in placing job creation high on the agenda of all decision makers in the country.  

Seven Ministers met with our social partners on Tuesday to discuss this partnership and we remain optimistic that we are poised for success.

Honourable Speaker and Honourable Chairperson,

Parallel to the job creation incentives, we will also undertake policy reforms related to improving the lives of our workers.

Government, with its social partners, is reviewing legislation on labour brokers and the policy framework for the provision of public employment services.

This will enable government to maintain a database of job seekers and job opportunities.

The Government Position Paper on Social Security Reform is expected to be released this year for discussion. Issues to be dealt with include the funding and nature of the National Social Security Fund, how the private sector occupational and retirement funds will fit into the entire system, and the possible regulatory structure.

Government must fill all funded vacant posts.  The performance monitoring and evaluation department will provide a report within six months.

Honourable Speaker and Honourable Chairperson,

Indeed, we have come a long way since 1994. We have achieved a lot, but much more still needs to be done, and working together as South Africans, we will achieve much more!

Please allow me to now tackle the other four priorities as well as other programmes.

The focus in basic education this year is Triple T: Teachers, Textbooks and Time. We reiterate our call that teachers must be at school, in class, on time, teaching for at least seven hours a day.

The administration must ensure that every child has a textbook on time, and that we assist our teachers to create the right working environment for quality teaching to take place. To track progress, this year, we began the annual national assessments in literacy and numeracy that are internationally benchmarked, for grades 3, 6 and 9.  We will continue investing in teacher training, especially in mathematics and science.  We will pay special attention to the training of principals, particularly those in underperforming schools. The focus of higher education will be to expand access especially for children of the poor. This includes the conversion of loans into bursaries for qualifying final year students. Students in Further Education and Training Colleges who qualify for financial aid will be exempted from paying fees.  

We urge state owned enterprises to play a key role in skills development and help us provide the technical skills needed by the economy.  Denel, Eskom, SAA and Transnet have supported the training of more than 6000 learners in technical and engineering-related scarce and critical skills.

Fellow South Africans,

We are continuing to improve the capacity and effectiveness of the police in particular the detective services, forensic analysts and crime intelligence.
 
We have increased visible policing and patrols in identified hotspots. We are making visible progress in reducing the proliferation of illegal and legal firearms.

Our courts continue to function better, and the backlog reduction programmes at district and regional levels are proceeding well.

We will continue to prioritise crimes against women and children, and to provide support through the Thuthuzela Care Centres.

We will work with communities and other key stakeholders to deal with drug peddling and drug abuse which are tearing some communities apart. My visit to a drug rehabilitation centre in Mitchells Plain on Tuesday convinced me that we need more energy in the fight against drug abuse and drug peddling in our communities. I have directed our police force to deal decisively with people who sell drugs to children in Cape Town and other areas.  We will also not tolerate tavern owners who sell alcohol to children. The fight against corruption also continues. A Special Anti-Corruption Unit has been established in the Department of Public Service and Administration to handle corruption-related disciplinary cases involving public servants. Progress is being made in many ongoing investigations. About R44 million has been recovered from public servants who are illegally benefiting from housing subsidies, while the cleaning of the social grants system of fraud is also continuing. We have directed the Special Investigating Unit to probe alleged maladministration or corruption in various government departments, municipalities and institutions.

While not pre-judging the investigations, they prove our resolve to combat corruption at all levels of Government and the public service.

The Multi-Agency Working Group on procurement led by National Treasury, SARS and the Financial Intelligence Centre is reviewing the entire state procurement system to ensure better value for money from state spending.
 
In the health sector, this year we will emphasise the appointment of appropriate and qualified personnel to the right positions.

We need qualified heads of department, chief financial officers, hospital chief executive officers, district health officers and clinic managers.  

We plan to revitalise 105 nursing colleges countrywide, to train more nurses.  

We are also planning to open a medical faculty at the Limpopo Academic Hospital to train more doctors.

The renovations and refurbishments of hospitals and clinics will continue.  

Given our emphasis on women’s health, we will broaden the scope of reproductive health rights and provide services related to amongst others, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, teenage pregnancy and sanitary towels for the indigent.  

On the fight against HIV and AIDS, we have revitalised our programmes and promote various prevention measures including medical male circumcision, prevention of mother to child transmission and the promotion of HIV testing.

The testing has been popularly taken up around the country. Just over 5 million HIV tests have been done since the launch of the testing campaign in April last year.

Over the past year, work has continued to develop the National Health Insurance policy and implementation plan.  Government will soon be releasing the policy document for public engagement.

Honourable Speaker and Honourable Chairperson of the NCOP,    

We will continue with the Comprehensive Rural Development Programme directed at reviving land reform projects and irrigation schemes in the former homelands as well as distressed farms owned by individuals.  

Government has developed the National Rural Youth Service Corps programme to assist youth in rural areas. To date, more than 7 000 young people have been employed in the programme.

Somlomo nosihlalo abahloniphekileyo,

Uhulumeni useshaye umthetho ovuselela ibhange lasePosini, phecelezi iPostBank, elizosiza abasemakhaya ukonga imali, kanye nokuboleka imali yokwakha amabhizinisi amancane.

Siyabakhuthaza ukuthi balisebenzise kutholakale intuthuko.

Building a responsive, accountable, effective and efficient local government system

Honourable Members,

The country will hold the fourth local government elections before the end of May.   There have been lots of complaints over the past few months about local government.

The frustrations in some areas resulted in protests which indicated the problems that existed in this sphere.

We have to make people’s experience of local government a pleasant one, as it touches their homes and their lives directly, every day.

Some municipalities are functioning very well, and  some councillors are also performing their duties as well as they should.

We have instituted a turnaround strategy for local government, focusing on, amongst others, the strengthening of basic administrative systems, financial management and customer care.   

The preparations for local government elections are on course.  

The registration that took place last weekend went well, and we congratulate those who have registered. We urge those without identity documents to apply without delay, so as not to miss the next registration period next month.

Following the launch of the National Population Registration Campaign in Libode, in the Eastern Cape last year, more than 700 000 first time identity documents were issued, indicating great enthusiasm by our people to have this crucial document.

As we prepare for elections, we also note that our country has been struck by devastating floods in recent weeks, and many families have been affected.

We extend heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Our hearts also go out to those who were injured and who lost all their belongings.  

Fellow South Africans,

Let me use this opportunity to announce that Government has set aside R800 million for immediate relief to assist communities.

We will also be earmarking funding to deal with post disaster recovery and reconstruction in the years ahead.  

We thank relief agencies, non-governmental organisations, private sector, religious organisations and communities for assisting those in need.  

Building a better Africa and a better world

The African agenda remains our key policy focus.

South Africa is serving a two year term on the African Union Peace and Security Council.

The country will chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security from August.  

In this role, we will continue to engage the parties in the implementation of the Global Political Agreement in Zimbabwe and the development of a roadman to elections.

We will also promote the resolution of the Malagasy conflict. We will monitor and assist where possible to ensure that the political and security situation in the DRC is conducive to elections.  

We are also honoured to participate in finding solutions to the situation in Cote d’Ivoire, as a member of the African Union High Level Panel chosen to help resolve the challenges in that country.

We applaud the work of the South African National Defence Force, which has on average deployed over 2 000 military personnel in peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Sudan and the Central African Republic.  

We will continue to participate in the revitalisation of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development with specific focus on the implementation of its infrastructure programme, of which we champion the North-South infrastructure development corridor.

South Africa has taken note of the unfolding developments in Egypt as well as the earlier events in Tunisia.

We continue to monitor the situation closely, including its implications for the Middle East and North Africa.

We firmly believe that the course and the content of the transition as well as the destiny that these sister countries choose, should be authored by them.

In this regard, South Africa lends its support to efforts aimed at introducing and implementing political reforms that will ensure a smooth and peaceful transition in Tunisia and Egypt.

We trust that nothing will derail the realization of the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a secure independent state, existing side by side and in peace with the Israeli state.

South Africa reiterates its call to the international community to encourage the parties to continue the search for a durable solution in the Middle East.    

We extend our heartiest congratulations to the people of the Sudan for a successful referendum, and welcome the new state of Southern Sudan.

This is a key African success story.  We congratulate the African Union and the United Nations for the skilful handling of this project.

On the broader international front, we look forward to hosting the fifth India-Brazil-South Africa Summit, this year.

At the G20 Forum, we will continue to argue for a more equitable world economic order.

Building a national democratic and cohesive society

Compatriots,

The experience of the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup taught us the need to appreciate all that is good about our country.
The South African flag became the most important item for every household.

Government will build on this by ensuring the placing of flags in schools and public institutions to promote our national symbols and identity.

We urge all our people to learn the national anthem and sing it properly, with pride.   

We will launch a programme celebrating National Icons and promote a National Heritage Route, to honour individuals who have made an enormous contribution to the liberation of our country.

Honourable Members,

We have seen the power of sport as a unifying and nation building tool in our country.

All of us must support the Proteas who will soon be playing in the 2011 ICC World Cup, and the Springboks who will travel to New Zealand to defend our 2007 Rugby World Cup Title.

We also wish the national netball team well when they compete in the Netball World Cup in July. We will be fully behind them.

Let me take this opportunity to salute one of our finest cricketers, Makhaya Ntini who is our special guest this evening. He has made an enormous contribution to local and international cricket.

South Africa will have its third post-apartheid census in October this year.  We thank Mr Makhaya Ntini for agreeing to become an ambassador of this important campaign.  

Honourable Speaker and Honourable Chairperson,

We remain committed to building a performance-orientated State.

Our performance monitoring and evaluation department will coordinate and monitor the work of government departments closely, as they mainstream job creation.

We welcome the undertaking by Parliament to also monitor the adherence to the call to prioritise job creation by government.

Compatriots,

Our goal is clear. We want to have a country where millions more South Africans have decent employment opportunities, which has a modern infrastructure and a vibrant economy and where the quality of life is high.

We all have a responsibility to work hard to make this a reality.
 
Everyone must think of how they can contribute to the jobs campaign through creating opportunities for themselves and others.

In doing so, we should draw inspiration from our beloved President Mandela in his inauguration address in 1994, reminding us of the need to work together.

He said:
“We understand it still, that there is no easy road to freedom.
We know it well, that none of us acting alone can achieve success.
We must therefore act together as a united people, for national reconciliation, for nation building, for the birth of a new world.
Let there be justice for all.
Let there be peace for all.
Let there be work, bread, water and salt for all.
Let each know that for each the body, the mind and the soul have been freed to fulfill themselves”.

I thank you.]]> Topnews Politik Fri, 11 Feb 2011 10:05:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=889&cHash=ee23dc51e8e211d73a2840e5de64dec2 South Africa will on the 1st of January 2011, assume its seat as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2011 and 2012, following its election to this body by 182...
It is a significant honour for South Africa to be elected to serve on the Security Council for a second time, following its first term in 2007 and 2008. 

South Africa is committed to making a contribution to the work of the Council in the maintenance of international peace and security, especially in Africa, and through this the betterment of the conditions and lives of all. To this end South Africa will forge close partnerships with the other members of the Security Council. South Africa will continue its efforts to promote and enhance the Security Council’s cooperation with regional organizations, particularly the African Union’s Peace and Security Council of which South Africa is currently a member. Closer co-operation between these two bodies will contribute to enhancing the convergence of perspectives and approaches in tackling and responding to peace and security challenges in Africa.

The Security Council membership will also provide an opportunity for South Africa to work towards the achievement of a representative, legitimate and more effective Security Council.

“In its actions South Africa will be guided by the commitment to upholding international law and universal values and to helping others protect or achieve their inherent and inalienable rights” said Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

South Africa is firmly committed to multilateralism and approaches membership of the Security Council from the premise that the United Nations remains the most appropriate forum for addressing contemporary challenges in the maintenance of international peace and security and through this creating a better world for all.

 Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 OR Tambo Building
RIETONDALE
0084

31 December 201]]> Politik Presse Topnews Fri, 31 Dec 2010 10:33:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=886&cHash=cdcf15ba371d443b13f4c0b20b9c508c Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane informed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Jiechi that BRIC (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China) invites South Africa...
On 23 December 2010, the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of the Republic of South Africa, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, received a telephone call from the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Yang Jiechi informing her that China, in its capacity as the rotating Chairperson of the BRIC (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China) formation, based on agreement reached between the BRIC Member States, invites South Africa as a full member into BRICS (Brazil, Russian Federation, India, China and South Africa).  He further indicated that President Hu Jintao also issued a letter of invitation to President Jacob Zuma to attend the 3rd BRICS Leaders’ Summit to be held in China in 2011.  Minister Yang conveyed that China believed that South Africa’s accession would promote the development of BRICS and enhance cooperation among emerging market economies.

On behalf of President Zuma and the South African Government, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane expressed South Africa’s sincere appreciation for the invitation to join BRICS, as well as the invitation from President Hu to attend the Summit.  The Minister emphasised that South Africa was ready to step up communication and coordination with China and other BRICS Member States for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane wrote to her BRIC counterparts in 2009 to raise the possibility of South Africa’s BRIC membership.  President Zuma subsequently met with BRIC leaders in the course of 2010.  

“The rationale for South Africa’s approach was in consideration of a matter of crucial importance to BRICS Member States, namely the role of emerging economies in advancing the restructuring of the global political, economic and financial architecture into one that is more equitable, balanced and rests on the important pillar of multilateralism,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.

“Our approach to intensifying our relations with emerging powers and other countries of the South is, of course, through active and strong bilateral engagement.  In addition, however, we also see the NAM and the G77 as important for South-South interaction, especially within the framework of the United Nations.  

“At another level, we see the formation of the IBSA and our membership of that body as a mechanism not only for enhancing our trilateral partnership with India and Brazil, but also as an important pillar for strengthening the muscle of the South in global affairs.  

“We believe that the IBSA will get a better balance, and become even stronger, with South Africa now as a member of the BRICS.  We remain convinced that South Africa’s diversified foreign policy objectives and interests allow for both groupings (IBSA and BRICS) to co-exist.  It is our belief that the mandates of BRICS and IBSA are highly complementary,” concluded Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.

South Africa and BRICS Member States already collaborated and will continue to collaborate closely in various international organisations and formations such as the United Nations, the G-20 and the IBSA Dialogue Forum.  All BRICS countries will serve on the UNSC in 2011 as permanent (China, Russian Federation) or non-permanent members (Brazil, India and South Africa), which augurs positively for enhanced cooperation efforts in terms of the salient issues of common interest as quoted above.

Issued by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation

460 OR Tambo Building
RIETONDALE
0084

24 December 2010]]> Topnews Presse Politik Tue, 28 Dec 2010 16:24:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=882&cHash=cf49952e136dc231f099af4acf5901c5 Berlin, 14 November 2010. The Embassy of the Republic of South Africa hosted the Commonwealth Remembrance Day 2010 in Berlin. The co-ordination of the Commonwealth Remembrance Day in Germany is...
This year the Act of Remembrance Ceremony was co-ordinated by South Africa and took place on Sunday, 14 November in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission Berlin 1939-45 War Cemetery, which is the final resting place of 31 South African soldiers. A total of 99 South African soldiers lie buried in cemeteries throughout Germany.]]> Botschaft Politik Topnews Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:45:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=879&cHash=381fbd1daabc8f9038b096e8841edc13 Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, has on behalf of management and staff of the Department, welcomed Mr Marius Llewellyn Fransman as the new Deputy...
The newly-appointed Deputy Minister joins the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation after having served as the Chairperson for the Portfolio Committee for Higher Education and Training in Parliament since May 2009.

With his strong record of delivery and innovation in the portfolios that he has served in, coupled with a deep-rooted understanding of communities and the country’s priorities, Mr Fransman will indeed become an asset to both the Ministry and the Department.

Accordingly, Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said: “We stand ready to work together with Mr Fransman in the execution of our country’s foreign policy mandate.”

Mr Fransman will be one of the two Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation. The other is Mr Ebrahim I. Ebrahim.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane thanked the outgoing Deputy Minister Susan van der Merwe for her outstanding contribution and dedication since her appointment in April 2004 as Deputy Minister.

4 November 2010]]> Politik Pressespiegel Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:28:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=878&cHash=6536aa3b1390d6f3dc3239c5534ad475 On 31 October 2010 the President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma, held a press conference to announce the appointment of new Ministers in his Cabinet. The following is an excerpt of his...
Ladies and gentlemen of the media,
Fellow South Africans,

(…)
We have spent 17 months in government since the inauguration of the President of the Republic and the appointment of the National Executive.

We have completed the process of the reconfiguration of government, and that of putting in place systems that will help us change the way government works in order to improve service delivery.

During this period, we also had time to study the functioning of the current administration in order to ascertain what works and what needs to be changed or strengthened.  

We are guided by the mission of our government, which is to improve the quality of life of all South Africans especially the poor, working with all our people.

Access to basic services is still as important as it was when we attained our freedom in 1994.

Given the fact that we still face serious challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality in the country, government has to work at a faster pace to change the lives of the poor.

Our people need to see a visible improvement in the delivery of water, electricity, health care, education, social security, civic services, safety and security and a host of other basic needs.

We have the resources, including skilled and experienced senior staff, who have to ensure that these services reach our people, under the leadership of their Ministers and Deputy Ministers.  

We reiterate that we need a national executive and public service that knows where our people live, who fully understand the needs of our people and what we are trying to achieve.

We have taken a long and hard look at some of the departments with a view to strengthening some Ministries.  

