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| SA CALLS FOR INCREASED INTRA-AFRICAN TRADE |
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| In preparation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on the African continent to strategically position itself by developing its human capital and promoting intra-African trade. |
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“We have at our disposal an abundance of natural and human resources that can be developed and harnessed to put Africa on a path of sustainable economic development,” said President Ramaphosa on Thursday, 3 October 2019.
Speaking at the State Banquet during the State Visit of Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in Tshwane, President Ramaphosa said the continent must embrace and participate meaningfully in the 4IR.
The continent, said the President, must develop its human capital capability while benefiting the continent’s natural resources.
President Ramaphosa said while the continent must support initiatives to attract foreign direct investment to its shores, more must be done to promote intra-Africa trade and investment.
“As South Africa, we firmly support the African Continental Free Trade Area and believe that through this important instrument, we can work together in accelerating intra-African trade and boosting Africa’s trading position in the global market,” he said.
The President’s remarks came as the two nations are working to strengthen their strategic bilateral relations.
“We further committed ourselves to working together to enhance close political, economic and social cooperation, in keeping with our mutual desire to establish a special relationship between the two countries,” said the President.
The State Visit coincided with the first session of the Bi-National Commission presided over at head of state level.
During the commission, the two presidents took note of the 32 signed agreements and Memoranda of Understanding, and committed themselves to ensuring that those which are in force are fully implemented. Those that are yet to come into force will be revived.
Both presidents noted with great satisfaction the economic cooperation between the two republics and welcomed steps to increase trade volumes as well as private-sector investments.
The two leaders further welcomed the decision to establish a Joint Ministerial Advisory Council on Industry, Trade and Investment. The council is expected to serve as a critical vehicle in facilitating and promoting private-sector participation in the economies of both countries.
The inaugural meeting of the council is expected to be held no later than April 2020 in Abuja.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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SA MOBILISES INVESTMENT IN NORWAY |
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| A South African delegation to the Nordic Africa Business (NABA) Summit has met various key partners in government and business in a bid to mobilise investment into South Africa. |
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The meeting with partners took place ahead of the NABA Summit in Oslo, Norway.
The summit is attended by the Small Business Development Minister, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, who replaced Deputy President David Mabuza at the summit.
Minister Ntshavheni is accompanied by International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister, Alvin Botes; and Trade, Industry and Competition Deputy Minister, Fikile Majola.
The NABA Summit is the Nordic region’s leading business conference focussing exclusively on Africa, with the aim of expanding and strengthening economic ties between the Nordic region and the African continent.
Minister Ntshavheni, Deputy Minister Botes and Deputy Minister Majola are holding meetings with various potential investors as well as leaders in government. The meetings focus on areas of investment and cooperation in the energy, finance, technology, health, oceans economy and agribusiness.
The theme of the 2019 Summit is “Better Business Together”, which emphasises dialogue, networking and confidence-building as part of supporting the economic agenda of South Africa and Nigeria, Africa’s two biggest economies.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SA IN TOP 3 BIODIVERSE NATIONS |
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| South Africa is one of the world’s top three mega-biodiverse nations, along with Brazil and Indonesia. |
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“We are thus one of the richest countries in terms of the diversity of plants and animals (marine and terrestrial) and levels of endemism. Although the immense contribution of our biodiversity to our economic, social and spiritual well-being is difficult to measure, it is generally accepted that this contribution is significant and essential to our health and well-being,” Minister of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, Barbara Creecy, said.
The Minister was delivering the keynote address at the opening of the 10th Oppenheimer Research Conference in Randjiesfontein, Midrand, taking place under the theme "Advancing Conservation Consciousness".
“Our National Development Plan recognises this biodiversity wealth and requires us to leave future generations an environmental endowment of at least equal value to the one we have now.
“To this end, although we are not yet meeting international targets, our conservation estate is growing, both on land and at sea,” Minister Creecy said.
A few months ago, 20 new marine protected areas were declared. These new “ocean parks" have increased South Africa’s marine ecosystem area under protection by 1 250% overnight – from 0.4% to 5.4% of the country's oceans.
“Unlike many of our game parks, these ocean parks have been identified scientifically and provide protection to an impressive 90% of our marine habitat types.
“In terms of government priorities, these ocean parks will not only protect our rich marine biodiversity, but will also contribute to the sustainability of our fisheries and our fishing industry – a perfect example of sustainable development, evidence-based policy-making, and a valuable outcome of the Operation Phakisa: Oceans Economy initiative,” the Minister said.
