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| ELECTIONS 2019: “TODAY IS REMINISCENT OF 1994” |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has likened Election Day on 8 May 2019 to that of the first democratic election in 1994, after witnessing the high voter turnout at voting stations across the country. |
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“The response to the voting has been amazing. The people are energised to cast their vote. They are heralding a new dawn … and a period of hope. This is a vote that reminds us of 1994, because in 1994 our people were just as excited as this. Our people are really excited,” said a jovial President after casting his vote at Hitekani Primary School in Chiawelo, Soweto.
The leader of the African National Congress said people came out in their droves to vote for a government that would serve them and their aspirations and that they have the confidence his party can do so.
“I am humbled by the turnout here today. There is a great vibe – a vibe for democracy.”
He hoped the outcome of the election would be in line with what the people wish – to see a country that is working. He said he was committed to working to grow the economy and attract investment and that the election was a boost for investor confidence.
President Ramaphosa said the mandate he was getting from the people was that government must hasten service delivery. He said he wanted people who wanted to work and do right by the people of the country.
President Ramaphosa was joined by his spouse, Dr Tshepo Motsepe.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| GOOGLE DOODLE CELEBRATES SA'S 2019 ELECTIONS |
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| Internet search engine Google has always been at the forefront of using its doodles to signify international matters of importance. South African milestones have also on occasion been depicted. |
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On Freedom Day, Google commemorated 25 years since South Africa's first democratic elections with a doodle depicting the South African flag, which was first hoisted on 27 April 1994.
On Wednesday, 8 May 2019, Google again replaced its usual logo with a doodle celebrating South Africa's sixth democratic elections since that historic day in 1994.
Depicting a ballot box with the South African flag, it clicked through to a number of links relating to Wednesday's elections. |
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Google has in the past recognised South African events and people through its doodles.
On 4 April, Google celebrated jazz legend Hugh Masekela on what would have been his 80th birthday.
In January last year, Google paid tribute to South African author Alan Paton on what would have been his 115th birthday.
Millions of South Africans on Wednesday went to the polls to elect the next national and provincial governments.
– Source: www.news24.co.za |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION FOLLOWING A JET LINER CRASH |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa, has, on behalf of the Government and people of South Africa, extended the country’s deepest condolences to the Russian Federation following the crash of a jet passenger liner near Moscow, on 5 May 2019, leaving 41 passengers dead and 37 injured. |
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President Ramaphosa said the prayers and thoughts of the South African people were with the families who lost their loved ones in the accident. The President also wished a speedy recovery to those who survived and were still in hospitals.
The South African Embassy in Moscow has confirmed that no South African citizens were among the victims. |
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| TOURISM CAN DO MORE FOR JOBS AND GROWTH |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa says tourism is a thriving sector with tremendous potential for further growth and job creation. |
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“We tend to think of tourism as being associated with pleasure motives such as visiting iconic sites and getting involved in recreational activities, but it can also embrace business, education, health or religion as a basis for travelling,” President Ramaphosa said.
Speaking at Africa’s Travel Indaba at the International Convention Centre in Durban on Saturday, 4 May 2019, the President said there was growing global consensus on the need for countries to pursue paths of sustainable development in order to grow and transform economies, while minimising the impact on nature.
“We need to expand tourism in our countries to contribute to economic growth, increase our foreign earnings, bring more people into the mainstream of our economies and boost related industries.
“Tourism is one of the most international of industries, for it is an industry that tends to showcase a country’s identity and offering to the world. Tourism has an extensive value chain, stimulating economic activity in manufacturing, in the services sector and in the creative and cultural industries,” President Ramaphosa said.
The President said the influx of visitors meant more people were employed as tour guides, drivers, caterers and producers of memorable artefacts, to name but just a few.
“Local people are able to show off the attractions with pride for their history, their culture and traditions.”
President Ramaphosa said visitors to the many countries on the continent were able to engage in a range of sporting, recreational and leisure activities. He told delegates at the Indaba that as part of efforts to revitalise the economy, South Africa was focussing its energies on labour-intensive sectors such as agriculture, the oceans economy and tourism.
“We have set ourselves a bold target to raise over US$100 billion in new investment over five years,” he said. |
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Promoting tourism throughout Africa
In his welcoming remarks, Tourism Minister, Derek Hanekom, told delegates that tourism was an industry that was resilient.