We have noted that a few of them require the addition of Deputy Ministries to assist Ministers in carrying out their responsibilities.

Education is a top priority of this government. We have seen it prudent to strengthen the skills and human resource development sector by appointing a Deputy Minister to assist the Minister of Higher Education and Training, given the size of the portfolio.

The Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration Ministry also has an expansive mandate which includes performance monitoring and evaluation, youth development, government communications and marketing as well as general administration in the Presidency.  

A Deputy Minister is being appointed to assist the Minister to manage this over-arching portfolio.

We have mentioned before the intention to electrify at least one hundred and fifty thousand homes each year in the country.  

As of 31 March 2010, the total number of households still awaiting electricity, including informal settlements, was estimated at more than three million.

In addition, we have to ensure security of supply in our oil and gas sector. This busy and strategic Ministry will also now have a Deputy Minister.

The mining industry has been the foundation of economic development in South Africa for well over a century.

In 2009, the mining industry contributed more than thirty percent to the country’s total export revenue, and employed two point nine percent of the country’s economically active population.  

The Mineral Resources Ministry will be expanded with the addition of a Deputy Ministry to enable it to take forward its responsibilities.

NEW APPOINTMENTS

After careful consideration, I have decided to make the following appointments of Ministers and Deputy Ministers, in no specific order:

Communications
Minister: Mr Radhakrishna “Roy” Padayachie
Deputy Minister: Mr Obed Bapela.

Social Development
Minister: Ms Bathabile Dlamini
Deputy Minister: Ms Maria Ntuli

Public Entreprises
Minister: Mr Malusi Gigaba
Deputy Minister: Mr Benedict “Ben” Martins

Arts and Culture
Minister: Mr Paul Mashatile
Deputy Minister: Dr Joseph Phaahla

Public Works
Minister: Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde

Water and Environmental Affairs
Minister: Ms Edna Molewa

Women, Children and Persons with Disability
Minister: Ms Lulu Xingwana

Sports and Recreation
Minister: Mr Fikile Mbalula

Presidency: Performance Monitoring, Evaluation and Administration
Deputy Minister: Ms Dina Deliwe Pule

Correctional services
Deputy Minister, Adv Ngoako Ramathlodi

Trade and Industry
Deputy Minister: Ms Elizabeth Thabethe

Economic Development
Deputy Minister: Mr Enoch Godongwana

Energy
Deputy Minister: Ms Barbara Thompson

Health
Deputy Minister: Dr Gwen Ramokgopa

Higher Education
Deputy Minister: Ms Hlengiwe Mkhize

Home Affairs
Deputy Minister: Ms Fatima Chohan

Labour
Minister: Ms Mildred Oliphant

Mineral Resources
Deputy Minister: Godfrey Oliphant

Police
Deputy Minister: Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu

International Relations and Cooperation
Deputy Minister: Mr Marius Fransman

Public Service and Administration
Deputy Minister: Ms Ayanda Dlodlo

Rural Development and Land Reform
Deputy Minister: Mr Thembelani “Thulas” Nxesi

We extend our gratitude to the outgoing members of Cabinet for their contribution to government and the country.

Some have served in government for many years and we trust that they will still put their expertise at the disposal of the country.  

Some of the outgoing members are to be deployed in other tasks in government.

We congratulate the incoming members of Cabinet as well as the Deputy Ministers and wish them well in their new responsibilities.

The new team will be sworn into office tomorrow [Monday 1 Nov] at 2pm.  

I thank you.

Source: Website of The Presidency: www.thepresidency.gov.za  ]]> Pressespiegel Politik Fri, 05 Nov 2010 16:21:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=859&cHash=ce2d0b5a82cbdb3b1160070b486e8072 President Jacob Zuma will co-chair the United Nations Second Panel on Climate Change Sustainability. President Jacob Zuma has been requested to serve as co-chair of the United Nations Second Panel on...
"We are honoured to serve, and view this assignment by the United Nations as recognition of the key role that the African continent should play in key international interventions and processes," said Zuma.

He added that South Africa's hosting of the Conference of the Parties 17 (COP17 Summit) in 2011, and the presence of Minister in the Presidency, Trevor Manuel in the High Level Advisory Group on Climate Finance, among others, showed South Africa's commitment to the goal of achieving sustainable development in the world.

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon made the request for Zuma to co-chair the panel which will have a special focus on climate change as a sustainable development challenge.

Zuma will chair the panel, together with the President of Finland, Tarja Kaarina Halonen.

The three pillars of climate change - namely economic, social and environmental, will be addressed during the first meeting, which will be held between 19 and 25 September in New York, the Presidency said in a statement.

The panel is also expected to focus on related issues of food security, energy and poverty eradication.

Sourced by SA – The Good News via BuaNews]]> Pressespiegel Politik Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:58:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=856&cHash=47f1ab3f1accf4c7395f4e4dceccdf0e United States President Barack Obama has extended a warm welcome to Ebrahim Rasool, who has been appointed South African ambassador to the US. Rasool officially assumed his ambassadorial...
In accepting Rasool’s Letter of Credence, Obama said he looked forward to a chance to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. He also gave a word of encouragement to South Africa on the successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. "The Cup was a testament to all South Africa has achieved since 1994 and all that it - and all of Africa - has to offer," said Obama.

Rasool outlined his mandate to foster stronger interaction between SA and the US through the Co-operative Partnership initiative. The initiative, aimed at making economic development the driver of global growth, is largely based on the achievement of an enduring peace and stability in the world.

Rasool thanked the US for its role in supporting development in Africa – a continent Obama had previously referred to as "a fundamental part of our interconnected world."

"This agenda can be advanced if, amongst others, the USA supports the African Union's endorsement earlier this year of South Africa's candidature for the United Nation Security Council," added Rasool.

Obama acknowledged the areas of cooperation between the two countries, and hoped more strides would be made in the fields of health, education, climate change and trade.

Rasool has taken over from Welile Nhlapo. His appointment was hotly contested by the Democratic Alliance, claiming he had corrupt dealings with journalists while he was Premier of the Western Cape. However, there was no hint of the scandal when he presented his credentials to US. SABC News]]> Politik Pressespiegel Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:45:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=855&cHash=3bab42e5602569b9840e010aec08fbdf President Jacob Zuma has called for action to address transformation in South Africa's workplace, saying the country is not achieving the kind of gender parity required by its democratic...
Addressing a packed Women's Day event at East London's Absa Stadium on Monday, Zuma pointed to a recent employment equity report, compiled by the Department of Labour, which found that transformation in the workplace, particularly in the private sector, was slow.

Unless something was done urgently, he said, South Africa would struggle to achieve its set targets of workforce gender balance.

"Some urgent action is required in the private sector to improve gender and race diversity at top management level," he said, referring to the report's finding that 63 percent of top management positions in South African companies were occupied by white men.

He told the more than 5 000 people gathered to commemorate the women's struggle in the country that legislative reforms would be put in place to deal with slow transformation.

South Africa marks 9 August as national Women's Day to honour the women who marched to the Union Buildings in protest against the apartheid government's oppressive pass laws in 1956.

Zuma heaped praise on the 20 000 women who, under the leadership of Lilian Ngoyi, Helen Joseph, Sophie Williams, Amina Cachalia and Rahima Moosa, took on the might of the apartheid regime to say "enough was enough".

"They stated their resolve that they would never give up the fight until the dawn of freedom," Zuma said.

He singled out former president Nelson Mandela's wife, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who had "kept hope alive inside the country, in the face of endless persecution by the apartheid security apparatus. Through her, we salute all women who lived in fear and persecution for years ... because their husbands or family members were activists."

Women in the public sector

While South Africa's authorities admit that much that needs to be done to increase women's representation in top management positions in the country, there has been progress made on legislative reforms since 1994 to facilitate gender equality and improved representation of women in decision-making positions.

Women's representation in Parliament jumped to 45 percent following the country's recent elections, moving South Africa up to third place in the global women in parliament rankings behind Rwanda and Sweden, who have 56% and 47% women's representation in their respective parliaments.

The number of women ministers and deputy ministers increased from 18 percent in 1994 to 40 percent after last year's poll. Women are also in charge of powerful portfolios in Defence, International Relations and Cooperation, Energy, Correctional Services and Home Affairs.

Zuma said the country had also done well at provincial government level, with five women having emerged as Premiers, pushing the representation of women at this sphere of government to 55 percent.

At the same time, he said, "a lot of work needs to be done to increase the representation of women at senior levels of the public service. At the moment, women make up an average 36 percent of senior management”.

As the Labour Department survey shows, there is still under-representation of women as paid employees in general, and the challenge worsens at top management level of the private sector.

Gender Equity Bill

Minister for Women, Children and Persons with Disabilities Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya wants to change these statistics with a new Gender Equity Bill which will enforce gender parity measures across all sectors.

"Sixteen years into our democracy, we still have men holding 63 percent of top management positions in the private sector while African women are at less than three percent," she said.

"These are women who are faced with daily struggles of caring for their families while at the same time they compete in the labour market. They need to be competent workers while carrying the burden of unpaid, and mostly unrecognised, work within their household.

"In most cases these are the women who constitute the majority of the unemployed, the poor and underdeveloped section of our society," Mayende-Sibiya said.

The minister said that if the current pace of transformation continued, it could take the country almost 40 years to attain 50-50 gender parity.

"We cannot allow that," she said.

Source: BuaNews, By Chris Bathembu
]]> Pressespiegel Politik Fri, 13 Aug 2010 12:34:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=810&cHash=e8ed25e5a3e69d5f4506cd95cb925ee4 President Jacob Zuma's administration has some notable successes to its credit after one year in office, despite big challenges still ahead, Business Unity SA (Busa) said on Friday.A year ago, South...
A year ago, South Africa was experiencing a severe recession and negative growth as a result of the global crisis. Retrenchments and insolvencies dominated the economic scene, Busa said.

Thanks largely to the appropriate counter-cyclical policies, South Africa was enjoying positive growth as well as lower inflation in 2010.

Business and consumer confidence were gradually recovering and this was mainly due to the appropriate economic policies followed.

The recent appointment of the National Planning Commission represented another step in developing a shared economic vision for the country's future and in building confidence.

Zuma had led a number of international state visits to strengthen South Africa's economic diplomacy and create opportunities for local business, which should enlarge the country's share of global trade and investment.

Busa said the implementation of a revised industrial policy action plan underpinned the importance of enhancing South Africa's global competitiveness and job creation in key areas of the economy in years ahead.

South Africa also now stood ready to successfully host the prestigious Soccer World Cup next month.

The government's continued commitment to accelerated transformation included the recent appointment of the long overdue Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Advisory Council.

“There remain areas of uncertainty in policy that are required to be seriously addressed in the period ahead," Busa said.

“There will need to be more coordination and coherence reflected in developing policy, especially in crucial areas such as energy."

The emphasis on better delivery and greater accountability was welcomed, but faster progress needed to be made in spheres that seriously mattered to economic performance, such as state-owned
enterprises and local government efficiency.

In this context, the draft Municipal System Amendment Bill was an important step in the right direction.

Combating corruption required even greater cooperation between the government and the private sector.

"Busa believes that, given President Zuma's commitment to partnership with the private sector, this provides the platform from which to seek solutions to the outstanding challenges.

"We must build further on the constructive relationship that exists between business and government, as well as mobilising the enhanced role of social dialogue in Nedlac, which has also been emphasised by President Zuma."

The need for higher growth, lower unemployment and greater poverty alleviation all pointed to the urgent need for a focused collective effort to create a better life for all South Africans, Busa said.

Source: Sapa, SAGoodnews]]> Politik Pressespiegel Wed, 12 May 2010 13:23:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=804&cHash=7a5ab47f47c61ebdded918170bde6c24 The South African Government has taken note of the political and communication environment following the murder on Saturday, 03 April 2010, of the leader of the Afrikaner Resistance Movement (AWB),...
In his reaction to the murder, President Jacob Zuma has urged all political leaders and members of the public to desist from reckless and inflammatory behaviour, emphasising his confidence in the country’s law enforcement agencies to deal with the case.

The Department of Police is investigating the matter to ascertain the circumstances around the incident, working with the courts to bring about justice and finality to the matter.

At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest that the incident was motivated either by racial tensions or politics. Initial reports attributed the murder to a salary dispute. This is now before the courts.

We must allow the law to run its course in this particular case, and heed the call for calm made by organisations across the political spectrum.

This incident has taken place in a country where the Government is doing all it can to improve safety for all citizens. The attack on Mr Terre’Blanche is a terrible reminder of the work we still need to do to ensure that all South Africans are and feel safe.

South Africa remains a secure country with no threat of a civil or racial war. We are all represented by one of the world's most progressive constitutions, an independent judiciary and a robust multi-party political system.

Furthermore, there are no grounds to link the case to the country’s preparations for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, taking place between 11 June and 11 July 2010.

Security operations and preparations for the World Cup are well advanced and a safe and secure tournament for teams, tourists and South Africans alike is assured. This security plan has been endorsed by FIFA and the international police organisation, Interpol. These plans will also make a lasting contribution to long-term safety in the country.

Millions of tourists from around the world visit South Africa every year, and they can attest to several qualities inherent in the country, including the warmth and welcoming nature of her people, the beauty of the land, South Africa’s rich history as well as the general state of safety in the country. ]]> Topnews Politik Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:20:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=800&cHash=eb7b32cbc2bc54deae68bff793ec70d4 Berlin 11.2.2010. Today twenty years ago The long walk to freedom, the title of former President Nelson Mandela´s autobiography, was captured in one historic moment in Cape Town: It was the day when... Politik Presse Topnews Thu, 11 Feb 2010 09:29:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=776&cHash=c4319e1f2a75f716fc38f6a1244aeb2d President Jacob Zuma says 2010 is the year for South Africans to renew their commitment to national unity. "Together we must make 2010 the year in which we renew our commitment to national unity... "It [the tournament] must contribute to long-term economic growth and the creation of decent jobs." Citizens had a duty to welcome visitors and soccer teams to the country during the tournament. "We must all be active ambassadors of our country," he said. The success of Bafana Bafana in the tournament depended on the support they get from all South Africans. "Most importantly, we must make 2010 an exciting and most enjoyable year for all of us. Happy New Year and Happy 2010 Soccer World Cup to you all," Zuma said. - Sapa]]> FIFA WM 2010 Politik Topnews Pressespiegel Tue, 05 Jan 2010 11:39:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=768&cHash=c6980699fccac74273355c57d1309f1a The budged for higher education is set to grow progressively over the next three years, with Higher Education and Training Minister Blade Nzimande announcing that the amount is expected to grow from...
Speaking in Pretoria this week, Nzimande said the medium-term expenditure framework (MTEF) figures were tentative and subject to confirmation in the budget presentation.

He said the department has also earmarked allocations of R39-million for 2010/11 and R41-million for 2011/12 for the National Institutes for Higher Education in Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape, where exploratory work is being conducted on establishing new universities.

Nzimande also recommitted his department to reducing the percentage of students who are not subsidised as a consequence of over-enrolment by universities.
Teaching development grants

Meanwhile, a ministerial task team has recommended that the current policy on the calculation and distribution of teaching development grants be discontinued.

The main recommendations of the task team are that the minister should be able to set the annual amount available for teaching development as a fixed proportion of the total allocation for teaching outputs, and that all institutions should be eligible for teaching development funding, and not only those whose performance fell below national output norms.

"These and various other recommendations of the task team have been adapted to a new draft policy, which the minister wishes to implement in 2011/12," said the Department of Education in a statement this week. "The minister will seek the advice of the Council for Higher Education (CHE) before taking a final decision on the implementation of this new policy."

One of the features of the proposed new teaching development policy is that 80% of the MTEF budget for teaching outputs would be distributed on the basis of the actual teaching outputs or graduates produced by universities, while the balance of 20% would be used for teaching development grants.

Another feature is that the distribution of the funds available would be based on the share each institution has of the degree credit total of the higher education system. This is to ensure that all institutions are eligible for teaching development funds.
Improving graduation rates

It is envisaged that teaching development grants would continue to be earmarked funds which must be used for purposes designated by the minister.

"The minister's new requirement would be that these funds must be used in targeted ways to improve the success and graduation rates of disadvantaged students," the department said.

To gain access to the funds, institutions would have to do the following:

    * They would have to identify those programmes in which the graduation rates of disadvantaged students are significantly lower than those of advantaged students. They would have also to identify the courses within those programmes which are failed by large proportions of disadvantaged students.
    * They would have to submit plans indicating what interventions they could make to improve success rates in these courses. These plans would have to be accompanied by expenditure budgets.
    * Annual progress reports would have to have to be submitted. These would have to describe the outcomes of the implementation of the plans, including indications of changes that have occurred in success rates.

Research development grants

With regard to research development grants, the ministerial task team has recommended that the current policy on the calculation and distribution of grants be discontinued from the 2011/12 financial year.

The main features of the proposed new research policy, on which the minister will also seek advice from the CHE, include that 80% of the MTEF budget for research outputs would be distributed on the basis of the actual research outputs produced by universities.

The balance of 20% would be used for research development grants. It is also proposed that all universities would be eligible for research development grants.

"Minister Nzimande is [also] committed to advancing transformation in higher education and therefore believes that a new funding framework is necessary to ensure higher access and success rates particularly for black African and disadvantaged students, and improved quality of teaching and research," the department added.