The 10th Oppenheimer Research Conference supported groundbreaking research and key partnerships, bringing together some of the continent’s best stakeholders to support Africa-led, innovative research that will contribute to the advancement of environmental and allied sciences.
This is critical to reach the country’s objective of ensuring a prosperous environment for future generations.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TOURISM DEPUTY MINISTER CALLS FOR PROTECTION OF HERITAGE |
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| Tourism Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela, says languages, heritage and culture must be protected in order to build a better future for all. |
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“Without telling the stories of our own cultures and languages, people will not be able to sensitise the young generation to preserve the unique legacy of their forefathers,” Deputy Minister Mahlalela said at the Nama Culture Festival on Saturday, 5 October 2019.
He encouraged the Nama community to motivate the younger generation to explore, learn, protect and respect the diverse culture and heritage of not only South Africa but also that of neighbouring Namibia, where the Kharas and Hardap regions are located, and Botswana, where the Kgalagadi region is located.
“These are the regions you as the Nama people have sought to build relationships with. South Africa has a strong political, economic and cultural relationship with both Namibia and Botswana as part of Southern African Development Community countries, and we are one people,” Mahlalela said.
Deputy Minsiter Mahlalela emphasised the need for the Nama people to strengthen relations with South Africa’s neighbouring countries.
“It is therefore important to strengthen the relationship between the Nama people of South Africa, the Kharas and Hardap regions of Namibia and the Kgalagadi region of Botswana. It is important to tell our own stories, which have the potential to move our countries forward,” Deputy Minister Mahlalela said.
He said the Namakwa District was an area rich with cultural tourism and was home to tourist attractions such as the Kgalagadi Transfontier Park, Namaqualand Flower Route, Richtersveld, Augrabies Falls National Park, The Big Hole in Kimberley, Mine Museum, Namaqua National Park and Goegap Nature Reserve.
South Africa in September celebrated Tourism Month and Heritage Month. The nation was encouraged to celebrate heritage and explore the country’s tourism gems.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT TO HOST 20TH CONFERENCE |
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| The National School of Government (NSG) and the Public Sector Trainers’ Forum (PSTF) Advisory Committee are hosting the 20th PSTF Conference from 7 – 9 October 2019 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. |
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Public Service and Administration Minister, Senzo Mchunu, delivered the keynote address at the conference.
The NSG is mandated to capacitate public servants to be effective and efficient for the Public Service machinery.
The PSTF is a non-statutory body that advocates human resource development (HRD) within the Public Service.
The forum provides a platform for collaborative interaction towards improved relationships and organisational performance among key stakeholders, including departments in all three spheres of government, public-sector entities, councils and agencies and social partners.
The European Union has pledged €10 million to support the NSG through the Public Service Training and Capacity-Building Programme.
The Public Service Training and Capacity-Building Programme is a response by the NSG to address the need expressed in the National Development Plan for a professional public service.
This year, the conference is held under theme “Enabling Vision 2030 through HRD: Training and Development for Socio-Economic Impact”.
The conference has the following sub-themes: learning and development strategies to achieve the socio-economic impact, using the public sector space to develop new knowledge for the knowledge economy, learning and development practices to navigate the effects of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, building public-sector learning organisations, and revitalising the role of the State to produce technical skills and specialist professionals.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| TABLE MOUNTAIN CABLEWAY CELEBRATES 90 YEARS |
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| The Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company has been providing visitors with a world-class experience since 4 October 1929. |
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Many crazy, weird and wonderful things happen in the shadows of this mountain that hugs the city bowl of the Mother City and for 90 years the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) has ferried some 28 million people from the bottom to the top, and back again.
To celebrate this milestone, locals are now being invited to come and experience this attraction at R90 for a return trip, valid during the month of October. This special 90th anniversary gift is available to all South Africans in October, says TMACC.
Over the years, the mountain has garnered accolades aplenty, flying the flag 1 082m high for South Africa as one of the official new 7 Wonders of Nature. And this year, it is also in the running for the title of “World Leading Tourist Attraction” at the annual World Travel Awards.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| THE NDLOVU YOUTH CHOIR'S FIRST INTERNATIONAL PERFORMANCE AFTER AGT WAS A SOLD-OUT SHOW |
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| The Ndlovu Youth Choir just had their first international gig after taking part in “America's Got Talent”, and it was a sold-out show. |
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The choir, who made it to the finals of the US TV show, were met with cheers and praise when they recently returned to South Africa.