“Our country and our continent have unique stories to tell, unique stories to unite people. This Indaba is the biggest annual Tourism Indaba in Africa and has the potential to create jobs,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal acting Premier, Sihle Zikalala, called on all the delegates attending the Indaba to be ambassadors of Africa.
Zikalala said the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government had committed to hosting the next four indabas in the province.
“We want to pledge our commitment that these indabas hosted in our province become one of the best in Africa,” he said, adding that tourism contributed greatly to the province.”
The four-day Indaba, which is hosted in Durban annually, provides a platform for African countries to showcase and market themselves as tourist destinations.
It also offers an opportunity for a dialogue on the collective positioning of “Brand Africa” to attract more tourists and grow the African tourism market.
The Indaba featured exhibitions from countries, including Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Madagascar, Rwanda and Uganda.
At the end of the Indaba, President Ramaphosa visited a number of exhibition stands, interacting with the visitors.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER SISULU HUMBLED BY DONATIONS TO RE-BUILD COMMUNITIES FOLLOWING CYCLONE IDAI AND KWAZULU-NATAL FLOODS |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Lindiwe Sisulu, has, on behalf of the South African Government, conveyed her gratitude to the United Arab Emirates Ambassador to South Africa, Mahash Saeed Al Hameli, for donating R1 million towards relief efforts in KwaZulu-Natal and to Aspen Pharmacare for the donation of R50 000 also for KwaZulu-Natal and a further R250 000 for Mozambique. |
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The donations were made at an engagement between the Minister and members of the Hellenic, Italian and Portuguese (HIP) Alliance on 3 May 2019. The event sought to unpack South Africa’s foreign policy trajectory and to continue mobilising the business community to support government initiatives to assist the victims of Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi, as well as the victims of the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are humbled by the support we continue to get from the business community, NGOs, members of the Diplomatic Corps and ordinary citizens of our country. Your assistance has not been in vain”, said Minister Sisulu.
During the event, Minister Sisulu, was honoured with a Humanity and Social Cohesion Award.
“I accept this award on behalf of all the women of South Africa and Africa,” Minister Sisulu told the gathering, which included heads of missions from over 40 countries.
She also used the opportunity to express solidarity with Caster Semenya following her 800-metre win at the IAAF Diamond League in Doha on Friday.
"We support Caster and will fight for her all the way. This is a human rights issue, and the IAAF is interfering with Semenya's natural right. No court can judge what is given to a human being in terms of their natural abilities. We are going to fight for her because this is unjust and racist, and at the end of the day, it is the UN that is the highest arbiter on human rights," Minister Sisulu said.
It was Minister Sisulu who had recently brought Semenya’s discrimination case to the United Nations Human Rights Council. South Africa tabled a resolution at the council, defending Semenya’s right to participate in sport, calling for the elimination of discrimination against women and girls in sport, giving significant weight from a human rights perspective to Semenya’s case. Minister Sisulu scored a major victory when the council adopted the resolution, making it the first time that the human rights system holds the international sports associations to account for their obligations under international human rights law. |
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“The international community has a duty to protect and defend the rights of Caster Semenya and other female athletes like her across the world, based on the premise that their human rights are being violated. The international campaign to preserve Caster’s right to participate in global sports is a struggle for all women in the world against discrimination, sexism and patriarchy,” Minister Sisulu said.
The HIP Alliance which bestowed the Humanity Award on Minister Sisulu also praised her unwavering stand against corruption. “Sisulu was one of the first Ministers of Public Administration to put forward an Anti-Corruption Bill in Cabinet, which speaks volumes for her principled stance against state capture and corruption, which is a critical element to achieving President Ramaphosa's investment drive," said Aspen CEO, Stavros Nicolaou.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| WORLD BANK GIVES US$545M FOR CYCLONE-HIT SOUTHERN AFRICA |
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| A total of up to US$545 million will be disbursed to Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi – the three countries hit by Cyclone Idai in March. |
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The World Bank will extend more than half-a-billion dollars in grants for cyclone-ravaged southern African countries, its chief announced on Friday, 3 May 2019, as he concluded a visit to Mozambique, the worst affected country.