SAinfo reporter]]> Südafrika Pressespiegel Politik Fri, 11 Dec 2009 16:54:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=767&cHash=dee4ecb2f410a6d308aff8d020065a44 South Africa will host the 17th conference of parties under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2011, the chair of the Copenhagen climate talks, Connie Hedegaard, said on Wednesday.With...
With 193 parties, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has near universal membership and is the parent treaty of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol.

The Kyoto Protocol has been ratified by 190 of the UNFCCC Parties. Under the Protocol, 37 States, consisting of highly industrialised countries and countries undergoing the process of transition to a market economy, have legally binding emission limitation and reduction commitments. The ultimate objective of both treaties is to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that will prevent dangerous human interference with the climate system.

The December 7-18 talks in Copenhagen are being attended by 15,000 delegates, activists and journalists. The overall goal for the Copenhagen climate talks is to establish an ambitious global climate agreement for the period from 2012 when the first commitment period under the Kyoto Protocol expires.

Made just prior to the talks, South Africa's bold pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 42% below the "business as usual" growth path expected by 2025 (conditional on a broader international agreement and financial aid) has been welcomed and commended.

The 2010 conference will take place in Mexico City.

Sapa-AFP]]> Politik Pressespiegel Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:52:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=702&cHash=5d0f80e8509a8b491a52886dde789569 President Barack Obama addressed parliament in Ghana's capitol of Accra on Saturday, in a speech that marked his first visit to sub-Saharan Africa as the leader of the United States.A poignant moment...
A poignant moment for Africa unfolded as the leader of the world's most powerful country, and the son of an African immigrant, was given a hero's welcome upon his arrival in Accra.

Coming off the back of a G8 meeting in Italy, Obama delivered a message that focused on the role of Africa in the global economy, and importance of good governance. Ghana was selected for this landmark visit due in large part to the good governance the nation has demonstrated over the last few decades.

In his speech Obama identified four areas that are critical to the future of Africa and the developing world: democracy; opportunity; health; and the peaceful resolution of conflict.

In his speech Obama highlighted Africa's importance on the global stage. "Your prosperity can expand America's. Your health and security can contribute to the world's. And the strength of your democracy can help advance human rights for people everywhere. So I do not see the countries and peoples of Africa as a world apart; I see Africa as a fundamental part of our interconnected world," said Obama.

Obama made reference to the fact that Africa is dogged by a troublesome and traumatic history, one which has placed many nations at a disadvantage, and despite this past progress on the continent is being made every day, and Ghana is an example of this.

"Here in Ghana, you show us a face of Africa that is too often overlooked. The people of Ghana have worked hard to put democracy on a firmer footing, with peaceful transfers of power even in the wake of closely contested elections. And with improved governance and an emerging civil society, Ghana's economy has shown impressive rates of growth," said Obama.

Obama also focussed on the need for good governance in Africa. "Development depends upon good governance. That is the ingredient which has been missing in far too many places, for far too long. That is the change that can unlock Africa's potential. And that is a responsibility that can only be met by Africans."

The President also discussed the role of the West in Africa; how commitments from foreign powers must include more than just financial aid and aim to build partnerships in sustainable change.

America's foreign policy toward Africa will be one of promotion and isolation; supporting those nations that embrace good governance and the sanctity of the rule of law, and isolate those that choose not to.

Obama also addressed the issue of conflict and urged Africa to take a more proactive role in reducing the numbers of innocent civilians throughout the continent who are forced to live under such terrible conditions.

In closing Obama stressed the fact that Africa's future lay with Africans. "It won't be easy. It will take time and effort. There will be suffering and setbacks. But I can promise you this: America will be with you. As a partner. As a friend."

"Freedom is your inheritance. Now, it is your responsibility to build upon freedom's foundation. And if you do, we will look back years from now to places like Accra and say that this was the time when the promise was realised - this was the moment when prosperity was forged; pain was overcome; and a new era of progress began." Watch the speech on http://www.sagoodnews.co.za/africa/obama_africas_time_is_now.html Source: Africa The Good NewsPicture: Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy, US President Barack Obama addresses the Ghanaian Parliament in Accra]]> Topnews Pressespiegel Politik Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:28:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=694&cHash=2bce46abb83994c8949c49a14dd9e534 President Jacob Zuma will lead a South African delegation to the G8 Summit in Italy, the department of international relations and co-operation said on Monday.The G8's Africa Outreach session would...
The G8's Africa Outreach session would also be attended by the other countries which initiated the New Partnership for Africa's Development (Nepad) Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal and Libya, which is chair of the African Union, said department spokesman Nomfanelo Kota in a statement.

Delegations would also be sent by Ethiopia, which chairs Nepad's heads of state and government implementation committee, the AU Commission and Angola.

Matters on the agenda include the effect of the global financial and economic crisis on Africa, climate change, the strengthening of north-south relations, implementation of previous commitments agreed to by the G8 and the development agenda.

Kota said there would also probably be talks about strengthening peace and security in Africa, piracy, trafficking of drugs and arms, illegal fishing and money laundering.

Source: Sapa, SA GoodNews]]> Pressespiegel Politik Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:47:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=666&cHash=ff64eebe9c44b4a70e143551cee42795 Address by the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane to the National Assembly on the occasion of the Dico Budget Vote, Thursday 18 June 2009. ADDRESS BY THE... ADDRESS BY THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION,  MAITE NKOANA-MASHABANE, TO THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON THE OCCASION OF THE DICO BUDGET VOTE, THURSDAY 18 JUNE 2009

Honourable Speaker
Honourable President Jacob Zuma
Honourable Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe
Honourable Members of the National Assembly
Honourable Members of the Portfolio Committee of International Relations and Cooperation and the Select Committee on Trade and International Relations
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Acting UN Resident Representative Dr Stella Anyangwe
Comrades and Friends
Distinguished Guests
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Fellow South Africans

In his state of the Nation Address President Jacob Zuma identified the priorities of our government.  In that context the President also articulated a vision of South Africa’s role; taking into cognisance that working together with the rest of the world we can do more in bringing global peace and prosperity. Our mandate as the Department of International Relations and Cooperation is to contribute to the realisation of this Agenda.

Honourable Members

I table this Budget Vote, two days after the 33rd anniversary of June 16, 1976 whose heroes and heroines were inspired amongst others by the vision of the Freedom Charter whose 54th anniversary we celebrate next week. I mention this because the Freedom Charter declared that “There shall be Peace and Friendship”. Thus, the presentation I make before you today, is an attempt to contribute towards the realization of this vision.

Today we present the Budget of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.  The important decision of our government to change the name of the department speaks of the need for us to focus on partnerships and sustainable relations that will advance the interests of our country, contribute to the development of Africa and make the world a better place.  We have committed that this will also be manifested soon through the creation of a South African Development Partnership Agency (SADPA).  Work has started towards the realisation of this goal.  

We want the creation of this Agency to take our work on development cooperation to greater heights in terms of its focus as well as its depth.  It will be recalled that in 2008 Cabinet requested the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in consultation with the Minister of Finance, to develop a policy framework on development assistance by South Africa. The Agency is therefore located within that context and will be the key vehicle for the delivery of development cooperation.

Honourable Speaker

It is our firm conviction that South Africa’s destiny is inextricably linked to our Mother continent and that, working together with the sister people of the continent; will contribute towards a better Africa and a better world. Thus, as we begin this term of our government we are called upon to redouble our efforts to seek peace, security and development in Africa.  We believe that these are interlinked, as we cannot hope for development without peace and security.    Ka gobane –Tau tsa  hloka thobela ke mojano. Ebile ntlo lerole  gae  tswale kgosi.

We therefore wish to take this opportunity to stress the following pillars for our engagement with the continent.  

First, the strengthening of regional integration.  From the experience of other regions of the world we have witnessed the benefits that come from strong regional integration. When successful, regional integration has been closely associated with peace and development amongst others.  We seek the same for our beloved continent.  

It is therefore imperative that we focus on the further development and strengthening of SADC and the African Union. Regional Economic Communities, such as SADC, are also key pillars for the broader continental integration.  The African Union cannot be strong if Africa’s regional economic communities are weak.  It is this perspective that forces us to work for greater political cohesion and a stronger economic integration in our region.  We have made advances in this regard, as evident from the launch of the SADC Free Trade Area in South Africa last year.  

Of course, we know that the path is not going to be smooth as evidenced by the current differences we have amongst ourselves on the question of the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). But we are firmly of the view that none of these challenges are insurmountable as long as we act guided by the undisputable reality of our interdependence.

We shall continue to work with the people of Zimbabwe to support the implementation of the all inclusive agreement. We call on the leadership of Zimbabwe not to waiver and implement fully the letter and spirit of the Global Political Agreement. We pledge to step up efforts to promote bilateral co-operation between our two countries on a wide range of areas. We also call upon the international community to lift sanctions and fully engage the government of Zimbabwe and help respond to the calls for help from her people.

Through SADC we are also seized with the situation in Madagascar and we hope that we can contribute to bring normalcy to that country. Just tomorrow, the leadership of the SADC Organ Troika (Swaziland, Mozambique and Angola) and South Africa will meet here in our country ahead of an Extra Ordinary SADC Summit on Saturday, 20th June 2009, specifically to focus on how to restore durable peace in that sister country, Madagascar.

At the continental level we will continue to be fully engaged in the strengthening of the African Union.  We are prioritising our contribution to the important discussion on the question of the Union government.  This debate is drawn from the long standing vision of some of the illustrious leaders of Africa such as Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere and others, who wished to see a deeper unity of our continent.  These forebearers believed that the strength of Africa lay in unity, Sepedi sa re Tau tsa hloka seboka di shitwa ke nare e hlotsa.

It therefore behoves our generation to continue to work towards this vision.  Our generation, however, has to engage in this debate fully cognisant of the position and the place of our continent today.  We have the benefit of learning from the history and the experience. We also need to be guided at all times by the fact that the integration of our continent is not an end in itself but rather a basis to help address the myriad of challenges facing Africa, at the centre of which are the scourges of poverty and underdevelopment.

We will also enhance the work that we have started in bringing closer alignment between SADC, COMESA and the East African Community (EAC).  

The stabilisation of our continent needs to be anchored in visible programmes of socio-economic development.  In this regard we recognise that NEPAD remains a key mechanism for the achievement of this socio-economic development.  NEPAD programmes on infrastructure, food security and others would address priority challenges faced by African countries.  The underdevelopment of infrastructure limits the chances for Africa’s development and also delays even the closer integration of our economies.  It is for this reason therefore that we believe that the implementation of NEPAD programmes at all levels needs to be enhanced.  

Second, support for peace, security, stability and post-conflict reconstruction initiatives. We know from our own experience that the achievement of peace and stability can be a painstaking effort requiring patience and perseverance.  However, we also know the dividends that come with peace.  It is this understanding that has informed our cooperation with the sister peoples of the DRC, Burundi, Sudan, Comores, Zimbabwe, Cote d’Ivoire and many others, as they seek to bring peace to their own countries.  The peace dividend that all these countries seek is economic growth and development.  We are enjoined to play our role in continuing with this important work.

South Africa’s men and women continue to serve in peacekeeping missions in various parts of our continent. We are proud of the role that these patriots play. Thus, we need to ensure that the operationalisation of the SADC Brigade, the strengthening of the Regional Peacekeeping Training Centre in Harare and the launch of the Regional Early Warning Centre in Gaborone receive our focus.

Honourable Speaker

The third pillar of our continental strategy is the strengthening of bilateral political and socio-economic relations with countries of the continent.  We enjoy strong bilateral relations with countries in the African continent.  Through these partnerships we wish to foster stronger political relations, people-to-people solidarity, trade, investments and tourism.  Our relations with the countries in the continent find expression through various bilateral political agreements and commissions that we have entered into.  The Department is doing an audit of these partnerships in order to identify ways in which we can strengthen them, focusing particularly on the interventions necessary to promote intra-African trade in mutually beneficial and sustainable ways.

The evolution of our Foreign Policy has ushered in an era of Trilateral co-operation whose practical expression of these is also found in the developmental projects that South Africa is undertaking in various parts of the continent. These, among others, range from the electricity generation project in Guinea-Conakry, the rice and vegetable production project conducted jointly with the government of Vietnam in Guinea-Conakry, the IBSA Livestock Development and Agricultural project in Guinea-Bissau and the Cuban Medical Brigade in Mali.

Of significance in 2009 is that South Africa and Nigeria will celebrate 10 years of formal diplomatic relations.  This is an important opportunity to evaluate progress made and identify further areas of cooperation between our two countries.

There can be no lasting peace in the African continent as long as the people of Western Sahara continue to suffer and to live in conditions of occupation.  We are convinced that urgent steps are needed to resolve this last case of decolonisation in our continent in line with UN processes.

As we seek more cooperation and the integration of our continent we are convinced that Africa cannot only be defined by geography, but we should also come together around a set of values that define our humanity.  For this reason the promotion of democracy, the respect for human rights and the improvement of governance are vital for our success as a continent.  Indeed we see progress being registered in all these areas throughout the continent. In our own region, South Africa and Malawi are the latest countries who have just held democratic elections.  These values are also supported by the principles of the African Union such as its continued rejection of unconstitutional changes of power.  In this regard another important structure on which we should focus is the African Peer Review Mechanism.  The APRM holds the potential to enhance the popularisation of these progressive values in our continent.

Honourable Speaker and Members

During his address to the nation, President Zuma reiterated a need to work together with the countries of the South within the framework of South-South Co-operation.  Our commitment to South-South cooperation is driven by our need to pursue stronger political relations with, countries of the South but also to focus these relations towards advancing our domestic priorities.  It is about expanding the horizons of opportunity for our country.

It is now a reality that the global economic geography is changing; with growing importance of the emerging economies of the South as contributors to global economic activity. There is also growing recognition that the emerging economies of the South will be key catalysts of global growth as we emerge from the current economic crisis. We have to seek out and grasp these opportunities. This is both good in the short term but also importantly helps us strategically diversify our economic partnerships so as to be able to withstand both the current and future economic shocks.

In October 2009 we will participate in the 4th IBSA Summit to be held in Brazil where the emphasis will be on finding ways of enhancing the implementation of the twenty bilateral agreements already signed in this trilateral initiative.  Through IBSA we plan to further increase the levels of trade to the target of US$ 25 billion by 2015 and finalise the modalities for IBSA Outreach to other countries.  IBSA has indeed become a strategic mechanism for linking our three continents. We are convinced that the implementation of the agreements we have entered into should elevate these links further, including through air and sea.

In addition to our partnership through IBSA, we will continue to strengthen our strategic bilateral relations both with India and with Brazil. With India; we share strong historical relations spanning through every stage of the evolution of modern day South Africa through the 20th century. Ours has been a relationship steeped in politics and struggle. That is why we wish to congratulate the people of India for the manner they conducted their recently concluded elections, thereby once again entrenching the place of India as the largest democracy on earth. We owe it to our forbearers to continue the current encouraging trend of increases in both trade and investment between us. We recognise and appreciate the role played and commitment made by India to help us train our youth for the challenges of the modern economy.  

Bilateral trade with Brazil is also on the increase. Of course we have to attend to the structure of the trade which currently is tilted in favour of Brazil. Brazil, having the second largest concentration of Africans - second only to Nigeria - is a logical partner of our continent. We are encouraged by the increasing realisation of this fact by the government and people of Brazil.

Beyond IBSA we are broadening our political and economic relations with countries of the South in general, in Asia, Middle East and Latin America. It is from these expanding relations that South Africa seeks to also leverage support for our domestic priorities.  Amongst others, we believe that our focus should be on investments, two-way trade as well as tourism opportunities with these countries of the South.  Already some of the bigger investments in South Africa come from countries of the South.  We have also formed structured bilateral relations using joint commissions with some of the countries in Asia, Middle East and Latin America. The countries of the Middle East in particular, in spite of the global economic crisis, continue to be a source of FDI which we can access by leveraging the huge resources in their Sovereign Wealth Funds.  

In 2008 we completed a successful celebration of the 10 years of diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China.  Part of the focus was to ensure the visibility of our two countries in each other’s territories but also enhance people-to-people relations.  We believe that we achieved the objectives we had set ourselves.  This has also set the stage for our preparations to participate in the Shanghai Expo next year.

At the political level our relations with countries of the South are critical in addressing some of the global challenges that we face.  Therefore our continued partnership with these countries in the context of the Non-Aligned Movement and the Group of 77 remains important.  In July we will participate in the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in Egypt wherein we shall seek to enhance the political solidarity of the South as a force for the resolution of some of the challenges facing the world today.

The 2nd South America-Africa Summit to be hosted by Venezuela in September 2009 will also be a key event in the context of our pursuit of South-South cooperation. The Summit aims to expand the knowledge among the countries of Africa and South America and to encourage the exchange of information and experiences, as well as to work collectively on matters of mutual interest, especially in the fields of poverty alleviation, sustainable development, science and technology and cultural exchange.

Honourable Speaker

South Africa remains extremely concerned with the lack of progress in the Middle East peace processes.  The establishment of a viable Palestinian state existing side by side in peace with Israel, as well as to Israel’s withdrawal from other occupied Arab land, such as the Syrian Golan Heights is our request. We have during our tenure as non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, strongly condemned the Israeli air and ground assault on Gaza. We therefore call on all parties in the peace process to refrain from any acts of violence and counter violence which could further impede the peace process and also for the inclusion of all key role players in the process on non-ideological grounds. The challenge of the time for the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships is the immediate resumption of the negotiations as the only basis for stable peace. We also welcome President Barack Obama’s overtures on the two state solution thus reiterating our long held view on the correctness of the “two state solution” approach.