Their stay on local soil was short-lived, though, as half of the group flew to the Netherlands for a performance.
The other half remained in South Africa where they got to meet with President Cyril Ramaphosa when they performed at the banquet during the Nigerian President’s State Visit to South Africa.
According to a post shared on their Facebook page, the choir's Netherland's show was a massive success.
"Sold out performance in Utrecht. The audience went crazy and we absolutely loved every minute of it!" they wrote.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| DRAKENSBERG BOYS CHOIR HEADS TO THE UK |
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| The phenomenal Drakensberg Boys Choir (DBC) will be travelling to the United Kingdom (UK) from 11 to 21 October to perform for a variety of audiences. |
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This is only the fifth time the choir is touring to the UK, in its 52-year history; with its last visit taking place in 2004.
The 55-strong choir will begin their trip in London, by being hosted by Cardinal Vaughan School families, followed by two performances on 12 October.
The choir then reunites with likened minds, The Barnsley Youth Choir (BYC) for two performances on 13 October, followed by a solo performance by DBC on 15 October. (BYC toured to South Africa in August 2019, and joined the DBC for a workshop, social and performance.)
The choir will be treated to a tour of York, where they will be left in awe at the various historical landmarks.
On 16 October, the DBC will perform at South Africa House, a special focal point for South African culture in the UK.
The funds generated from this performance will go towards The Legacy Project. The Legacy Project is an initiative initiated by the DBC School and includes a partnership with the Champagne Valley Trust and a number of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education schools in the local vicinity.
The vision of this project is to improve the quality of education in the community through the teaching of choral music.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| CAPE TOWN ICE-CREAM PARLOUR NAMED BEST IN THE WORLD! |
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| This Cape Town ice-cream parlour has not only taken the top spot in the world, but it was also the only parlour in Africa to be featured. |
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Whatever your flavour, whatever your style – be it simple gelato, soft serve or something loaded with toppings – Big 7 Travel has put together a list of the best 50 best ice cream parlours in the world and Cape Town has come out on tops.
Big 7 Media creates original content across our three brands – travel, food and hotels – for a mobile-first, millennial audience. They produce city guides aimed towards adventurous travellers looking for authentic experiences, from where to eat and drink to the most unmissable things to do.
“With content sourced from the seven continents, we cut through the clutter to share only the best. Whether it’s an eco-resort on our Hotel of the Day series, a viral travel video or a foodie bucket list, Big 7 Travel is the go-to resource for over 1.5 million people when it comes to discovering new destinations.”
Recently the online publication put a list together of the top 50 ice cream parlours in the world, and Unframed in Cape Town has not only taken the top spot, but it was also the only parlour in Africa to be featured!
Unframed is an artisanal ice cream maker, which means they make healthy ice cream from scratch, in small batches, from real and sustainable food.
“We care about making the world’s best ice cream — including dairy-based, fruit-based sorbets, and nut-based vegan options.
“Our ice cream includes all-natural tastes that are sometimes subtle and sometimes complex, always with an obsession towards the perfect texture.
“We serve classic flavours, often with a twist … and we love to take you off the beaten track to discover new and extraordinary combinations.”
Their ice creams are extraordinary, made with passion and truly unique in their flavour and just how rich they taste. When it comes to the best ice cream parlours in the world, it truly doesn’t get much better than this.
The number one ice-cream parlour in the world has three stores in Cape Town and can be found in Woodstock, Gardens and the V&A Waterfront.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| ON TRACK TO BE THE YOUNGEST AFRICAN TO SCALE THE SEVEN SUMMITS |
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| Remy Kloos is a 31-year-old South African woman who is on track to be the youngest African to complete the Seven Summit Challenge. |
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She is also aiming for another first – to be the first African to ever complete a double summit – reaching the top of both Mount Everest and the top of Mount Lhotse within 24 hours, the highest and fourth-highest mountains in the world.
To date, this Capetonian high-altitude mountaineer has summited four of the seven mountains that make up the Seven Summits Challenge – Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Aconcagua in South America, Mount Elbrus in Europe and Mount Denali in North America.
In October, Kloos is climbing the highest peak in Oceania, Carstensz Pyramid. She is aiming to finish the Seven Summits in 2020 by climbing Mount Everest in Nepal in April and Vison Massif in Antarctica in December.
