Monitoring by South Africa of the Conditions agreed upon by Swaziland in the Loan Agreement with South Africa regarding fiscal reform; and the promotion of democracy, social development, human rights and good governance

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NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

FOR WRITTEN REPLY

QUESTION NO: 228 (CW326E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO 12-2012 OF 11 MAY 2012

Mr R.A Lees (DA - KZN) to ask the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation:

1. To what extent is South Africa monitoring the conditions agreed upon by Swaziland in the loan agreement with South Africa regarding (a) fiscal reform and (b) promotion of (i) democracy, (ii) social development, (iii) human rights and (iv) good governance;

2. Whether, in addition to the terms stipulated in the bail-out loan, South Africa is applying any other methods to pressure Swaziland into democratic reform; if not, why not; if so, what are the (a) relevant details of the methods and  (b) timeframes anticipated in this regard?

REPLY:

1. The draft Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Government of South Africa and the Government of the Kingdom of Swaziland on Financial Assistance has not been signed yet. Therefore, the conditions contained in the draft MoU may not be monitored until such time the two countries conclude the MoU.
   
   

2. Yes, South Africa within the framework of the Joint Bilateral Commission for Cooperation continues to encourage the Swazis to engage in a meaningful and inclusive political dialogue aimed at determining their country’s constitutional democratic dispensation.

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