Honourable Speaker

We have also stated the importance that our government attaches to our relations with the developed countries of the North.  We also participate in trilateral partnerships with some countries of the North in support of peace and development in the African continent.  Our focus in the coming period will be to place our government’s strategic priorities at the centre of our relations with the developed countries of the North.  The various cooperation mechanisms that exist with these countries will be structured to achieve this objective.

In September 2009 we will host the South Africa-European Union Summit.  This is the second Summit since the launch of the Strategic Partnership between the European Union and South Africa.

It is important that our European partners should support the development focus of our regional integration.  It is regrettable that the discussions and plans for the EPAs have so far tended to move contrary to this spirit despite our best efforts.  We reiterate again that this process could have major ramifications for the unity and economic development of our region.

This year, marks the centenary of our relations with Japan. This affords us the opportunity to reflect on how to better focus our partnership in trade, development and investment.

We shall continue to strengthen our bilateral relations with Russia through our structured coordination framework, ITEC.

Our bilateral relationship with North America and the United States in particular to us is key. In this regard we will continue to explore ways of deepening the political relations between South Africa and the United States. We have noted the various policy pronouncements by the new American administration in which they express an intention to engage with the world on Zimbabwe in different terms.  South Africa welcomes this trajectory.

Our foreign policy has always been informed by a strong belief in the multilateral system of global governance.  It has been through the multilateral system that we have always come together to address the many challenges that confront the world today.  At no time has this cooperation under the multilateral system been more important than it is today.  Nations of the world have to come together to deal with the effects of the global financial crisis.  We have to take action with others to address climate change.  Indeed these are among the urgent priorities that we will address this year in our multilateral engagements.

Through the Group of 20 a framework has already been set for common responses to the global financial meltdown.  We all have to commit ourselves and show political will to the implementation of the decisions of the G20.  The next G20 Summit in September should hopefully be an occasion for taking stock of progress with implementation.

We also support the actions taken within the United Nations to address the financial crisis.  We believe that the United Nations will allow all nations of the world and those that are not part of the G20 process an avenue to participate and voice their opinions on this global crisis.

The international community will gather in Copenhagen in December 2009 to look at steps that need to be taken to address climate change.  This is an immediate and pressing problem for all countries.  Numerous studies show that Africa will be one of the most vulnerable regions as a result of climate change.  We therefore expect a balanced outcome from Copenhagen that will address the needs of all States.

We will have an opportunity to address these issues also through our engagement with the Group of 8 (G8).  The 2009 Summit of the G8, under the Presidency of Italy, will prioritize the global impact of the financial crisis, climate change and biodiversity, illegal immigration and food security, Africa’s development co-operation and commitments made by the G8 through the African Action Plan.  The Summit will further receive a report on the Heiligendamm Dialogue Process. As a member of the G5 countries, South Africa will prioritise the implementation of commitments from the Kananaskis and Gleneagles Summits and pursue a more inclusive process within the G8, based on partnership, equality and mutual respect.

South Africa’s experience as a member of the United Nations Security Council has redoubled our commitment and sense of urgency towards reform of this institution. South Africa is actively engaged in the negotiations on Security Council reform that are currently underway in New York under the auspices of the United Nations General Assembly.  In this context we have stressed our commitment to the broader reform of all the institutions of global governance.  We will therefore work with other countries to realise these reforms in order for these important institutions to be able to respond to the many challenges that currently face us.  

Honourable Speaker and Members
It is also important for us that we should continue to build on the partnerships we developed during our tenure as a non permanent member of the Security Council.  This will help us to advance specific initiatives such as security sector reform and the enhancement of cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations.  The UN Security Council remains a critical institution for South Africa and Africa in general given its mandate of the maintenance of international peace and security.   Its agenda is still largely focused on challenges in our continent.

The UN Durban Review Conference which took place early this year in Geneva was a success in the struggle against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances. We will continue to play our part on the international front to rid the world of the scourge of racism. At the same time, our Department will deepen its collaboration with civil society and other players to implement our National Action Plan in the fight against racism, xenophobia and all intolerances.

In the field of disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control South Africa will continue to actively pursue and promote the importance of co-operation; assistance and equal access to advanced technologies for peaceful purposes.  This includes access to adequate renewable sources of energy to underpin sustainable development, including access to nuclear energy for all States, consistent with South Africa’s domestic energy policies and programmes.  In our interaction in multilateral fora, we will also continue to strive to identify, together with our African partners and other developing countries those areas where they have implementation challenges in terms of their international obligations and undertakings.

Our government took a decision to support the candidature of Ambassador Abdul Minty for the position of Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).  We are convinced that Ambassador Minty is eminently qualified for this position given his background and experience.

Honourable Speaker

The name change presents us with an opportunity to reposition our brand as the Department of International Relations and cooperation, here at home and abroad. In this regard we will continue engaging on massive imbizo with our people, stakeholder, organs of civil society and the mass media.
 
The nature of international relations work means that the success of the Department of International Relations depends on its people.  These are the fine South Africans who serve our country both at headquarters as well as in our many Embassies, Consulates and High Commissions abroad.  Our three-year human resources strategy launched in 2007 is focused on developing a cadre of “People who are committed to making a difference for South Africa”.  It places emphasis on people issues and the facilitation of the achievements of our foreign policy objectives.  The focus of this Human Resource strategy is aimed at creating a conducive work environment that enhances performance and nurtures talent and retains it for now and the future.

South Africa’s increasing role in international relations also calls for a capable and committed cadre of diplomats.  The expansion of our representation abroad, particularly in Africa, necessitates that we increase our capacity in terms of numbers, and deepen our skills in various areas of Diplomacy.  Therefore we have continued to increase the capacity of our Diplomatic Academy.  It has become the strategic nerve centre for the training of our diplomats and for the provision of broader ongoing training programmes including with the participation of SADC and AU countries.  Our Diplomatic Academy has also partnered in the training of the diplomats of the Democratic Republic of Congo in Kinshasa, Western Sahara and Sudan.  

We are convinced that the launch of a Masters in Diplomacy Degree with the University of Pretoria will increase the knowledge base of our managers and generally contribute to higher standards of professionalism in our international work.

In line with the President’s call for “the creation of decent work”, DICO is consolidating its Cadet Programme which recruits and grooms young graduates to be future of South African diplomats. To date, almost 95 young South Africans have been trained and absorbed by DICO.  

As we continue to expand our work and with the growing importance of our country – we continue to witness high levels of both outgoing and incoming visits, as well as increasing activity by the diplomatic community accredited to our country. We shall continue the work of strengthening our protocol services, including our hospitality services, namely our Diplomatic Guesthouses and the Protocol Lounges, both at OR Tambo and here in Cape Town. This is necessary to project our spirit of Ubuntu and ensure that our visitors at all times feel welcome on our shores.

A key area of focus in the coming years is the need to anchor our policy perspectives and approaches among our people. The work we do must be connected to our people in very concrete and visible ways and they must not only understand, but be able to find their bearings in the midst of confusion that is sometimes deliberately meant to discredit our policies and create divisions amongst us. This we believe will also help avoid the recurrence of the xenophobic incidents of yesteryear. In addition, guided by our belief that indeed Working together we can do more, we commit to enhanced partnership and cooperation with non-state actors (business, labour, research institutions, academia and so forth) to advance our international relations framework and better position our country in the world.

All of this unfortunately requires resources. We say this mindful of the current challenges and the competing needs facing our country in these difficult times. But we have to say that a number of requests we made during the budget process could not be met, thereby putting pressure, especially on our operating budget. We are also apprehensive about the impact of the economic crisis on exchange rate volatility since a significant part of our budget is spent abroad and is, therefore, very sensitive to these fluctuations. We shall, however, work together with our Parliamentary Committees to share information on an ongoing basis.

A major milestone our department will achieve this year is the housing of our cadre ship at the new campus in Tshwane. This process has already commenced. I wish to thank our government for this significant investment and pledge that under our watch we shall ensure that all of us fully appreciate that, as servants of the people, we are expected to honour this product of their sweat, their tears and their blood.

We also commit to play our role to ensure that the ongoing Confederations Cup becomes a resounding success. This will be our building plank as we join all South Africans in inviting the world to our shores for the 2010 FIFA World Cup – which will be the greatest ever spectacle that will indeed affirm that Ke nako – AFRICA’ s time has come.

This year, 2009, marks the 91st birthday of our great icon, hero and leader of our people: Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who continues to inspire hope in millions of our people as they struggle for a better life for all.

As President Zuma indicated, that on the 18th of July, each year, our people, together with the rest of the world, will have an opportunity to do something good to help others” In this regard we call upon all our missions abroad to propagate ubuntu. Working together with the Nelson Mandela Foundation, the Missions will dedicate time to participate in humanitarian causes that honour Madiba‘s legacy.

With all humility, I take this huge responsibility assigned to me by our government and our people, to thank President Jacob Zuma, Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe and our leadership collective for this expression of confidence.

I also wish to pay tribute to my predecessors – one; an outstanding son - the other; an outstanding daughter of our people. To both comrades, the late Alfred Nzo and my sister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma – I say thank you for the work you have done to position our country where it is today – a respected and principled member of the global community of nations.

My appreciation also goes out to Deputy Ministers Ebrahim Ebrahim and Sue van der Merwe for their unwavering support, Mr T Nxesi, Chair of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Co-operation; and Mr GD Gamede, Chair of Select Committee on Trade and International Relations for their oversight role and guidance in our work. I would also like to thank the DG, Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, and all managers and officials of the department for their hard work and continuous readiness to serve. To all of them, I say let’s walk and work together as; Working together we can do more.

Honourable Speaker, it is our hope and wish that the house will approve the Budget of the Department of International Relations for this financial year. The budget allocation for the 2009 MTEF Budget Allocations is as follows:

1.    Administration: 993 100
2.    Foreign Relations: 3 128 000
3.    Public Diplomacy &Protocol Services: 215 300
4.    International Transfers (UN, SADC, ARF, AU): 1 000 000
       Total: 5 337 000

Ndo livhuwa
Kea leboga
Ni khensile

]]> Pressespiegel Politik Fri, 19 Jun 2009 09:58:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=639&cHash=e23697fc77b98be58ace709884097fc3 Read the full length State of the Nation Address by His Excellency J G Zuma, President of the Republic of South Africa at the Joint Sitting of Parliament in Cape Town on 3 June 2009. STATE OF THE... STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY J G ZUMA, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, JOINT SITTING OF PARLIAMENT, CAPE TOWN. 03 JUNE 2009

Honourable Speaker;
Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces;
Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP;
Deputy President of the Republic, Kgalema Motlanthe
Former President of the Republic, Thabo Mbeki,
 Our icon, the First President of a democratic South Africa, Isithwalandwe Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela,
Former Deputy Presidents,
Distinguished Premiers and Speakers of our Provinces;
Esteemed members of the Judiciary;
Chairperson of SALGA, mayors and leaders in our system of local government;
Chairperson of the National House of Traditional Leaders and our honoured traditional leaders;
Heads of Chapter 9 Institutions;
Governor of the Reserve Bank,
Religious leaders,
Directors-General and other leaders of the public service;
President of the Pan African Parliament, Honourable Idriss Endele Moussa,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors and High Commissioners;
Distinguished guests, comrades and friends;
Fellow South Africans,

Dumelang, Abusheni, Molweni,

On the 22nd of April, millions of South Africans went out to cast their votes. They exercised their democratic right spurred on by the desire to change their lives for the better.

In their overwhelming numbers, they confirmed that working together we can do more to fight poverty and build a better life for all.

They were encouraged by the vision of an inclusive society, a South Africa that belongs to all, a nation united in its diversity, a people working together for the greater good of all.

We are humbled by this decisive electoral mandate given by the people of our country, who have chosen their government in a most convincing manner.

Honourable Members,

Our nation has over the past few years gone through very challenging times.

It is thanks to the fact that we have a strong and fully functional constitutional democratic system, with solid institutions, that we overcame these difficulties smoothly and with dignity.

Today's occasion is a celebration of what makes this democracy work. It is also a celebration of our culture of continuity and collective responsibility.

This is evidenced by the presence here of our icon Madiba, who laid the foundation for the country's achievements, and that of former President Thabo Mbeki, who built on that foundation.

The continuity is also evident in the fact that former President Kgalema Motlanthe is now the Deputy President of the Republic, after a seamless transition, making us a unique country in many respects.

Fellow South Africans,

As you would be aware, the fight against poverty remains the cornerstone of our government's focus.

On the 9th of May, during the Presidential inauguration, we made a commitment to our people and the world that:

"For as long as there are South Africans who die from preventable disease;

For as long as there are workers who struggle to feed their families and who battle to find work;

For as long as there are communities without clean water, decent shelter or proper sanitation;

For as long as there are rural dwellers unable to make a decent living from the land on which they live;

For as long as there are women who are subjected to discrimination, exploitation or abuse;

For as long as there are children who do not have the means nor the opportunity to receive a decent education;

We shall not rest, and we dare not falter, in our drive to eradicate poverty.

In pursuit of these goals, our government has identified 10 priority areas, which form part of our Medium Term Strategic Framework for 2009 to 2014.

The programme is being introduced under difficult economic conditions.

The past year has seen the global economy enter a period of crisis unprecedented in recent decades.

While South Africa has not been affected to the extent that a number of other countries have, its effects are now being clearly seen in our economy. We have entered a recession.

It is more important now than ever that we work in partnership on a common programme to respond to this crisis.

We take as our starting point the framework for South Africa's response to the international economic crisis, concluded by government, labour and business in February this year. We must act now to minimise the impact of this downturn on those most vulnerable.

We have begun to act to reduce job losses. There is an agreement in principle between government and the social partners on the introduction of a training layoff.

Workers who would ordinarily be facing retrenchment due to economic difficulty would be kept in employment, for a period of time and re-skilled.

Discussion on the practical detail is continuing between the social partners and the institutions that would be affected by such an initiative, including the Sector Education and Training Authorities.

We will support the work of the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to assist employers and workers to find alternatives to retrenchments through the relevant legal process.

To date, CCMA commissioners have saved over four thousand jobs through facilitation processes, and provided ongoing advice and support to retrenched workers.

The Industrial Development Corporation has developed a programme to fund companies in distress. We will also ensure that government buys more goods and services locally, without undermining our global competitiveness or pushing up costs beyond acceptable levels.

Building on the successes of our industrial policy interventions, a scaled up Industrial Policy Action Plan will be developed. The lead sectors already identified are automobile, chemicals, metal fabrication, tourism, clothing and textiles as well as forestry. In addition, attention will also be paid to services, light manufacturing and construction amongst others, in the quest to create decent jobs.

As part of Phase 2 of the Expanded Public Works Programme, the Community Work Programme will be fast-tracked.

It offers a minimum level of regular work to those who need it, while improving the quality of life in communities.

The economic downturn will affect the pace at which our country is able to address the social and economic challenges it faces. But it will not alter the direction of our development.

The policy priorities that we have identified, and the plans that we placed before the electorate, remain at the core of the programme of this government.

Laat ons mekaar se hande vat, en saam oplossings vind in die gees van n Suid Afrikaanse gemeenskap. Die tyd het gekom om harder te werk.

Ons regering gaan vorentoe kyk, nie agtertoe nie!

The steps outlined in our Medium Term Strategic Framework had to take into account the constraints posed by the economic crisis. The downturn should not cause us to change these plans. Instead it should urge us to implement these with speed and determination.

The Framework focuses on 10 priorities.

We make a commitment that working together we will speed up economic growth and transform the economy to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods.

We will introduce a massive programme to build economic and social infrastructure. We will develop and implement a comprehensive rural development strategy linked to land and agrarian reform and food security.

We will strengthen the skills and human resource base. We will improve the health profile of all South Africans.

Working together with all South Africans, we will intensify the fight against crime and corruption. We will build cohesive, caring and sustainable communities.

Working with Africa and the rest of the world, we will pursue African advancement and enhanced international co-operation.

We will ensure sustainable resource management and use.

And, working with the people and supported by our public servants, we will build a developmental state, improve public services and strengthen democratic institutions.

It is my pleasure and honour to highlight the key elements of our programme of action.

The creation of decent work will be at the centre of our economic policies and will influence our investment attraction and job-creation initiatives.

In line with our undertakings, we have to forge ahead to promote a more inclusive economy.

In this regard, we will utilise state levers such as procurement, licensing and financial support to assist small medium enterprises as well as to promote the implementation of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment and affirmative action policies.

The implementation will be done in recognition of the need to correct the imbalances of the past.

The transformation will be undertaken in support of women, youth and people with disabilities.

We will reduce the regulatory burden on small businesses. The matter of being stifled by regulations has been raised by the sector several times.

In another intervention to create an enabling environment for investment, government will move towards a single integrated business registration system.

This will improve customer service and reduce the cost of doing business in South Africa.

Another important element of our drive to create job opportunities is the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP). The initial target of one million jobs has been achieved.

The second phase of the programme aims to create about four million job opportunities by 2014.

Between now and December 2009, we plan to create about 500 000 job opportunities.

While creating an environment for jobs and business opportunities, government recognises that some citizens will continue to require state social assistance. Social grants remain the most effective form of poverty alleviation. As of 31 March 2009, more than 13 million people received social grants, more than 8 million of whom are children.

We are mindful of the need to link the social grants to jobs or economic activity in order to encourage self-reliance amongst the able-bodied.

Most importantly during this period, neighbours should assist each other.