The Everest-Lhoste combo climb, which has never been attempted by anyone from the African continent, will also make her the first woman from Africa to summit the Lhotse peak.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| SA DESIGNER IN SPOTLIGHT AFTER MAKING ADORABLE DUNGAREES FOR ROYAL BABY |
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| Tshepo Jeans was commissioned to make a pair of jeans for the Duchess of Sussex, thrusting the brand into an international spotlight as thanks, they made HRH Archie dungarees. |
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The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, visited Victoria Yards personally collect an order from Tshepo Jeans.
Tshepo started his company to make beautiful jeans. His denim work is bespoke and made beautifully. The brand is Proudly South African and a real labour of love. He shared the story of how the Duchess ended up with a pair of his jeans and how he decided to surprise her with a little something for His Royal Highness, Archie.
“About four weeks ago, I got a call from the British Embassy. The Duchess of Sussex placed an order for a pair of jeans and today she came to collect them personally … Surprised her with a pair of dungarees for Archie and the rest is history”.
The adorable pair of dungarees is something Archie will grow into. The memorable moment is one that Tshepo will never forget.
Having the royals visit his humble store in the Victoria Yards is a significant milestone, and from here, Tshepo can only go up! He explained to the Duchess the importance of the crown, which is symbolised on his jeans.
“The crown on my jeans represents the three ladies who raised me. Enjoy wearing this crown.”
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| A JOBURG BAR HAS JUST BEEN RANKED AMONG THE WORLD'S BEST |
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| A bar in Rosebank, Johannesburg, was rated among the top 100 in the World’s Best Bars rankings announced recently. |
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Sin+Tax was a new entry on the list, debuting at number 88. It's the only African bar on the list. Sin+Tax is owned by award-winning mixologist and the 2017 Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year SA Julian Short.
The Joburg bar has invented cocktails like "The Blesser" (Altos Reposado, vanilla husk cordial and rhubarb cider) and "Lucy in the Sky with Black Diamonds" (Patron Blanco, lime leaf, black lemon, cold brew coffee and citrus).
The top bar in the world was an all-day neighbourhood joint in New York’s Greenwich Village, which beat competition from luxury lounges around the globe and knocked London off the top of the rankings.
Dante, which is now owned by Australian friends, serves modern Italian food and a range of cocktails but is still known for its espressos and negronis. The original Caffe Dante first opened on Macdougal Street in 1915, which was then a largely Italian neighborhood. Dante placed ninth last year and has won numerous awards since the current owners took over in 2015.
– Source: www.fin24.com |
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BOKS THRASH CANADA TO BOOK RWC QUARTER-FINAL SPOT |
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| The Springboks, thanks largely to a Cobus Reinach hat-trick, booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2019 Rugby World Cup when they hammered Canada 66-7 in Kobe on Tuesday, 8 October 2019. |
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The Bok scrumhalf bagged three tries within the first 20 minutes of the contest, securing the fastest-ever hat-trick in Rugby World Cup history in the process.
The Boks, in the first half in particular, were simply on a different level to their north American opponents as they ran in a total of 10 tries on the day.
Canada, meeting the South Africa in a World Cup match for the first time since the famous "battle of Boet Erasmus" in 1995, was not helped by the fact that replacement forward Josh Larsen was shown a straight red card towards the end of the opening period for an illegal cleanout on Bok prop Thomas du Toit.
By half-time, the Boks had opened up a 47-0 lead in an opening 40 minutes that saw them move the ball with energy, skill and speed.
Things did improve for the Canadians after the break, and they were first to strike after the restart through flank Matt Heaton.
That was where their joy ended, though, as the Boks continued dominating both the territory and possession statistics.
The result means that the Boks will almost certainly finish second in Pool B and book a quarter-final on Sunday, October 20 against either Japan or Ireland.
Scorers:
South Africa 66 (47)
Tries: Damian de Allende, S'bu Nkosi, Cobus Reinach (3), Warrick Gelant, Frans Steyn, Schalk Brits, Damian Willemse, Frans Malherbe
Conversions: Elton Jantjies (8) |
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| PREDATORY KOLBE DELIVERS X-FACTOR FOR SPRINGBOKS |
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| Predatory wing Cheslin Kolbe has underlined his status as one of rugby union's hottest properties with another scintillating display in South Africa's 49-3 drubbing of Italy. |
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The result saw the Springboks, who round up their Pool B campaign against whipping boys Canada, edge ever closer to a place in the quarter-finals.