"Cyclone Idai caused catastrophic damage earlier this year that affected millions of people," the Bank's Group President, David Malpass, said after he visited the central city of Beira.
"And this tragedy has been compounded by Cyclone Kenneth, another cyclone that hit Mozambique six weeks later.”
Cyclone Idai devastated the port city of Beira and its surrounding areas when it hit on 14 March, causing huge floods and killing more than 600 people.
Weeks later a fresh massive storm, Cyclone Kenneth, lashed the northern coastal regions of Mozambique, 1 000km from Beira, and killed 41 people. |
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Mozambique, which received US$350 million of the grant, will use the funds to rebuild water supply systems and damaged public infrastructure, among other things. Part of the funds will also go towards disease prevention programmes in affected areas in and around Beira, where nearly 5 000 people have been infected with cholera, resulting in four deaths.
Malawi, which suffered floods before the storm made landfall, will get US$120 million for agriculture and infrastructure.
Zimbabwe will receive US$75 million for social welfare programmes for cyclone victims.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says that Mozambique is in urgent need of large-scale international aid and that as much as an additional US$60 million will be needed to help repair the damage done to Mozambique by Cyclone Kenneth.
– Source: www.news24.co.za |
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| BELT AND ROAD – A CONSTRUCTIVE INITIATIVE |
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| Ambassador Lin Songtian, Ambassador of China to South Africa, was the keynote speaker at a seminar and launch of the book “The Belt and Road Initiative – Alternative Development Path for Africa”, held at the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria recently. |
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| Many billions have been invested in this initiative that seeks to bring about a physical global connectedness through infrastructure. It is inspired by the ancient Silk Road that extended Chinese innovation the world over. China has, at great risk to its own economic growth, embarked on an unprecedented global infrastructure roll-out. The investment in rail, ports and roads is a vision that envisages the creation of a shared future and modest prosperity. |
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The event in Pretoria coincided with the Second Belt and Road Forum that took place in Beijing amid 5 000 delegates, including heads of state, ministers and academics, among others. As the Belt and Road train, as it is sometimes referred to, gathers momentum, the vision of the resources, time and effort that has been expanded in the project becomes clearer. The number of representations and outcomes of the discussions is considered a vote of confidence for the Belt and Road Initiative.
The Pretoria seminar, co-hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council, set out to discuss the projects, how they are linking up, addressed some of the challenges and criticisms faced, and allayed some concerns regarding debt.
– Source: thediplomaticsociety.co.za |
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| SA COMPANIES SHOW OFF WARES AT USA CONFERENCE |
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| A steel pipe manufacturing company is showing off its wares at the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) that is taking place in the United States of America (USA). |
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Mmatsheko Shai, the Key Accounts Manager at Hall Longmore, a steel pipe manufacturing company based in Gauteng, is optimistic that the company will export around 30 000 metric tons into the US market per month by the end of 2019. The company intends to grow this number in the next five years.
The company is among the 20 companies that received financial support from the Department of Trade and Industry (dti) to participate in the OTC that is taking place in Houston, Texas. The companies are supported by the dti through its Export Marketing and Investment Assistance Scheme.
The objective of the scheme is to develop export markets for South African products and services and to recruit new foreign direct investment into the country. The scheme also seeks to facilitate market access for the exhibiting South African companies.
Shai said the steel pipe requirements in the local market did not take up their available capacity and the US market played a capacity utilisation role by supplementing their production and providing an opportunity to fill capacity.
“Hall Longmore is currently doing business in the USA, exporting an average of 2 500 metric tons of steel piping into the USA per month. This is a competitive market as steel pipe for the oil and gas market is manufactured and supplied from all over the world. It requires us to stay competitive.”
The 20 local firms that are showcasing their products and services at the South African National Pavilion at the OTC are from the steel and fabrication, engineering and services, electro technical and services, and oil and gas sectors.
Speaking ahead of the conference, the Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr Rob Davies, said the South African National Pavilion at the conference would assist the South African companies to identify opportunities within the US’ up, mid and downstream value chain integration.
The USA is one of South Africa’s key trading partners in the world today, and the bilateral trade relationship has maintained a consistent pattern of expansion since 1994.