Jwale ke nako yakopano. Are thusaneng jwale ka baahisane. Are dumalaneng hore ho sebane le ngwana ya tla robalang ka tlala hobane batswadi bahae bafeletswe ke mosebetsi. Hare ka kopana ra sebetsa kaofela re ka etsa ho feta mo.

Distinguished guests, as part of the second strategic priority we will continue with our programme to build economic and social infrastructure.

The newly-formed Infrastructure Development Cluster of government will ensure that the planned R787 billion infrastructure expenditure as provided for in the budget earlier this year is properly planned for and executed.

This funding includes allocations for the school building programme, public transport including the bus rapid transit system, housing, water and sanitation.

One of the biggest infrastructure investment projects is in the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. We have, as government and the nation at large, pledged that the World Cup will leave a proud legacy from which our children and our communities will benefit for many years to come.

We are on track to meet all our obligations and are determined to give the world the best World Cup ever.

We are putting all systems in place to make the Confederations Cup, which kicks off on the 14th of June, a huge success.

In April this year, I gave an undertaking to the taxi industry leadership to defer negotiations relating to the operation of the Bus Integrated Rapid Transit system until after the elections.

We undertook to allow more time to deal properly with the concerns of the industry.  On the 11th of June the Minister of Transport will resume discussions with the industry.

The meeting will kick-start a series of engagements with the stakeholders affected by the BRT system. We are confident that unresolved issues will be dealt with to the satisfaction of all parties.

This will include the important issue of how all stakeholders will benefit from the initiative.

Honourable Members,

Another development which should boost the World Cup is the roll-out of the digital broadcasting infrastructure and signal distribution transmitters.

Overall, we will ensure that the cost of telecommunications is reduced through the projects under way to expand broadband capacity.

We have to ensure that we do not leave rural areas behind in these exciting developments.

As part of social infrastructure development we will provide suitably located and affordable housing and decent human settlements.

We will proceed from the understanding that human settlement is not just about building houses.

It is about transforming our cities and towns and building cohesive, sustainable and caring communities with closer access to work and social amenities, including sports and recreation facilities.

In this spirit, we will work with Parliament to speed up the processing of the Land Use Management Bill.

Working together with our people in the rural areas, we will ensure a comprehensive rural development strategy linked to land and agrarian reform and food security, as our third priority.

I would like to use this opportunity to extend our condolences to the family of the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Dirk du Toit, who passed away this week. His contribution will be sorely missed.

Abantu basemakhaya nabo banelungelo lokuba nogesi namanzi, izindlu zangasese ezigijima amanzi, imigwaqo, izindawo zokuqeda isizungu nezemidlalo kanye nezindawo zokuthenga eziphucukile njengasemadolobheni. Nabo banelungelo lokusizwa kwezolimo ukuze bazitshalele imifino nokunye, bafuye nemfuyo bakwazi ukuziphilisa.

Sizimisele ukuwuqala lomkhankaso wokwakha izingqalasizinda ezindaweni zasemakhaya. Uma sibambisene nezakhamizi, amakhosi, amakhansela nezinduna siyokwazi ukuwusheshisa lomsebenzi.

Sicela abahlala ezindaweni zasemakhaya baqale balungiselele ukutshela uhulumeni ukuthi yiziphi izinto abazidinga ngokushesha.

Uma sisebenza ngokubambisana sizokwenza okuningi.

Hon. Speaker and Chairperson,

While having drawn the necessary lessons from earlier rural development initiatives, we have chosen the Greater Giyani Local Municipality in Limpopo as the first of the pilot projects for the campaign. Out of these projects will emerge lessons for the whole country.

In addition, we will work on the targeted renewal of rural towns, through grants such as the Neighbourhood Development Grant programme. In this way, areas around the towns will benefit from the economic boost.

With all these interventions, we are poised to change the face of rural areas in our country.

Compatriots,

Education will be a key priority for the next five years. We want our teachers, learners and parents to work with government to turn our schools into thriving centres of excellence.

The Early Childhood Development programme will be stepped up, with the aim of ensuring universal access to Grade R and doubling the number of 0-4 year old children by 2014.

We reiterate our non-negotiables. Teachers should be in school, in class, on time, teaching, with no neglect of duty and no abuse of pupils! The children should be in class, on time, learning, be respectful of their teachers and each other, and do their homework.

To improve school management, formal training will be a pre-condition for promoting teachers to become principals or heads of department. I will meet school principals to share our vision on the revival of our education system.

Fellow South Africans,

We will increase our efforts to encourage all pupils to complete their secondary education.

The target is to increase enrolment rates in secondary schools to 95 per cent by 2014.  We are also looking at innovative measures to bring back into the system pupils who dropped out of school, and to provide support.

Honourable Members, we are very concerned about reports of teachers who sexually harass and abuse children, particularly girls.

We will ensure that the Guidelines on Sexual Harassment and Violence in Public Schools are widely disseminated, and that learners and teachers are familiar with and observe them.

We will take very serious, and very decisive, action against any teachers who abuse their authority and power by entering into sexual relationships with children.

To promote lifelong learning, the Adult Basic Education and Training Kha ri Gude programme will be intensified.

Compatriots, Honourable Members,

We have to ensure that training and skills development initiatives in the country respond to the requirements of the economy.

The Further Education and Training sector with its 50 colleges and 160 campuses nationally will be the primary site for skills development training.

We will improve the access to higher education of children from poor families and ensure a sustainable funding structure for universities.

Fellow South Africans,

We are seriously concerned about the deterioration of the quality of health care, aggravated by the steady increase in the burden of disease in the past decade and a half.

We have set ourselves the goals of further reducing inequalities in health care provision, to boost human resource capacity, revitalise hospitals and clinics and step up the fight against the scourge of HIV and AIDS, TB and other diseases.

We must work together to improve the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan for the Treatment, Management and Care of HIV and AIDS so as to reduce the rate of new HIV infections by 50% by the year 2011.

We want to reach 80% of those in need of ARV treatment also by 2011.

We will introduce a National Health Insurance scheme in a phased and incremental manner. In order to initiate the NHI, the urgent rehabilitation of public hospitals will be undertaken through Public-Private Partnerships.

We are also paying urgent attention to the issues of remuneration of health professionals to remove uncertainty in our health services.

Working together, let us do more to promote quality health care, in line with the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to halve poverty by 2014.

Fellow citizens,

Together we must do more to fight crime. Our aim is to establish a transformed, integrated, modernised, properly-resourced and well-managed criminal justice system.

It is also critically important to improve the efficiency of the courts and the performance of prosecutors and to enhance detective, forensic and intelligence services. This work has started in earnest, and it will be undertaken with new energy and vigour.

Among the immediate targets is to ensure that we increase the number of prosecutors and Legal Aid Board personnel. We will do the same with police detectives.

We changed the name of the relevant Ministry from Safety and Security to Police to emphasise that we want real operational energy in police work. This will contribute to the reduction of serious and violent crimes by the set target of 7% to 10% per annum.

The most serious attention will also be given to combating organised crime, as well as crimes against women and children.

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson,

While appreciating the investment of the private sector in the security industry, we will improve the regulation of this industry.

Amongst other key initiatives, we will start the process of setting up a Border Management Agency; we shall intensify our efforts against cyber crime and identity theft, and improve systems in our jails to reduce repeat offending.

Compatriots,

I wish to underline our support for the continued transformation of the judiciary.

The transformation should address key issues such as the enhancement of judicial independence, entrenching internal systems of judicial accountability as well as ensuring full access to justice by all.

The success of the democratic system as a whole depends on good relations of mutual respect and a spirit of partnership among the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary. This is very important for our constitutional democracy.

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson,

We have repeatedly stated our commitment to fight corruption in the public service.

We will pay particular attention to combating corruption and fraud in procurement and tender processes, application for drivers' licences, social grants, IDs, and theft of police case dockets.

Let me emphasise that we all have a role to play in this war against crime.

We must actively participate in Community Policing Forums. We must stop buying stolen goods, which encourages crime.

We must report crime and assist the police with information to catch wrongdoers. In this way, we will move forward towards a crime-free society.

Honourable Members, since 1994 we have sought to create a united cohesive society out of our fragmented past. We are called upon to continue this mission of promoting unity in diversity and to develop a shared value system, based on the spirit of community solidarity and a caring society.

Our shared value system should encourage us to become active citizens in the renewal of our country. We must build a common national identity and patriotism.

We must develop a common attachment to our country, our Constitution and the national symbols. In this spirit, we will promote the National Anthem and our country's flag and all other national symbols.

Our children, from an early age, must be taught to pay allegiance to the Constitution and the national symbols, and know what it means to be South African citizens.

We will ensure a common national approach to the changing of geographic and place names. This must provide an opportunity to involve all South Africans in forging an inclusive national identity, to deepen our understanding of our history and heritage.

Sport is a powerful nation-building tool. Working together we must support all our national teams from Bafana Bafana to the Proteas and the Springboks; from Banyana Banyana to Paralympians.

Our teams can only do well with our support.

Allow me to use this opportunity to congratulate our national teams for their performances in the past week, indeed in pulling off a hat trick.

The country's women's netball team has done us proud by winning the Tri-Nations Netball Challenge. Congratulations to the Sevens Springboks who have become the IRB Sevens World Series Champions - and not forgetting the Blue Bulls who have won the Super 14 finals in a convincing fashion!

We take this opportunity to wish the Springboks well in the upcoming series against the British and Irish Lions.

It is clear that we need to invest on a large scale in sports development. We will speed up the revival of school sport and ensure that it forms part of the school curriculum. In addition we will ensure that the provision of sport facilities in poorer communities receives priority.

Hon. Speaker and Chairperson,

We have committed ourselves over the years to contribute to building a better Africa and a better world.

The main goal of government for the medium term is to ensure that our foreign relations contribute to the creation of an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and development.

To this effect, we will continue to prioritise the African continent by strengthening the African Union and its structures, and give special focus to the implementation of the New Partnership for Africa's Development.

Equally important, and closer to home, is the strengthening of regional integration with particular emphasis on improving the political and economic integration of SADC, towards the AU goal of a Union government. We will establish a South African Development Partnership Agency to promote developmental partnerships with other countries on the continent.

South Africa will continue to assist in the reconstruction and development of the African continent especially in post-conflict situations. We will continue to encourage a peaceful and sustainable settlement to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two- state solution.

We will support the peace efforts of the African Union and the United Nations on the African continent, including in the Saharawi Arab Republic and Darfur in Sudan.

As the Chairperson of SADC and Facilitator, we will participate in promoting inclusive government until free and fair elections are held in Zimbabwe.

The plight of the Zimbabwean people has had a negative impact on the SADC region, especially South Africa. We call upon all peace-loving countries in the world to support the inclusive government to achieve economic recovery.

We will support efforts of the SADC region to resolve the situation in Madagascar.

Allow me, distinguished guests, to pay tribute to the SA National Defence Force for their sterling role in peace building in the continent.

Through continental and regional bodies, we will work towards the entrenchment of democracy and the respect for human rights on the African continent.

We will contribute to the strengthening of South-South relations and pursue mutually beneficial agreements with key countries of the South.

We will continue to enhance relations with the developed North including the G8, and our strategic partnership with the European Union.

We will continue to play an active role in ensuring the conclusion of the WTO Doha Development round of negotiations.

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson,

South Africa, being a dry country requires urgent action to mitigate adverse environmental changes and to ensure the provision of water to citizens.

Amongst various programmes, we will implement the Water for Growth and Development strategy, which will strengthen water management.  We will continue to improve our energy efficiency and reliance on renewable energy.

Honourable Members,

A developmental state requires the improvement of public services and strengthening of democratic institutions.

We have established two Ministries in the Presidency to strengthen both strategic planning as well as performance monitoring and evaluation.

To ensure delivery on our commitments, we will hold Cabinet Ministers accountable through performance instruments, using established targets and output measures, starting in July.

We will also involve State-Owned Enterprises and Development Finance Institutions in the government planning processes and improve the monitoring and evaluation of their performance.

Honourable Members, fellow South Africans,

To ensure that all three spheres – local, provincial and national – improve service delivery, we will speed up the establishment of a single Public Service.

This administration will insist on putting people first in service delivery. We will ensure courteous and efficient service from front-counter staff in the provision of services in all government departments.

In this era of renewal, we will move towards a more interactive government.

To lead by example, work has begun on the establishment of a public liaison capacity in the Presidency.

In addition to receiving letters and emails from the public, we will also establish a hotline for easier access.

Staff will handle each public inquiry as if it was the only one, following it through all the channels until it receives the attention it deserves.

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson,

The National Youth Development Agency, formed through the merger of Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission will be launched on June 16 in Ekurhuleni.

The institutions are being merged to enhance service and development opportunities provided to the youth.

The Agency will link up unemployed young graduates with economic opportunities; strengthen efforts to expand the National Youth Service Programme and support young entrepreneurs.

Speaker and Chairperson, Distinguished Guests,

Next month our beloved Madiba will turn 91. People all over the world still continue to clamour for his presence and for him to address their crises.

His values and his example of dedication to the service of humanity is a shining example in today's troubled world.

An international campaign has been initiated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation and related organisations, called Mandela Day, which sums up what Tata stands for.

Mandela Day will be celebrated on the 18th of July each year. It will give people in South Africa and all over the world the opportunity to do something good to help others.

Madiba was politically active for 67 years, and on Mandela Day people all over the world, in the workplace, at home and in schools, will be called upon to spend at least 67 minutes of their time doing something useful within their communities, especially among the less fortunate.

Let us wholeheartedly support Mandela Day and encourage the world to join us in this wonderful campaign.

Honourable Speaker and Chairperson, Fellow South Africans,

We have presented to the nation our programme for the next five years. Attached to each commitment we make is a detailed project plan, with targets and critical milestones.

This information will in due course be made public. Indeed as citizens we should at the same time ask ourselves what is it that we can do on our own to help promote this national programme.

To be a citizen is not only about rights, it is also about responsibility, to make a contribution to make ours a better country.

We also expect to work well with Opposition parties in Parliament, in the spirit of putting the country first.

In addition, Madiba taught us well that this country belongs to all, black and white. Working for reconciliation and unity will remain important as we move forward.

Since the implementation of our programme will take place in the face of the economic downturn, we will have to act prudently – no wastage, no rollovers of funds – every cent must be spent wisely and fruitfully. We must cut our cloth according to our size.

Fellow South Africans, working together we can do more to realise our common vision of a better and more prosperous nation!

This is the partnership we are calling for.

I thank you!]]> Topnews Politik Wed, 03 Jun 2009 14:01:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=542&cHash=a9a6b4dd99be974aeb44d057bf21c441 Read the Statement by President Jacob Zuma on the occasion of the appointment of the new cabinet, 10 May 2009 at The Union Buildings. Statement by President Jacob Zuma on the appointment of the new... Statement by President Jacob Zuma on the appointment of the new cabinet

Members of the media,

Good afternoon and thank you for joining us.

We have since the launch of the ANC Manifesto indicated the type of new administration we envisaged in terms of size, shape and political focus.

We went into an intensive process through the ANC’s National Executive Committee to discuss the type of government structure that would best serve our goals. We wanted a structure that would enable us to achieve visible and tangible socio-economic development within the next five years.
It should be a structure which would enable us to effectively implement our policies.

The structure of Cabinet and national departments has therefore been re-organised to achieve better alignment between the structure, our electoral mandate as per our election Manifesto, and the developmental challenges that need to receive immediate attention from government.

In summary, some of the changes in the structure of government are the following:

Following extensive research on international models on how governments in other parts of the world plan and monitor performance, we have decided to establish a National Planning Commission which will be based in the Presidency.

The NPC will be responsible for strategic planning for the country to ensure one National Plan to which all spheres of government would adhere.

This would enable us to take a more comprehensive view of socio-economic development in the country.

We have also created a monitoring and evaluation competency in the Presidency, to monitor and evaluate the performance of government in all three spheres.

There will therefore be two Ministers in the Presidency, one responsible for the NPC and the other for Monitoring and Evaluation as well as administration in the Presidency.

Other changes are the following:

• The Department of Minerals and Energy will be split into two separate departments of Mining and of Energy, each with a Minister.

• The Department of Education will be split into separate Ministries, one for Basic Education and the other for Higher Education and Training.

• The Department of Housing will be called the Department of Human Settlements to take on a more holistic focus.

• There will be a new department of Rural Development and Land Affairs, which are part of our key priorities for the next five years.

• The Department of Water affairs and Forestry becomes the Department of Water and Environmental Affairs.

• A new Department of Economic Development has been established to focus on economic policymaking. The implementation functions will remain with the Department of Trade and Industry.

• A new department of Tourism has been created.

• Agriculture becomes Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

• The Department of Provincial and Local Government becomes Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs.

• A new Ministry has been created for Women, Youth, Children and People with Disability, to emphasise the need for equity and access to development opportunities for the vulnerable groups in our society.

The Cabinet that will fulfil our objectives is composed as follows:

The Deputy President of the Republic of South Africa will be Mr Kgalema Petros Motlanthe.