It was Kolbe who scored the opening try for the Boks, and in eye-catching fashion that sent the 44 000-plus crowd at Shizuoka's Ecopa Stadum wild, on Friday, 4 October 2019.
Kolbe gathered an early floated miss-pass from Willie Le Roux and found himself in a dead end on his right touchline with seemingly nothing on.
As South Africa turned the screw, Kolbe picked up his second try from a delicate Handre Pollard crossfield kick, picking up nicely to cross the whitewash.
He was also omnipresent in defence, one hammering tackle into touch on Minozzi forcing a pass from the Italian that was intercepted by RG Snyman for another of South Africa's seven tries
Kolbe left the field in the final two minutes with an ankle injury, but Boks coach Rassie Erasmus said it was not thought to be serious.
"His ankle's fine, he rolled it a little bit," said Erasmus.
"He played a wonderful game both on attack and defence, and aerially, he was just fantastic.
"I think at this stage he must be one of the best players in the world with (All Blacks) Sevu Reece and Damian McKenzie, those kind of players who have just got X-factor and can do something out of nothing.
"It's wonderful to have him in our team."
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL MEETING ON MALI, 8 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Excellencies,
“I now address the Council in my national capacity, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank SRSG Annadif for his insightful briefing on developments in Mali pertaining to the implementation of the mandate of MINUSMA.
“I also thank Ambassador José Weisinger for the update on the work of the 2374 Sanctions Committee.
“My intervention this morning will focus on the political process, the security and humanitarian situation and also reflect on MINUSMA’s support to the G5 Sahel Joint Force, as well as on the sanctions imposed on Mali. |
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“On the political process, South Africa welcomes the launch of the inclusive national dialogue in September and urges stakeholders to participate in the national dialogue aimed at contributing to the creation of political and institutional reforms that will characterise the future State of Mali as well as address the situation in north and central Mali with a view to maintaining the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the country.
“In this regard, we emphasise that the full implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation is vital for the establishment of peace, security and stability in north Mali. It is also important that all Malians, including women, actively participate in the political processes in their country.
“In this regard, we are encouraged by efforts being made to establish an Independent Women Observatory for women to participate in the monitoring of the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation. |
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"We believe that this is an important step towards improving the participation of women in the political process in Mali.
“Excellencies,
"On the security situation, South Africa remains concerned by the continued instability in north and central Mali as evidenced by sustained attacks against MINUSMA peacekeepers, national and international forces. We condemn the recent attacks that took place in September and early October that resulted in the loss of many lives, including 38 Malian soldiers and a peacekeeper from Chad. It is important that the perpetrators of these attacks are held accountable and brought to justice.
“The cessation of hostilities between the Fulani and Dogon communities in central Mali in efforts to reduce inter-communal violence is a positive development that must be commended. Despite this overture, the persisting inter-communal attacks that result in civilian casualties, that include women and children, have the potential to undermine the positive gains made. The protection of civilians, particularly, the vulnerable groups in this conflict must be a priority for all concerned. The Security Council should encourage, support and capacitate community-based conflict resolution, mediation and sustained inter-communal, inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue across Mali. These grassroots efforts should include women, youth, religious and tribal leaders.
“We note the progress made to date in the accelerated disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration-integration process, which should contribute to the reformed and reconstituted Malian defence and security forces that can be deployed throughout the country, especially in north and central Mali. All measures must be taken by Malian authorities to address concerns regarding the DDR processes.
“Excellencies,
"As we heard from the briefing by SRSG Annadif, MINUSMA continues to help the authorities in Mali to restore state presence and state authority in north and central Mali aimed primarily at providing basic services to its people. This is particularly important for the normalisation of the living conditions and improvement of the lives of the ordinary citizens of Mali. However, such undertakings require sufficient resources. The international community should therefore redouble their efforts to mobilise the requisite funds for the humanitarian response plan for Mali.
“South Africa would like to also reiterate the importance of a comprehensive and holistic approach to the multiple challenges facing Mali, particularly to improve economic growth and socio-economic development. In this regard, we are encouraged by the reports of the adoption of legislation to support the establishment of the Northern Development Zone (NDZ).