The conference concluded on 9 May 2019.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SAA ADDS NEW DIRECT ROUTE TO CHINA |
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| South African Airways (SAA) will launch direct flights between Johannesburg and Guangzhou, China, on 18 September 2019, giving customers access to the heart of China’s export-led manufacturing industries. |
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This is yet another strategy implementation initiative aimed at enhancing SAA’s route network.
“The decision to launch this direct service between Johannesburg and Guangzhou means we remain on track in executing our strategy to transform SAA into a fit for the future airline that will operate both efficiently and competitively,” said SAA CEO, Vuyani Jarana.
The Guangzhou route will cater for a spectrum of travellers between Johannesburg and China, including business and corporate travellers, and will be of special interest to traders. Cargo operations will complement the viability of this route considering that high-value cargo is sourced from Guangzhou.
SAA will be the only carrier operating a direct service between Johannesburg and Guangzhou, with flight time of approximately 13 hours and 40 minutes, providing the shortest travel time on a non-stop basis between the two points.
There will be three new flights per week to Guangzhou, in South China, and these will complement SAA’s current operations to Hong Kong. This means, SAA will fly four times a week to Hong Kong.
Airbus A340-300 aircraft will operate both the Guangzhou and Hong Kong routes. Guangzhou is the largest city in the Guangdong province in South China and the third-largest Chinese city after Beijing and Shanghai. It is an important transportation hub and trading port, located on the Pearl River about 120km northwest of Hong Kong.
“Adding a direct service to mainland China, combined with our current popular flights to Hong Kong, provides SAA with immense growth opportunities to and from mainland China. It also gives our traders access to the centre of Chinese manufacturing,” said Jarana.
For more travel options for SAA customers flying to and from Guangzhou, the airline has interline agreements with China Southern Airlines, China Eastern, Air China and Hainan Airlines.
SAA is also negotiating a code share agreement with Hong Kong Airlines, anticipated to be in place this financial year, for further travel options for customers travelling beyond Hong Kong. Hong Kong airlines will codeshare on SAA’s Hong Kong-Johannesburg sector and provide feeder traffic from Japan, Korea, Philippines and China.
– Source: Traveller24 |
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| SA DESIGNER PALESA MOKUBUNG BECOMES FIRST AFRICAN TO GO GLOBAL IN H&M DEAL |
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| Swedish multinational clothing retailer H&M recently announced its first African collaboration with South African designer Palesa Mokubung's Mantsho label. |
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Mantsho will be available in all South African stores, exclusive flagship stores in the United States (US), the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Portugal, The Netherlands, Belgium, Mexico, Chile and Israel, as well as all H&M online markets from 15 August.
Mantsho is known for its vibrant fabrics, bold and edgy designs with distinct silhouettes and structures.
H&M Assortment Manager for Collaborations and Special Collections, Pernilla Wohlfahrt, said Makubonga was an inspiring talent and personality.
Wohlfahrt said the diverse collection of women's wear and accessories would introduce a dose of fresh fun and uniquely South African aesthetic to H&M customers around the world.
"We love how she works with colour, print and silhouettes, enhancing the female shape in a flattering and playful way," Wohlfahrt said.
"At H&M, we value diversity of ideas and designs and draw inspiration from across our geographical footprint and we are so excited to share this collection with our customers across the globe."
Makubong said the collaboration was a dream come true and she was excited to work with H&M.
"This project has been a valuable journey so far and I cannot wait to share my passion and design with fashion lovers around the world. Mantsho prides itself as a ready-to-wear brand and this exclusive collection fulfils this promise," she said.
The Mantsho label, which means “black is beautiful” in the Sesotho language, was established in 2004 and has since graced numerous runways in Greece, India, the US, Jamaica, Nigeria, Botswana and Senegal.
– Source: African News Agency (ANA) |
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| LUXURY TRAIN HOTEL TO BE BUILT AT KRUGER NATIONAL PARK |
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| If Kruger National Park (KNP) was not fascinating enough, there’s a train hotel being built at the iconic South African attraction. |
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Thebe Tourism Group revealed the plans at Africa’s Travel Indaba recently. The Kruger Shalati Train on a bridge is being hailed as a unique luxury accommodation experience that will open in December 2019. The new initiative pays tribute to the history of Kruger when visitors to park once arrived by train.