The rest of Cabinet in alphabetical order is as follows:

1. Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Tina Joemat-Peterson
Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dr Pieter Mulder

2. Minister of Arts and Culture
Lulu Xingwana

Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture
Paul Mashatile

3. Minister of Basic Education
Angie Motshekga
Deputy Minister of Basic Education Enver Surty

4. Minister of Communications
Siphiwe Nyanda
Deputy Minister of Communications Dina Pule

5. Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
Sicelo Shiceka
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Yunus Carrim

6. Minister of Correctional Services
Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Deputy Minister of Correctional Services Hlengiwe Mkhize

7. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Lindiwe Sisulu
Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla

8. Minister of Economic Development
Ebrahim Patel
Deputy Minister of Economic Development Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde

9. Minister of Energy
Dipuo Peters

10. Minister of Finance
Pravin Gordhan
Deputy Minister of Finance Nhlanhla Nene

11. Minister of Health
Dr Aaron Motsoaledi
Deputy Minister of Health Dr Molefi Sefularo

12. Minister of Higher Education and Training
Dr Blade Nzimande

13. Minister of Home Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Malusi Gigaba

14. Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale
Deputy Minister of Human Settlements Zou Kota

15. Minister of International Relations and Cooperation
Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (1)
Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim
Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (2)
Sue van der Merwe

16. Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Jeff Radebe
Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel

17. Minister of Labour
Membathisi Mdladlana

18. Minister of Mining
Susan Shabangu

19. Minister of Police
Nathi Mthethwa
Deputy Minister of Police Fikile Mbalula

20. Minister of Public Enterprises
Barbara Hogan
Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises Enoch Godongwana

21. Minister for the Public Service and Administration
Richard Baloyi
Deputy Minister for the Public Service and Administration
Roy Padayachie

22. Minister of Public Works
Geoff Doidge
Deputy Minister of Public Works Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu

23. Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform
Gugile Nkwinti
Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform Dr Joe Phaahla

24. Minister of Science and Technology
Naledi Pandor
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Derek Hanekom

25. Minister of Social Development
Edna Molewa
Deputy Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini

26. Minister of Sport and Recreation
Makhenkesi Stofile

Deputy Minister of Sport and Recreation
Gert Oosthuizen

27. Minister of State Security
Siyabonga Cwele

28. Minister in The Presidency (1)
National Planning Commission
Trevor Manuel

29. Minister in The Presidency (2)
Performance Monitoring and Evaluation as well as Administration in the Presidency
Collins Chabane

30. Minister of Tourism
Marthinus van Schalkwyk

Deputy Minister of Tourism
Thozile Xasa

31. Minister of Trade and Industry
Rob Davies
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (1)
Thandi Tobias
Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry (2)
Maria Ntuli

32. Minister of Transport Sbusiso
Joel Ndebele
Deputy Minister of Transport
Jeremy Cronin

33. Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Buyelwa Sonjica
Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs
Rejoice Mabhudafhasi

34. Minister of Women, Youth, Children and People with Disabilities
Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya

We stated clearly during the campaign that we want an efficient, caring and effective administration, which will be accessible and responsive to the needs of the people.

We reiterate that we will not tolerate laziness and incompetence, and that we will emphasise excellence and achievement from the Cabinet and the public service.

With these objectives in mind, I am confident that the new structure of government will enable the state machinery to speed up service delivery.

Civil servants will not lose their jobs as a result of these changes. This is a matter of principle in terms of the country’s labour relations dispensation.

I however want to stress to our public servants that the era of hard work has begun. Public servants who do their work diligently and efficiently have nothing to worry about.

I wish the new team all the best with their responsibilities.

We request the South African public and all key sectors of our society to support them in their national service.

Let me also take this opportunity to wish all South African mothers well on Mother’s Day today.

Mothers are the backbones of our families, communities and our nation.
We truly appreciate their role in our society, in both the public sphere and within families.

I thank you.

]]> Pressespiegel Politik Mon, 11 May 2009 10:59:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=460&cHash=8da2d87818ae89db128bd14aab2f97b0 South Africa sets an exemplary standard for elections, observers to the elections told the Mail & Guardian Online on Wednesday evening. Only observers from African countries are in South Africa...
"We are not here for an investigation, rather to show support for the process," Dr Salim Ahmed Salim, who heads the AU observer team said.

"There is no reason for concern here. There are strong institutions and great tolerance despite the past. The state of reconciliation that Madiba started in this country ensured this."

Salim pointed to xenophobic attacks last year as the only significant blot on the country's reconciliation track record.

"There is also so much enthusiasm by young people. It is an example to other countries on the continent," he said.

European countries accredited their diplomats based in Pretoria to act as observers, but the European Union did not send an observer team.

"The IEC has a good reputation and a positive track record to monitor elections. In other places there would be a lack of capacity to draft the lists and print ballot papers. We would only consider sending teams if there was a potential for violence or a threat to the stability of the country," a European diplomat told the M&G Online.

According to IEC chairperson Brigalia Bam South Africa has decided to allow observers for the elections but not election monitors.

The difference is that the monitors are able to intervene if there are problems at voting stations while observers may only report on problems after it took place, said Bam said.

Source: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-04-22-election-observers-applaud-sa-standards

]]> Topnews Pressespiegel Politik Thu, 23 Apr 2009 13:00:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=444&cHash=65c5d18a4b3ff58f1aa092e292421a9b HONIARA - A Solomon Islands Truth and Reconciliation Commission to be launched by South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu next week will ease lingering ethnic tension over past unrest, officials said...
The Nobel Peace laureate will today start the commission, which will investigate the causes of unrest between 1997 and 2003 in which more than 100 people were killed. An estimated 20,000 people were displaced amid tensions on the island of Guadalcanal between indigenous militants and rivals originally from the neighbouring island of Malaita.

Violence on the islands ended in 2003 with the arrival of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). The Solomon Islands government said Wednesday it believes the commission will be an important way of promoting reconciliation and healing the wounds of the ethnic conflict.

"Desmond Tutu’s participation will be inspirational and will give our truth and reconciliation commission integrity," said Joy Kere, the head of the Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation. South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which the 77-year-old Tutu headed, investigated violence during the apartheid era and is serving as a model for the Solomon Islands.

RAMSI has restored law and order and many former militants have been jailed but the government has been pressured to do more uncover the causes of the violence. Although former prime minister Sir Allan Kemekeza was jailed for ordering an attack on a law firm in 2002, many Solomon Islanders believe those responsible for orchestrating the unrest are still to be caught.

"The people of Solomon Islands need a process to find out the underlying causes of the ethnic tension -- the commission will find the truth and made recommendations to government," said the commission’s deputy secretary David Tuhanuku.

Three locals will sit on the commission along with two international nominations. It will run for a year with a provision to extend it for another year if necessary. Some Solomon Islanders have said people’s emotions were still too raw from the conflict but the head of the Ministry of Peace and Reconciliation disagreed, saying much had been done since the arrival of RAMSI. "A lot of reconciliation work has been done by churches and local government, the timing is right now," Kere said. Sapa-AFP

Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A985507

]]> Pressespiegel Politik Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:46:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=414&cHash=5f4a1582dcde4c7611a1579e9a788d0e The African Union (AU) said on Thursday it has sent a 42-strong observer mission to South Africa for next week's elections. The mission is led by Salim Ahmed Salim, the former prime minister of...
It includes members of the AU Parliament, officials from African election bodies and members of civil society, and will be deployed around the country.

The South African Development Community sent a team of more than 100 election observers to South Africa earlier this month for the April 22 poll.

Source: http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm ]]> Afrikanische Union Politik Pressespiegel Fri, 17 Apr 2009 13:06:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=393&cHash=777c99b0d90112adc0830a47915aba2f INDEPENDENT Electoral Commission (IEC) officials were sanguine about yesterday’s voting at several missions abroad, saying “things went fantastically”. IEC CEO Pansy Tlakula personally oversaw the...
To ensure both the secrecy and legitimacy of overseas votes, the IEC had set up a two-envelope system. Once a voter had cast their vote in secret it was placed in an unmarked envelope and sealed. This unmarked envelope was then placed in another envelope with the voter’s name, ID number and voter district number. The envelopes were then put into a ballot box, which was sealed, and which would be opened on election day and the voters’ details checked against the voters’ roll.

If there were no irregularities, the unmarked envelope would be taken out and placed in the ballot box. This ensured the vote remained anonymous.

Overseas voters had to be registered and produce their identity document and passport to vote.

According to South African High Commission in London official, Niall Wilkins, large numbers of South Africans turned up to cast their ballots in the city yesterday. Wilkins said voters had started queuing at about 4am in London, which had the largest overseas polling station .

A total of 16240 voters intended casting their votes at the 124 missions abroad.

The second-largest overseas polling station was in Canberra, Australia, with 1235 registered voters. Dubai in the United Arab Emirates totalled 900 registered voters and Wellington, New Zealand had 410. With Sapa KARIMA BROWN
Political Editor Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/national.aspx?ID=BD4A981504
]]> Pressespiegel Politik Thu, 16 Apr 2009 15:27:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=360&cHash=33d658c2798d53ca82a46fe16615de30 South Africa is among the sixteen nations to be invited to a series of high-level meetings on climate change to be convened by US President Barack Obama. Images by Gallo Images / www.gettyimages.com...
According to a statement from the White House, the forums “will facilitate a candid dialogue among key developed and developing countries [and] help generate the political leadership necessary to achieve a successful outcome at the UN climate change negotiations to convene this December in Copenhagen.”

The meetings will also advance the exploration of concrete initiatives and joint ventures that increase the supply of clean energy while cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition it is hoped that the meetings will resolve longstanding issues that have thus far blocked the development of an international climate treaty, says the New York Times.

South Africa is the only nation from Africa to be invited to the meetings, and as such will be representing the interests of the continent as a whole.

South African leaders attending the Forum will be joined by representatives from Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, the European Union, France, Germany, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Obama has also asked UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon to attend. Source: SAGoodNews]]> Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:59:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=356&cHash=708ee400dd0cc30ade6f79c2a3c83d5a South Africa has made great strides in creating a democratic country, former politician and transition negotiator Roelf Meyer said on Friday."I think one can expect that it would take us...
"I think one can expect that it would take us sometime to complete the transformation of South Africa. In the 15 years we've made huge progress and personally I'm looking forward to the next phase," Meyer said after he was awarded a silver Order of the Baobab at the Union Buildings.

He was one of 28 honoured guests who received a national award from President Kgalema Motlanthe for their struggle to create a democratic nation.

Meyer's order was granted for his contribution in providing support for the negotiations that led to a democratic government and ensuring that South Africa had a Constitution that protects all its citizens.

His compatriot, businessman Cyril Ramaphosa said he was humbled to also receive the same order.

"Well I'm very pleased but also very humbled that you're honoured by
your country and the president of the country.

"I'm particularly also pleased that this award was given jointly with Roelf Meyer, a person that I worked with. It's a joyous day today," he said.

Ramaphosa said the country had made tremendous progress over the past 15 years.

"What we have achieved could never have been dreamt of in terms of its depth, its breadth and its impact."

"Our people are better off [now] from the nightmare of apartheid that they lived under," he said.

Former Cuban President Fidel Castro was also honoured with the gold Order of OR Tambo.

Despite speculation that Castro might make an appearance, his order was received by Cuban ambassador Angel Fernandez.

He was honoured for his contribution to the eradication of racism, colonialism, apartheid and inequality in human society.

http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm

]]> Politik Pressespiegel Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:09:00 +0200 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=315&cHash=7367f432bf4498653d126899525437fc The Chairperson of SADC and President of South Africa, President Kgalema Motlanthe has today, Tuesday 24 March addressed a request to SADC to send a team of election observers from the region to...
In this regard, President Motlanthe requested His Majesty King Mswati III, in his capacity as the Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security to constitute such an observer team.

South Africa’s request to SADC to send an observer team for the April 22 elections complies with and is line with the SADC Principles and Guidelines Governing Democratic Elections.

Issued by Ronnie Mamoepa at 082-990-4853
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/Bag X152
Pretoria
0001 Source: The Presidency: www.thepresidency.gov.za ]]> Politik SADC Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:04:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=313&cHash=dc6146cc652eb84c2432c634b35aa2ba A colourful animated and user-friendly website (www.thepresidency.gov.za/kids) was launched at the Union Buildings on Monday, with the aim of teaching children about the Presidency and the government... www.thepresidency.gov.za/kids) was launched at the Union Buildings on Monday, with the aim of teaching children about the Presidency and the government of South Africa. Minister in the Presidency Manto Tshabalala-Msimang presided over the launch, attended by 24 pupils from seven schools around Gauteng, who were the first to peruse the Presidency Kids website.  The content was developed in consultation with the Department of Education and edited by a children's language editor.  The website is meant to speak directly to pupils between the ages six and 13 and is designed in a flash format to provide an animated and interactive experience for the user.  The website is also meant to teach and encourage pupils to use the internet.  Key content includes information about the national flag, background information about the country's president, the national anthem and other South African information of interest.  "As a caring nation, we have an obligation to teach our children about their country and national identity. We can only do that by ensuring that children understand the national symbols. Our children should be afforded an opportunity to understand the responsibilities of the Presidency," said Min. Tshabalala-Msimang.  She said it was the Presidency's intention to continuously improve the website so that, in future, it could include critical information such as the UN Convention on Children's Rights, and the African Union Charter of the Rights and Welfare of Children. The Ministry will help get schools connected to internet and provide computers where needed.  The website address is www.thepresidency.gov.za/kids Image: The Presidency --------- Address by Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang, Minister in The Presidency, during the launch of the Children''s website, Union Buildings, Pretoria

23 March 2009
Programme Director
Ministers
Members of the National Children’s Rights Advisory Council
Sponsors
Our Special Guests- Children
Members of the media

I would like to extend warm greetings to you all.

The deepening of democracy and access to services, especially the poor families and communities is dependent on the continuous interaction between the people and the government. This is also an imperative in the children’s sector.

In the words of one of the heroes and leaders of our country Oliver Reginald Tambo, “A country that does not value its children does not deserve a future”.

We are gathered here today to witness one of the key achievements in the children’s sector. Our children need continuous information about their rights, and of course not forgetting that rights go with responsibilities.

The Presidency initiated a process where children will be able to access interesting information on the Presidency Website. This is a good initiative and we are proud about the product. The target audience for this website is children between the ages of 6-13. It is developed with the aim of creating an interaction in terms of visual and content for children in these age groups.

The website is designed in flash to provide animated and interactive experience for the end user. Key content issues include information about our National Flag. Our children need to know the symbolic importance of the National Flag.

As a caring nation, we have an obligation to teach our children about their country and national identity. We can only do that by ensuring that children understand the national symbols.

We also deemed it important that our children should be afforded an opportunity to understand the responsibilities of The Presidency.

Our Constitutional imperatives, especially section 28 that relates to the rights of children also forms part of the website. It is our intention to continuously improve on the website. In future we will be able to include critical information such as the United Nation Convention on the Rights of the child, African Union Charter on the Rights and Welfare of children. Our children need to know all these instruments and how they relate to their well being.

I would like to encourage all role players, including organs of civil society and corporate sector to join hands with government in advocating for the protection and development of children in our country.

We would like to encourage other government departments to make webspace available and use the internet as a tool to speak to children directly, furthermore we would like to encourage other African countries to partake in such initiatives not only for their own population but also to promote information sharing amongst all African countries, so that we can understand one another as people and learn about one another''s cultures, something that will go a long way to discourage xenophobia. For the Presidency specifically, this is a start for us in trying and speak to different generations of South African citizens, through the children’s website, and through online social networking sites, for example The Presidency has recently signed up to Facebook.

I also would like to acknowledge the support we received from various sponsors in launching the Website, of course not forgetting members of different media who will help popularise this important communication platform. In particular the following organisations played a vital role in realising our launch today, i.e.

Fluorescence for the development of the website and their involvement in the project from the onset;
USAASA for the sponsorship of the computers;
Lovelife for their sponsorship of T-shirts and water bottles for the children ;
Microsoft for giving us access to their IT Learning Literacy Course and Online Certificate Courses which they have made available to the entire education community across South Africa.

Thank you ]]> Politik Südafrika Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:42:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=311&cHash=107bc188930abe6df31afd9fce1659d5 ANC veteran Winnie Madikizela-Mandela will be allowed to represent the ANC in Parliament, the Independent Electoral Commission said on Monday. "The commission finds that the candidate is not...
The Democratic Alliance and the Freedom Front Plus had lodged formal objections to Madikizela-Mandela's nomination, citing her fraud conviction.

Madikizela-Mandela appeared at number five on the ANC's list, after Finance Minister Trevor Manuel and before Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.

According to the Constitution a person sentenced to more than 12 months in jail without the option of a fine is not allowed to hold a seat in Parliament or the provincial legislatures until five years after the sentence has been "completed".

In July 2004, Madikizela-Mandela had an earlier sentence for fraud and theft reduced on appeal to three-and-a-half years.

The sentence was suspended for five years.

Madikizela-Mandela's sentence would lapse in July this year, which, according to the DA and FFPlus, disqualified her from running for the National Assembly.

The ANC however argued that the constitutional provision did not apply in her case because she never actually went to jail.