The project incorporates the iconic and still original old Selati railway bridge at Skukuza Camp, where the KNP’s first warden, James Steven-Hamilton, welcomed visitors nearly 100 years ago. At night, these same guests would retreat into the train to sleep, before it moved on to its next destination the following day.
Looking to recreate the magic of these early visitor encounters, the project will see the restoration and upgrading of a train that will permanently rest on the original tracks running across the bridge, high above the waters of the Sabie River.
The train, in its stationary position with an external walkway attached to the bridge structure, allows the Kruger Shalati rooms to be much larger than the expected traditional train compartment-style room, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows welcoming the unsurpassed views from atop the Sabie River into the room.
An old block-house next to the bridge will be used as the base for an innovative pool deck designed with overhanging pool meters above the river where travellers can, hopefully, catch a glimpse of the Big 5.
Immersing guests in the comfort of an Afro-chic boutique hotel experience, the train itself will offer 24 en-suite rooms able to sleep 48 guests, with another seven rooms in adjacent Kruger Shalati Bridge House accommodating 14 beds on land next to the bridge. All rooms will offer guests a high-star rating luxury experience and will be accompanied by fine dining and other leisure experiences on site. |
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Judiet Barnes, Concession General Manager of Kruger Shalati, said the project was an opportunity to revitalise and recapture an important part of Kruger’s history.
“Not only have we not seen anything alike in our country, but neither is there anything similar in the world. This is a ‘must experience’ destination will entice visitors locally and from across the globe to experience a very important part of our park’s history,” said Barnes.
She said the surrounding communities would be empowered through world-class training, skills development initiatives and job opportunities with the project. The Kruger Shalati team is working very closely with SanParks to ensure minimal disruption to the park.
– Source: www.iol.co.za |
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| ZULU BALLET OPENS IN LONDON |
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| A Zulu ballet called “Inala” featuring South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir opens in London this week. |
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Inala, which means "abundance of goodwill", will include world-class dancers and is centered on the values of community and the journey of life, conjuring up imagery of African landscapes through song as a backdrop to ballet and contemporary dance.
The Grammy Award-winning choir says performing in a theater show has been an interesting experience.
"It's not easy doing this whole production. We are actually out of our comfort zone as the Soweto Gospel Choir, because we normally just rehearse and we don't count steps or whatever because it's stuff that is natural.
"But something as technical as this production, it's quite hectic," said choir member Diniloxo Ndlakuse.
The show, first for the ballet, debuted close to five years ago at the Edinburgh festival and featured another South African music group, Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Producers for Inala say they now have plans to take the show to Asia.
– Source: eNCA |
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| FEARLESS CASTER ROMPS HOME TO 800-M WIN IN DOHA |
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| Olympic champion Caster Semenya showcased her class in the women's 800-m race at the opening leg of IAAF Diamond League in Doha on Friday evening, 3 May 2019. |
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Semenya stormed clear and crossed the finish line in 1:54.98.
She finished three seconds ahead of the rest of the field as Burundian, Francine Niyonsaba, finished second (1:57.75) and American, Ajee Wilson, came in third (1:58.84).
Semenya, who is a double Olympic champion (2012, 2016) and three-time world champion (2009, 2011, 2017), has now won her past 30 races over 800m.
The South African was competing in the Diamond League just two days after losing a landmark case against athletics' governing body.
The Court for Arbitrations of Sport ruled on Wednesday, 2 May 2019, that the IAAF's decision to limit the amount of natural testosterone in female athletes from 8 May will apply to races over distances of 400m to the mile.
This could be Semenya's final 800m performance in South African colours.
Semenya, however, can appeal the decision at a Swiss tribunal within 30 days. Her legal team has confirmed they are considering their options.
– Source: www.dailysun.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICAN BIG WAVE SURFER GRANT TWIGGY BAKER WINS RIDE OF THE YEAR TROPHY |
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| South African Grant “Twiggy” Baker took surfing’s Ride of the Year Trophy at the World Surf League’s Big Wave Awards held at Redondo Beach near Los Angeles on Thursday, 2 May 2019. |
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Baker (46) received the trophy for his performance on a massive wave in Maui, Hawaii, last November and collected the Biggest Paddle Award for the same wave.