Source: http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm

]]> Pressespiegel Politik Tue, 24 Mar 2009 11:51:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=299&cHash=7ee6d03be60d4fdaef2206ed4e3552b2 South African foreign minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma has held her first official talks with recently-appointed US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the State Department in Washington. This is... A warm welcome Clinton welcomed the minister warmly: "It's a special treat to welcome not only the foreign minister, but someone who I've had the privilege of meeting before, and looking forward now to work together in our new capacity. We have so many important issues to discuss with South Africa. And the opportunity for us to have a comprehensive relationship that touches on all of these important matters is very exciting to me, Madame Minister." Dlamini-Zuma was equally gracious in her response. "It is a pleasure for South Africa to be able to meet the secretary of state in a new capacity", she said, adding that she was delighted to have the opportunity to investigate ways in which South Africa-US bilateral relations could be strengthened, as well as probe co-operation in many other areas of mutual interest. Source: MediaClubSouthAfrica.com Image: SA Good News
South African Foreign Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton]]> Politik Topnews Mon, 23 Mar 2009 12:11:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=303&cHash=dae1f0d73fe4ee62aae49288f40329ce More opportunities for Chinese investment into Africa are to open up soon, with the announcement that China is to bolster its China-Africa Development Fund by an additional R19.8-billion...
Among the major projects that have opened their doors, thanks to the fund, are the 560 000kW Ghana Power Plant, the first-of-its-kind Ethiopian Hansom International Glass factory, a cotton planting and processing facility in Malawi, the Egyptian Suez Trade Park, and the Lekki Trade Zone in Nigeria.
Sino-African co-operation

The China-Africa Development Fund (CADFund) opened its first South African office in Johannesburg on 16 March 2009. This, according to the fund, is a major step for Sino-African co-operation and a positive sign for economic development in Africa.

The fund, which is the first of its kind, was launched after Chinese president Hu Jintao made a pledge in 2006 to deepen Chinese aid to Africa. The president was speaking at the China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Beijing. In his opening speech Hu announced an extensive package of assistance, investment, trade and other key projects.

He also said that China planned to double its assistance to Africa by 2009 - this encompasses an amount of R29.8-million ($3-billion) in preferential loans, R19.9-million ($2-billion) in preferential buyer's credits to Africa, the establishment of the R49.7-billion ($5-billion) China-Africa Development Fund, and the waiving of debts owed to China by a number of poor African countries.
South African interest

In 2008 the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China acquired a 20% stake in Standard Bank. The deal, valued at R54-billion ($5.5-billion), is the largest single investment into South Africa, and is also China's biggest financial investment ever.

China has also invested in the mining, construction and motoring sectors, as well as the electronic goods industry in South Africa, its major trading partner on the continent.

South Africa, in turn, has several major investments in China. Brewing giant SABMiller owns over 50 breweries around the Asian country, while fuel producer Sasol is involved in two coal-to-liquids projects in Shaanxi and Ningxia Hui provinces with Chinese coal company Shenhua Group.

Other South African companies which have ploughed money into China include boatmaker Robertson & Crane; media company MIH, part of the Naspers group; mining companies Anglo American, Anglo Gold Ashanti and Goldfields, among others; financial providers Hollard Insurance, Old Mutual, FirstRand and Standard Bank; and popular restaurant chain Spur, although the latter has found the going extremely tough.
Accelerating mutual co-operation

China Development Bank chair Chen Yuan said that the fund would lead to Chinese investment in multiple industries, resulting in a better quality of life for thousands of African people. The China Development Bank has a stake of R9.9-billion ($1-billion) in CADFund, which in fact receives all its capital from the State Council-controlled bank.

This initial capital is fast dwindling and most of it, according to CADFund CEO Chi Jianxin, would be disbursed by the end of 2009. He added that the second round of investments, to the value of R19.9-million ($2-billion), would begin in 2010, and would see China more than halfway to its goal of a R49.7-billion ($5-billion) investment.

CADFund plans to set up offices in more African countries to accelerate the level of mutual co-operation.

The fund's main areas of interest are agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, natural resources exploration and industrial parks - all fields which will further the economic development of African countries on a sustainable basis.

However, CADFund has received some criticism from developed nations because of its apparent support of countries such as Zimbabwe and Sudan, both of which have appalling human rights records, in a bid to gain more access to oil and other precious African resources.

But supporters of the fund's activities have struck back, saying that the US continues cordial relations with countries like oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, which ranks among the worst human rights abusers on the continent. The US is the largest single foreign investor in Equatorial Guinea and has been accused of turning a blind eye to the suffering of the people in its quest for oil.

Source: Janine Erasmus, MediaClubSouthAfrica Image: All images: Xinhua Photo * Do you have queries or comments about this article? Contact Janine Erasmus at mediaclubsouthafrica.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .]]> Politik Thu, 19 Mar 2009 12:26:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=266&cHash=a7470ecb970ab18aabae1a5a478b8c56 AFRICAN leaders yesterday urged British Prime Minister Gordon Brown not to allow the global economic crisis to dilute the commitments made on spending to developing nations. The African leaders,...
SA is the only African member of the G-20 bloc of old and emerging economic powers, although Brown has asked umbrella groups such as the New Partnership for Africa’s Development and the African Union Commission to attend the summit.

Brown told yesterday’s meeting that it was important that the world’s leading economies should respond to the challenge of meeting the United Nation s’ Millennium Goals on eradicating poverty in Africa and other parts of the world.

“I want us to come out of this meeting not only with a determination that every continent — and that means Africa — has its fair share of support over the next few months,” Brown said.

He cited British government figures which showed that an additional 100-million people could be thrust into poverty as a result of the global recession.

Brown said that the agreement of G-20 finance ministers last weekend to increase the resources of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would help emerging and developing economies cope with the credit crunch.

However, the president of the African Development Bank, Donald Kaberuka, said yesterday that the rich world should not allow the recession to undermine the Millennium Goals set out at the meeting of the Group of Eight nations in Gleneagles, Scotland, in 2005.

They pledged to increase international aid by $50bn by next year , with half the money going to Africa.

But even before the economic downturn struck there was concern over whether the money would be delivered.

“It is not possible to stimulate the world economy while ignoring the millions of the poor in Africa, south Asia and other places,” Kaberuka said yesterday.

“The real stimulus will have to involve every country in the world.

“We think that the sums involved for the world to do so are a small proportion of what is being deployed right now to stimulate the world economy,” Kaberuka said.

The British finance minister, Alistair Darling, said that it was of the utmost importance to give the IMF greater resources, and he expected agreement on this at the G-20 summit.

“The need for the IMF to have additional resources soon is very, very urgent,” Darling told Parliament as he reported on the weekend meeting of G-20 finance ministers and central bankers in southern England. Sapa-DPA, Reuters

Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A960796

]]> Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:23:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=264&cHash=2bd0783d1fbfd4e2c7a0f88b8574bf0f Politics and religion have never been separate, writes Sibongakonke Shoba. THE Nationalists are pushing God around like a Casspir,” poet and former political prisoner Breyten Breytenbach once...
Their first leader when they came to power in 1948, DF Malan, was a man of the cloth, followed by many dominees in leadership positions. The truism that the NG Kerk (Dutch Reformed Church) was the “National Party at prayer” applied until the demise of apartheid.

Throughout history South Africans have looked to the pulpit for political guidance. And it is no different now. And it is no less controversial.

African National Congress (ANC) president Jacob Zuma attended and addressed a church service at the popular Rhema church in Randburg at the weekend. About 50 people walked out in protest against Zuma’s invitation.

Many viewed Zuma’s speech as an ANC attempt to woo the religious vote and some said Zuma was given a privilege not accessible to other parties.

Another party that aims to attract the Christian vote is the Congress of the People (COPE). The party selected a former bishop, Mvume Dandala, as its presidential candidate although it had tried and tested leaders such as Mosiuoa Lekota and Mbhazima Shilowa.

Can politics and religion be separated in SA ?

Experts in politics and theology say it is not possible or even desirable to separate politics and God.

Murray Hofmeyr, a theologian and minister in the Uniting Reformed Church (the black NG Kerk) says SA is a secular state with full religious freedom. There is a liberal perspective that there should be no link between a political party and a religious formation.

Hofmeyr says, however, there are parties such as the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) which integrate religion and politics. “There is nothing that says keep God out of politics. God is very much involved.”

Hofmeyr says the biggest question was how God was included in politics. “We must be careful not to equate political power with the power of God. There will be repercussions if people do that.”

He says people will always ask questions if a leader of the ruling party attends a church service.

He says it is impossible to separate religion and politics — South Africans have to come up with rules on how the two can work together.

Political analyst Steven Friedman says the reason people walked out during Zuma’s speech at Rhema was because people had different political allegiances. “There is still a problem about religious organisations taking political stances.”

He says religion is very important in South African society and people are not comfortable with bringing religion into politics.

“People draw a distinction between how they worship and how they vote.”

Friedman says bringing in someone with a religious background to lead a political campaign will not have a significant effect on voters.

“I don’t think (religious) people are going to vote for COPE because of Dandala.”

Veteran commentator Max du Preez says the abuse of religion by political parties will always exist.

“We should always be vigilant against the abuse of religion by politicians, but in some form or another it will probably always exist.”

Du Preez says the abuse started thousands of years ago. Politicians abused religion because citizens preferred to be represented by a politician “who is like them and who believes in the same things”.

He says organised religions tell their followers that those who are not part of that particular religion, are their enemies. “And, of course, if you declare that you are religious, it is supposed to imply that you are of impeccable moral character and incorruptible.

“No crook would speak from the pulpit, now would he?”

QUICK FACTS

About two-thirds of the South African population are Christians.
Mainline Christians 32,6%
Zionists and independents 31,8%
Pentecostals 5,9%
Jews 0,2%
Hindus 1,2%
Muslims 1,5%
Other 0,9%
People who do not belive in any religion form 15,1% of the population.

Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A960691

]]> Politik Pressespiegel Tue, 17 Mar 2009 10:21:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=247&cHash=75a13013503b0c133fc8ea7cbb4ae946 The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) said it was ready to accommodate registered voters living overseas, following Thursday's Constitutional Court judgment on the matter. "All we have to look... Date : 12 Mar 2009 11:44 /&/ 12:53


ARE YOU REGISTERED?
NEWS24.COM 20090312 There are three ways to check if you are registered to vote with the IEC.
Expats can visit www.elections.org.za and enter their ID number and a verification code. Inside South Africa, potential voters can SMS their ID number to 32810 or call the IEC on 0800 11 8000. Additional Information from the IEC: Following the Constitutional Court ruling of today, 12 March 2009, the IEC will release a formal, official public statement on the matter in due course. In the interim, the following may be used to update your missions abroad: “South African citizens who are registered voters in South Africa and who intend to vote outside of South Africa in Elections 2009 are required to notify the IEC of SA of their intention to vote outside of SA by 27 March 2009. The notification period has been extended by the Constitutional Court ruling of 12 March 2009. To notify the IEC, registered voters are required to complete a VEC 10 form and return it to the IEC by 27 March 2009. To obtain a VEC 10 form and IEC contact details, please refer to www.elections.org.za and go to `special votes’. To check if you are a registered voter, on the IEC’s web site go to `Am I registered’ and type in your identity number on-line. Voting outside of SA for Elections 2009 will occur on 15 April 2009 (and not on 22 April 2009) at South African Diplomatic and Consular missions abroad. Once your notification to vote outside of SA is approved by the IEC, you are required to present both your bar-coded South African citizenship identity document (or valid temporary identity certificate) and your (South African) passport to a South African Diplomatic or Consular mission on 15 April 2009.  In this regard, a citizen registered to vote outside the Republic will present both their bar-coded South African citizenship identity document (or valid temporary identity certificate) as well as their South African passport when voting.” Stuart Murphy Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), South Africa]]> Pressespiegel Politik Konsular Mon, 16 Mar 2009 10:16:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=240&cHash=b965d78a6143bddb1e758b42e90bac25 The Constitutional Court has ruled that South African citizens abroad who are registered to vote will be allowed to vote in the 22 April general elections. "We have ruled that South Africans citizens... She said that so far there were 5000 South Africans abroad who had informed them of their intention to vote overseas. She said this number would probably double. Ms Tlakula said that it would have been more complicated if they had to register new voters and if they had to send provincial ballot papers to the various embassies abroad. According to the ruling today, voters abroad will only able to cast a national ballot. The court ordered the Department of Home Affairs and the IEC to extend the right to special votes to all categories of registered voters absent from South Africa.
The IEC was ordered to accordingly amend the election regulations of 2004.
The department had presented arguments in the court in support of the submission that the right to vote of certain South African citizens abroad has not been unjustifiably limited. The Electoral Act, 73 of 1998 was amended in 2003. Section 33(1)(e) was introduced to allow South African citizens temporarily abroad and therefore unable to vote at a voting station in the voting district in which they are registered, to vote by means of a special vote. It was this provision that the applicants were seeking to declare unconstitutional. According to the department, the present system provided for a voters roll system that require voters to be registered in the district in which they are to vote. It argued that the legislative provisions which the applicants seek to have declared unconstitutional formed part of the fundamental pillars of the district-based voters-roll electoral system. Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200903120396.html 
]]> Konsular Politik Topnews Thu, 12 Mar 2009 15:01:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=236&cHash=53848a92bde5f9249edcf5dcba011b2a The Constitutional Court will decide on Thursday whether South Africans living abroad have the right to vote. In February, Pretoria High Court Acting Judge Piet Ebersohn ruled that Section 33 of the...
The legislation allows voting by people on short trips and diplomatic personnel, but not other citizens living outside the country.

Richter contended that in so doing, certain categories of South African citizens absent from South Africa were unfairly denied the right to vote.

The court ordered Home Affairs Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to extend the right to special votes to all categories of registered voters absent from South Africa.

The IEC was ordered to accordingly amend the election regulations of 2004.

Richter has asked the Constitutional Court to confirm the order.

Mapisa-Nqakula has, meanwhile, applied to the Constitutional Court for permission to appeal against the Pretoria High Court ruling and opposes the Richter application and two more, similar applications.

Her argument is that the Act does not infringe the right to vote, and that even if parts of it do, the infringement is justified.

The A Party has applied to the court -- together with a South African living abroad, who is not a registered voter -- for an order declaring not only Section 33 of the Act unconstitutional, but also sections seven, eight, nine and 60.

They contend these sections violate the right to vote and the right to equal treatment of South African citizens living abroad.

An application has also been made by a group of South Africans living abroad, who were previously registered to vote, but are unsure whether they qualify to remain registered.

They are asking the court to declare parts of sections seven, eight and 33 unconstitutional and invalid.

They are also seeking an order suspending the invalidity of these sections for 18 months to allow Parliament to pass legislation correcting the unconstitutionality.

Until then, they ask that provisions are made to allow South African citizens living abroad to register for and vote in the 2009 elections.

The IEC does not oppose the applications, except where they will result in the registration of voters outside the country, their voting at places other than diplomatic missions and participation in provincial elections.

It also opposes any amendment to the 15-day period from the date of proclamation of the election, in which fans who intend supporting sports teams at international events overseas over the election must notify the IEC if they want to vote.

Mapisa-Nqakukla and the IEC contend that the legislation in question has been on the statute books since 2003, that the challenges could have been brought years ago, and that the challenges and the high court order could imperil the April 22 election.

The Democratic Alliance, the Inkatha Freedom Party, the Freedom Front Plus and Afriforum have all applied to be admitted as friends of the court in the matter. -- Sapa

Source: http://www.mg.co.za/article/2009-03-11-judgement-on-expat-vote-thursday

]]> Politik Konsular Pressespiegel Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:27:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=234&cHash=f1c3ff6c2e61c5af8d38a074ba40a4db Poverty and inequality have the potential to weaken South Africa's democracy, Justice Minister Enver Surty said as he launched a programme to improve access to justice on Wednesday. "Access to...
"It gives voice to the poor and creates a society that not only knows its rights, but knows how to protect them, and to access them," he said.

The programme targets women, children, farm workers, rural and urban poor communities, people affected by HIV and Aids, child-headed households, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, as well as children in prison and prisoners.

Source: http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm

]]> Pressespiegel Politik Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:24:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=226&cHash=0851ccc544d030ac1afd0c895cc92304 A relatively unknown political party - the Movement Democratic Party - is to head the list of 26 parties that will appear on the ballot paper for the national elections on April 22. The National...  
Source: http://www.sabcnews.com/]]> Pressespiegel Politik Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:13:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=224&cHash=05c3bfc1c6fd6e696b9662838d833aba German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said late Monday that South Africa's important position in Africa, which goes far beyond mediating conflicts in Sudan and the Congo, "underlines the...
South Africa, as the continent's only member in the Group of 20 (G20) leading economies, should be able to participate in the global effort to "draw lessons from the crisis in the international financial markets."

"We need South Africa for the architecture of a new international order," Steinmeier said.

The top diplomats discussed recent developments in Zimbabwe. Dlamini-Zuma said she did not think that Friday's traffic accident, in which Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's wife died, would negatively impact the fledgling coalition government in Harare.

"I think the Zimbabwean people and the political leaders understand that accidents do happen in any part of the world, and they happen in Zimbabwe as well," the South African foreign minister said.

In light of speculation that Tsvangirai's vehicle had been tampered with, Steinmeier spoke of his relief "that the accident was just an accident."

Recognizing that Tsvangirai's wife had "been a pillar of support" for the former opposition leader, Dlamini-Zuma said: "We just hope that he'll gain enough strength and energy to come back to work as a prime minister."

The foreign ministers spoke about the arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, which led the government there to expel several international humanitarian agencies.

"We are relying on there being no overly hasty reactions out of anger, which could especially lead those regions of the country that are already suffering into further, deeper difficulties," Steinmeier said.

He and Dlamini-Zuma rounded off their talks with an update on preparations for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa. She said that South Africa was ready to host the event.

"The stadia will be ready, the roads will be ready, the transport will be ready, everything will be ready, and in fact the people will be ready to receive the thousands of fans and the teams," Dlamini- Zuma said.

Dlamini-Zuma thanked Germany for sharing its experience from hosting the World Cup in 2006.

Steinmeier, for his part, said he looked forward to be able to "hopefully, in the next year, come to your beautiful country."

"All we need to hope for now is that our two teams, yours and ours, start in good form," he said.