The awards are not just about winners but also highlight the bravery of the surfers taking on the big waves. This was marked by Makua Rothman of the United States being awarded the Wipeout of the Year for his spectacular crash in Fiji last May.
In March, Baker won the coveted Big Wave World Title. The humble champion told SurfLine.com afterwards that he’s “really not the best surfer out there” and that there are many incredible big wave surfers in South Africa and the rest of the southern hemisphere who just can’t afford to compete in the northern hemisphere.
He did concede that he was “seriously proud” of his win – his third in six years and all in his forties! He put it down to working hard at his mental and physical conditioning.
Baker said while he’s blessed to surf for a living, it’s tough being away from his wife, Kate, and daughter, Billi, and that heading home to South Africa to “soak up the love that comes with an amazing new family” is his best way to celebrate his wins.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR XOLISA MABHONGO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA, TO THE UNITED NATIONS DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, 8 MAY 2019 |
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“Mr President,
“We would like to thank you for convening this debate on the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We want to express our appreciation for the informative briefing by the High-Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr Valentin Inzko, on the latest report of his Office on the political, security and humanitarian situation in the country.
“Mr President,
We wish to welcome the progress made between the Parties in discussions on the state-level government as well as the international community’s support to the Parties. South Africa concurs with the views expressed by the High Representative, as we look forward to the formation of a new Council of Ministers, as soon as possible.
“We, however, remain concerned by the continued disagreement between the political parties which has the potential to undermine the fulfilment of the 5+2 agenda established by the Peace Implementation Steering Board. We encourage all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from provocative, divisive and nationalistic rhetoric which could weaken the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the State.
“Mr President,
“This Council, in its support to the Parties concerned, should promote an environment that is conducive to dialogue and cooperation and that would ease the challenges and hardships faced by the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“We wish to reiterate that a new coalition Government should be formed soon, so as to allow the country and its people, to implement, in its entirety, the 5+2 agenda, which will enable the assumption of full sovereign responsibility and authority over its domestic and international affairs.
“Recent human rights developments are of concern and have the potential to exacerbate the tensions between the Parties. Such developments can have negative implications on local communities and the broader region. Any country wishing to find a lasting, durable solution to sustainable peace must respect international human rights law and relevant UN Security Council Resolutions. In this regard, South Africa calls on the Parties to respect the rule of law and the legal instruments that underpin the political structures in the country, guided by international norms and standards.
“Mr President,
“The political impasse is not sustainable. Political dialogue is critical in resolving outstanding issues. In this regard, we call for inclusive, consultative and constructive dialogue between all stakeholders, including the different ethnic groups and entities, youth and women, as well as between the various Bosnian structures through the Office of the High Representative, the European Union and the UN.
“In the spirit of finding a long-term, peaceful solution for all, we encourage all parties in Bosnia and Herzegovina to recommit themselves to the full implementation of their obligations under the Dayton Agreement. Political will and national ownership are essential in moving the process towards long-term peace, stability and reconciliation.
“Finally, the support of the international community to the Government and people of Bosnia and Herzegovina is critical in achieving security, stability and an inclusive democracy in the country and in the region.
“I thank you.” |
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| STATEMENT BY THE DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, AMBASSADOR XOLISA MABHONGO, DURING THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON INVESTING IN PEACE: IMPROVING SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE OF UN PEACEKEEPERS, 7 MAY 2019 |
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“Madam President,
“South Africa wishes to thank the Republic of Indonesia for organising the open debate on this important matter.
“We also thank the Secretary-General, the Force Commander of MONUSCO, Lt. General Elias Rodrigues Martins Filho; and Dr Bjorn Holmberg, the Director of the Challenges Forum, for their comprehensive briefings. South Africa aligns itself with the statement to be delivered by the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement.
“Madam President,
“My delegation recognises and reaffirms the importance of peacekeeping as one of the most effective tools available to the UN in the promotion and maintenance of international peace and security, as well as in the prevention, management and resolution of conflicts.
“As the body entrusted with the deployment of UN peacekeeping operations and in the context of new emerging threats faced by our troops and UN personnel, the Security Council must ensure that operations are:
(i) Fully resourced;
(ii) Entrusted with the appropriate mandate to respond to the context-specific environment in which they are deployed; and
(iii) Adequately equipped with troops that are able to protect themselves in the process of carrying out their mandates.
“Madam President,
“In our view, the safety and security of the peacekeepers should also be strengthened by adopting the use of modern technology in peacekeeping operations. The UN should adopt the use of smart technology and heightened key capabilities to enable peacekeepers to counter any attack by armed groups and other forms of asymmetrical threats increasingly prevalent in peacekeeping.
“Madam President,
South Africa reaffirms the primacy of the Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) in making UN peacekeeping policy. We regret that the Substantive Session of the C-34 that concluded in March 2019, was unable to adopt its annual report. We urge all Member States to work in unison towards reaching consensus on issues that are pertinent in the discharge of the Council’s mandate. The C-34’s chapters on the enhancement of African peacekeeping capacities and best practices training are relevant in our discussion today.
“Madam President,
“South Africa acknowledges the increased and vital role regional organisations play in peacemaking and peacekeeping efforts. Regional organisations such as the African Union are the first responders to deploy early where necessary, in order to stabilise crisis situations, thus enabling the UN to deploy when conditions are more favourable.
“Therefore, partnerships with regional organisations, as envisaged in Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, will address some of the constraints faced by the UN in the implementation of successful peace operations. It is our firm view that the efforts of regional organisations are indispensable and there is merit in the UN developing and strengthening their capacities.
“South Africa wishes to reiterate the need to enhance the predictability, sustainability and flexibility of financing of AU-led peace support operations authorised by the Security Council. This principle has been endorsed by this Council and we must continue to support it.
“Madam President,
“We also need to ensure the availability of the necessary training and capacity required to increase the number of women in peacekeeping operations. Thus, South Africa will continue supporting efforts aimed at advancing women’s meaningful representation and participation in peacekeeping missions, such as the opportunities presented by the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, of which we are a member.
“Programmes aimed at female military officers have been undertaken in partnership with UN Women and the Government of Norway, with the assistance of the UN Department of Political Affairs as well as the AU.
“South Africa is fully committed to the zero-tolerance policy against sexual exploitation in peacekeeping operations. We have developed a comprehensive institutionalised pre-deployment sexual exploitation and abuse induction programme in order to raise the level of consciousness and efficiency, as well as the command accountability, of our deployed troops.
“Furthermore, South Africa is providing additional in-mission training interventions on a continuous basis to reinvigorate troops’ situational awareness and mission readiness in terms of command and control matters, leisure time utilisation, protection of civilians, human rights standards and SEA.
“We are also a member of and fully endorse the UN Secretary-General’s Circle of Leadership on the Prevention of and Response to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in United Nations operations.
“In operationalising Action for Peacekeeping (A4P), enhancing partnerships and strengthening performance, South Africa is sharing its expertise and training competencies with the Force Intervention Brigade Partners in MONUSCO.
“The Tactical Intelligence Unit (TIU) course presented for six weeks in South Africa for our own troops as well as those from Tanzania and Malawi, as preparation for pre-deployment to the DRC, is a case in point. This course seeks to ensure a common operational picture and to solidify operational effectiveness.
“Madam President,
“To conclude and in reply to the questions in the concept note for this debate, South Africa would like to make the following recommendations:
(i) On pre-deployment verification, we propose that the UN consider establishing Technical Training Teams that will provide workshops to the peacekeeping training institutions of TCCs and PCCs, so as to assist them in translating the UN Doctrine to improve field training as well as to identify and correct capacity gaps during the preparation of forces prior to deployment;
(ii) Furthermore, TCCs and PCCs needs to analyse the scope of intervention operations as they relate to the security landscape in the theatre of conflict. This will help guide the development of scenarios for military units and form a baseline for mission-specific training according to real time situations that military units are deployed to;
(iii) The UN Secretariat further need to expand the reach and the number of UN peacekeeping training centres on the African continent as well as in other regions. This would supplement the activities of both the Member States and the UN in capacitating and training peacekeepers; and
(iv) Consideration should be given to the standardisation of peacekeeping doctrine between UN and regional peacekeeping training institutions with a view to developing a common doctrine on peacekeeping.
“We believe that these recommendations can contribute to improving the training and capacity needs of our peacekeepers.
“I thank you.” |
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