Source: Sapa-dpa http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm

]]> Topnews Politik Bilaterale Beziehungen Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:36:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=222&cHash=bcb381937a9cc3428ed5a15a95e63f1e Foreign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma arrived in Berlin on Sunday ahead of a meeting with her German counterpart, the foreign ministry said on Monday. Dlamini-Zuma, who is on a four-nation... German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier for bilateral discussions on Monday.

Topics on the agenda include a review of the existing political, economic and trade relations between South Africa and Germany, the upcoming G20 meeting in London and preparations for the Confederations Cup and Fifa 2010 Soccer World Cup.

Dlamini-Zuma is accompanied by the director general of foreign affairs, Ayanda Ntsaluba, South Africa's ambassador to Germany, Eddie Funde, and South Africa's consul general, Tselane Mokuena.

The visit is aimed at "consolidating bilateral political, economic and trade relations between South Africa with European countries whilst advancing North-South relations and consolidating the African agenda," the foreign ministry said in a statement.

"In this context, Minister Dlamini-Zuma visited Switzerland, the UK, and now Germany and will later this week visit Denmark."

Germany is one of South Africa's biggest export markets and was its largest source of imports in 2007.

"By 2008 imports amounted to R77 billion having grown from R44 billion in 2004," the foreign ministry said.

Source: http://www.anc.org.za/anc/newsbrief/index.htm

]]> Topnews Politik Bilaterale Beziehungen Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:28:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=181&cHash=8449ed1e94ebbaa0ba7e5c186b1b2f06 ARCHBISHOP Desmond Tutu yesterday warned that those who were “drunk with power” would eventually be punished. Tutu last year threatened not to vote and warned that the ruling African National...
“Those who become drunk with power … watch out. The Nats (National Party) were returned election after election with increased majority. Where are they now?”

Tutu was speaking at the memorial service of veteran anti-apartheid activist and long-serving parliamentarian Helen Suzman, who died in January.

“Those who hold power and are afflicted by the arrogance of power, they must know they will get their comeuppance for, ultimately, power is for service.”

Tutu said the country should also not tolerate corruption. “We want those holding public office to be principled persons that we can be proud to look up to.”

Tutu’s comments come amid concerns that political parties, including the newly formed Congress of the People, have put forward candidates for public office who have been convicted of fraud.

Tutu also said SA inhabited a moral universe where right and wrong were important.

He said the country’s public discourse should not sink to the level of “the gutter ”. “Debate can be vigorous and animated, but in the end it has to be the cogency of the argument, and not the loudness and barbarity of language, that will win the day,” Tutu said.

Mbeki and his wife Zanele and former president Nelson Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, were among hundreds who attended the service for Suzman at the University of the Witwatersrand.

Other speakers included Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, Democratic Alliance leader Helen Zille, Suzman’s daughter, Frances Suzman Jowell, and the former vice-chancellor of the University of Cape Town and MD of the World Bank, Mamphela Ramphele.

Ramphele questioned why South Africans were tolerant of corruption that ultimately benefited party political interests.

“Why are we silent on the culture of impunity settling in the public service?”

Ramphele also said that for the first time in 15 years, the country was witnessing political violence.
 
Ernest Mabuza
Legal Correspondent Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A950080

]]> Politik Pressespiegel Mon, 02 Mar 2009 14:51:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=187&cHash=59129a64db13c387cf4a678a2822a7d4 South Africa will host the world's first Peace Conference in Johannesburg next month which will focus on racism, xenophobia and the power of soccer in generating peace and harmony. The South African...
In a statement issued on Wednesday Conference chief patron and LOC chairman Irvin Khoza, said: "We have a huge responsibility to leave a legacy after the World Cup, and with this conference I hope we can focus and stress what we need to do in South Africa and in Africa to keep a country and continent in peace and harmony.”

"Soccer has played a huge role in bringing unity to South Africa and now more than ever we must show our responsibility as a nation, as a soccer family, and as a host of the World Cup.”

“The event must be the most peaceful World Cup in its history with people from all nations inter-mingling in harmony as guests of South Africa," Khoza added.

The conference has been endorsed by the Norwegian Nobel Peace Committee and will see Nobel laureates from each continent gather in South Africa for their first official visit to an event outside Norway. Confirmed participants so far include the Dalai Lama, and Martti Ahtisaari (2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner) as well as South Africa's three Peace Laureates; Archbishop Emeritus Tutu, Nelson Mandela and F.W De Klerk.  

The conference gala dinner will be co-hosted by South African actress and newly appointed United Nations Peace Ambassador Charlize Theron, as well as actor Morgan Freeman, who plays Nelson Mandela in an upcoming movie about the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

"We are honoured and privileged to host an event of this magnitude and calibre of people involved," Khoza said.

Laureates attending the conference will conclude their visit by attending the Nelson Mandela Challenge match at the re-opening of the Royal Bafokeng Stadium where Bafana Bafana will host Norway.

The South African Peace Conference will take place on the 27th of March 2008 at Constitution Hill. ]]> FIFA WM 2010 Politik Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:22:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=189&cHash=66431466dc1c3b32eb77c6185792eae9 The Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands Derek Sikua has called on Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu to assist in setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission that will help foster peace on the...
The recent history of the Islands has been marred by political tensions largely fuelled by geographic and linguistic fragmentation.

Tutu has been invited to share his expertise and help the Islanders to reconcile with each other.

The retired archbishop, who played an instrumental role in South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission in the late 1990s, will visit the Solomon Islands in April.

Closing the violence chapter

Tensions in the Solomon Islands reached heightened levels in 1998, when fighting between rival armed ethnic factions led to a civil war. By 1999 a group called the Istabu Freedom Movement had embarked on a campaign of ethnic cleansing, displacing thousands of Malaitans and killing several of the natives.

At the height of the fighting, New Zealander and Australian officials intervened through evacuations, while a commonwealth delegation moved to establish peace. A peace accord was signed in October 2000.

Years of quiet followed, however tensions flared up again at least twice, despite Australian-led regional assistance to the Solomon Islands deployed in 2003.

The Islands are now hoping that Tutu will help to bring a lasting solution to their crisis.

Sharing the South African story

Archbishop Desmond Tutu was the chairperson of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which began in 1996 and continued for several years.

Perpetrators and victims of apartheid gathered in different parts of the country to testify to the atrocities that took place during the regime.

A number of commissioners presided over cases, as the victims recalled their personal experiences and perpetrators admitted to their actions and asked for amnesty from prosecution.  

The job of the TRC was to investigate violations that took place between 1960 and 1994 and to provide support and reparation to victims and their families. Some of the perpetrators who came forward to testify were given amnesty.

For Tutu, the TRC was a vital part of South Africa's history. Speaking on the topic of forgiveness following his reflections post the TRC, Tutu said, "When I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person. A better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred."

"Remaining in that state [of not forgiving] locks you in a state of victimhood, making you almost dependent on the perpetrator. If you can find it in yourself to forgive then you are no longer chained to the perpetrator. You can move on, and you can even help the perpetrator to become a better person too."

Source: www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com   ]]> Politik Südafrika Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:25:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=169&cHash=8262b8ff4540ffb85370170524afd305 SA IS pushing its fight against corruption further by developing policy aimed at resolving conflict of interest issues at the work place. This is according to the country’s first progress report of...
The first of what will be an annual presentation, the report follows SA’s defensive stance to the APRM’s review of the country’s socioeconomic environment in 2007.

The report says strides have been made in reaching a national consensus on the definition of poverty, along with the development of a poverty barometer. Also mentioned is the government’s prioritisation of the fight against HIV/AIDS. In the health department alone, the HIV/AIDS budget grew from R676m to R3,2bn in the last seven years.

Highlighted by the report is the government’s attempt at addressing several other issues raised by the 2007 review. For instance, the review concluded that company legislation needed to be reviewed to make it transformative.

The review also noted that consumers and shareholders were ill- informed and inactive and therefore failed to assert their rights.

SA acceded to the APRM in March 2003. There are 28 countries in the process, a voluntary mechanism meant to improve political governance and foster economic growth and continental integration. It works through subjecting each participating country to scrutiny across a number of governance areas. A programme of action should then be developed to address any problems .

Of the nine countries that have been reviewed, Ghana has been the most transparent and demonstrated strong input by civic society, which is an equal partner in the process. The Kenyan review is mainly remembered for its predictive warning on electoral tensions which later culminated in a post-election flare-up that saw 1000 people killed last year.

Steven Gruzd of the South African Institute of International Affairs said SA had implemented some of the review’s suggestions, such as moving to eliminate floor-crossing legislation.

A statement released by SA’s APRM office said the African Union summit "commended SA on the quality and standard of its first implementation” of the APRM programme of action.

It also said summit chairman, Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, “called on other African states to emulate SA’s report”.

The report covers the period from November 2007 to December last year.
 
Wilson Johwa
Political Correspondent Source: http://www.businessday.co.za/articles/topstories.aspx?ID=BD4A945061

]]> Politik Südafrika Pressespiegel Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:57:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=155&cHash=22952b9568bd932f5932de9022850059 PRESIDENT Kgalema Motlanthe has gone ahead and promulgated the election date — April 22 — even though the Freedom Front Plus (FF+) will ask the Constitutional Court to give South Africans working... Amy Musgrave - Political Correspondent www.businessday.co.za]]> Politik Pressespiegel Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:38:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=153&cHash=1438988c705c56c5d2a61e846e42485c SA’s young people proved this past weekend that they are not as politically apathetic as was claimed during previous election campaigns. More than 78% of citizens who registered to vote during the... Hajra Omarjee www.businessday.co.za]]> Politik Pressespiegel Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:34:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=151&cHash=aef5e4c6d41eac4d56ced285df524abd PRETORIA — Freedom Front Plus member Willem Richter’s urgent application to interdict President Kgalema Motlanthe from proclaiming the election date was struck off the roll yesterday, clearing the... Franny Rabkin www.businessday.co.za]]> Pressespiegel Politik Thu, 12 Feb 2009 16:30:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=127&cHash=ad671c1fe389ccb76e37452561a757dd African Union (AU) chairperson and Tanzanian President, Jakaya Kikwete, says African Heads of State have resolved to transform the African Commission into an AU authority that will be mandated to... The Union debate has been on the agenda for a few years now, led by Libya's Muammer Gadaffi and supported by Senegal's Abdouleye Wade. Gadaffi has for years pressed for a federal pan-regional government, arguing that it is essential to meet the challenges of globalisation, fight poverty and resolve conflicts without Western interference. However, diplomats inside the Heads of State gathering said it was a heated debate. All 53 AU member states agreed in principle with the goal of continental integration. But some, led by South Africa, say it must be a gradual process. And as analysts monitoring the process predicted, a compromise was reached. Kikwete says the Commission will now be transformed into the Union authority and this would be a step into the eventual establishment of a Union government. The current AU commissions will then be transformed into specific secretariat portfolios like climate change and trade. The leaders also discussed whether to officially call for the lifting of sanctions against Zimbabwe as President Robert Mugabe prepares to share power with the opposition MDC in a unity government. On the first day of the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, leaders said the measure would help to ease the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe. By Crystal Orderson, Addis Ababa

Source: http://www.sabcnews.com/

]]> Pressespiegel Afrikanische Union Mon, 02 Feb 2009 15:47:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=123&cHash=bab34efa482fc1065690440671fda50a Addis Ababa - African leaders agreed on Sunday in the Ethiopian capital to transform the African Union (AU) Commission into the African Union Authority (AUA). This will be done as a compromise step...
"We are creating an institution with a bigger mandate, with bigger capacities, which moves us toward the goal of the union government," Mr Ping said although details of the change were still under discussion. He said, however, governments will still retain their sovereignty under the existing system. "The body will be headed by a president and a vice-president, and the commissioners will become secretaries charged with portfolios," Mr Ping said.

The 53-nation African Union said it would agree by Wednesday on reforms to the organisation. The idea of creating a future union government for Africa, which is believed would boost Africa's international standing, has been discussed for several years among the region's leaders. It has been supported strongly by Libyan leader, Muammar Gaddafi.

However, many African leaders were reluctant to relinquish any of their sovereignty to a new government, while some favour strengthening regional institutions before creating a continent-wide system. The establishing of a unified Africa to give Africa stronger bargaining power at international forums has been a dream of several generations of pan-Africanists.

The South African government since 2007 has embarked on an intensive countrywide campaign to gather the views of its citizens on the envisioned African Union Authority. The representatives all showed support for the position which was eventually adopted, namely that of a gradual process of integration, strengthening of multilateral institutions as well as the strengthening and integration of Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

South Africa falls under the 14 member SADC REC, whose other member states include Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Timelines and the method for Africa's integration are to be set out according to the Accra Declaration, adopted at the conclusion of the three-day summit.

The approach will entail strengthening AU organs, including the AU Commission, as well as speeding up the integration of RECs, with the final objective being the creation of a union government.

The Accra Declaration expresses the AU leaders' conviction that the ultimate objective of the AU is the United States of Africa, with a Union Government, as envisaged by the founding fathers of the Organisation of African Unity and, in particular, the late visionary leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, former President of Ghana.

By Bathandwa Mbola Source: BuaNews]]> Afrikanische Union Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:39:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=88&cHash=96d67b12f86d2e9f3827c0e54bde8fa8 The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has confirmed that by April this year they would be logistically prepared to go to the 2009 General Elections. "The IEC was working toward a 15 April...
"We need to put the logistics in place. On the 15th, we will be able to open all polling stations and start the voting process. That is the deadline we are working towards. We have a very strict timetable," she said on Tuesday at the briefing.

Dr Bam said the 2009 elections will be similar to the 1994 elections, adding that it will be exciting but also challenging.

She said "many people are coming to observe and see if we are going to have credible elections in 2009."

Dr Bam said that political parties would have access to the voters' role and that the IEC also had different systems in place to ensure the credibility of the elections, including a system in which votes are scanned, so that they are able to be tracked electronically at a later stage if needs be.

She said that Results Operations Centres would allow stakeholders the opportunity to monitor incoming results in an open and transparent manner and that political party access to results information for analysis would be improved.

She said that 151 parties had registered by November last year.

Voter registration had gone exceptionally well and so far there were over 21 million people registered to vote. The IEC's target is to get 22 million registered voters for the 2009 elections.

In 1994, when the country had its first democratic elections there was no voters' roll and only 10 000 voting stations. This year, there will be 19 713 voting districts and a voters roll of 21.6 million people (as at 12 November 2008).

The second round of voter registration takes place from 7-8 February. There will be about 60 000 trained registration officials for the registration weekend.

Advocate Pantsy Tlakula, CEO of the IEC, said that to address, in particular, the under-representation of youth on the voters' roll and their low level of participation in electoral democracy, the IEC had engaged in a number of activities, including voter education at schools and higher education institutions.

Adv Tlakula said the most active voter age group sector was people between 30 to 69 years old. By Vivian Warby Source: BuaNews]]> Politik Topnews Pressespiegel Wed, 28 Jan 2009 11:23:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=67&cHash=750d3fa48dd1b1d684de5c0a422979e1 Addis Ababa 20 January 2009 – The Twelfth Ordinary Session of the Summit of the African Union Heads of State and Government will officially take place from the 26th of January to the 3rd of February... Afrikanische Union Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:39:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=56&cHash=96c41b87af7520ae939dcdfe2211551d South African President Kgalema Motlanthe sent a congratulatory message to United States President-elect Barack Obama ahead of his inauguration on Tuesday. "Your election to high office of the...
"In this regard, they too express the hope that your election to the presidency of the United States of America will contribute significantly to efforts in the continent of Africa to help bring about change they can believe in, to create a better life for all."

Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States by US Chief Justice John Roberts at midday Eastern Standard Time (7pm Central African Time) on Tuesday.

The ceremony will be broadcast in South Africa on e.tv and SABC 2 from 6pm onwards.

Motlanthe said Africa was proud of Obama's achievement, and looked forward to a fruitful working relationship with him.

He added that both South Africa and Africa hoped that poverty and under-development in Africa, which remains a challenge for humanity, would receive greater attention from the new administration.

"South Africa looks forward to working with you in the consolidation of strategic bilateral political, economic, trade, and social relations between our two governments and peoples," Motlanthe said. "We wish you a fruitful and healthy life during your tenure as the President of the United States of America."

Ambassador to the United States Welile Nhlapo will represent South Africa at the inauguration ceremony of United States President-elect Barrack Obama on Tuesday.

With the American authorities not accepting foreign delegations, The Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Monday that South Africa, like all other countries, would be represented at ambassadorial level at the ceremony.

Go to SouthAfrica.info Source: SouthAfrica.info
The all-in-one official guide
and web portal to South Africa. ]]> Politik Pressespiegel Wed, 21 Jan 2009 09:26:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=51&cHash=9944f19d362c1b3603a5e406c038b4cf President Kgalema Motlanthe today signed a Bill which will see the country set up its own space agency, the Department of Science and Technology said. Spokesperson Nhlanhla Nyide said the Act could... Wirtschaft Politik Pressespiegel Mon, 19 Jan 2009 13:01:00 +0100 http://www.suedafrika.org/index.php?id=58&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=48&cHash=7c3c7e2d05ccf36f5a80368e0b27077c South African President and Chairperson of SADC, President Kgalema Motlanthe, today, Saturday – 3rd January 2009 – extended on behalf of the government and people of South Africa, the SADC region,... Tel: 0824593787
Department of Foreign Affairs
P/ Bag x 152
Pretoria
0001 3rd January 2009 ]]> Politik Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:29:00 +0100