“Excellencies,
"We reiterate the importance of the G5 Sahel Joint Force in Mali and the Sahel region. Every effort should thus be made by the United Nations and its Member States to ensure that the continued challenges of the G5 Sahel Joint Force are addressed, and that it is fully capacitated as well as able to effectively implement its mandate. This is in addition to life-support consumables that the G5 Sahel Joint Force is already receiving from MINUSMA.
“There is an urgent need to resolve the root causes of instability, inter-communal clashes, and terrorism and violent extremism. In this regard, the decision taken by the ECOWAS leaders at their recently concluded extraordinary Summit, which pledged resources to fighting terrorism in the region, is an indication of the willingness of countries from the continent to resolve our problems.
“Regarding sanctions imposed on Mali, allow me to reiterate my country’s position that any sanctions regime should aim to support political processes and peace efforts, and not undermine them. The work of the sanctions committee should therefore ensure that the Mali sanctions regime is effective in supporting the implementation of the Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation and not hinder it in any way.
“In conclusion, South Africa is encouraged by the continued commitment of the international community through the United Nations to support the efforts towards the creation of peace, security and stability in Mali, which are precursors to the achievement of sustainable development.
“I thank you.” |
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| STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL DEBATE ON THE “MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY IN AFRICA: THE CENTRALITY OF PREVENTATIVE DIPLOMACY, CONFLICT PREVENTION AND RESOLUTION”, 7 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Excellencies,
“I now wish to address the Council in my national capacity. I thank the Secretary-General, António Guterres, for his statement. I also extend my gratitude to Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, visiting scholar/associate Director Institute for African Studies, Elliott School of International Affairs, at the George Washington University in Washington; Ms Naledi Maite, Programme Manager, Zanele Mbeki Development Trust; and Ms Linda Vilakazi, Coordinator: African Women in Dialogue, South Africa, for their insightful briefings.
“Excellencies,
“This debate, the first of the second week of South Africa’s Presidency of the Council is symbolic as it places our emphasis on the centrality of preventative diplomacy, conflict prevention and resolution on the continent of Africa. It is in this context that we continue our diplomatic efforts to seek solutions to the challenges in Sudan, South Sudan, CAR and other conflicts around the world. We believe so because conflict prevention and resolution are less costly than peacekeeping both in monetary terms, the loss of lives, destruction of infrastructure and displacement.
“In his essay entitled ‘Clear the Obstacles and Confront the Enemy’, written in Robin Island Prison in 1976, Nelson Mandela reminds us why negotiation is preferable when he said the following “when we have fought it out and reduced this country to ashes, it will be necessary for us to sit down together and talk about the problems of reconstruction – the black man and the white man, the African and the Afrikaner’.
“Excellencies,
“We pay tribute to the Secretary-General’s reform agenda, especially the peace and security pillar, which prioritises preventative diplomacy, mediation and development of nationally owned peace agreements and their early implementation.
“South Africa believes that cooperation and coordination among the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organisations could play an important role in conflict prevention. In this regard, South Africa calls for enhanced and continuous strategic and operational coordination of preventive diplomacy and conflict prevention and resolution efforts by the UN, AU, the RECs and other international and local actors.
“Excellencies,
“South Africa pays tribute to the UN-AU mediations efforts in CAR, South Sudan, Sudan and elsewhere on the continent. The recent operationalisation of the AU Peace Fund will further boost the AU’s capacities and efforts in mediation and conflict prevention. The Peace Fund is structured around three thematic windows, which are Mediation and Preventive Diplomacy, Institutional Capacity and Peace Support Operations. In this regard, the AU Member States should be commended for their efforts in contributing to the Peace Fund, whose endowment currently stands at USD115 million. African leaders are demonstrating their political will to deal with and resolve conflicts in Africa.
“Excellencies,
"The role of women and the youth in conflict prevention and mediation cannot be emphasised enough. It is common knowledge that where women are involved in peace processes such processes are more legitimate, sustainable and effective. We welcome the role already been played by SAWID, AWID, FemWise and many other similar initiatives anchoring conflict prevention and resolution through holding grassroots level negotiations. We urge the Secretary-General to deploy more women mediators, peace envoys, SRSG to assist in conflict resolution and mediation across our continent. South Africa has tabled a resolution on the WPS Agenda to ensure implementation of our previous decisions regarding the role of women in peace and security.
“Excellencies,
“As we approach the 75th anniversary of the United Nations we urge Member States to renew their commitment to the principles and objectives of the Charter in as far as the resolution of disputes are concerned. The time has come, for the UN and this Council to put more efforts and resources in response to Chapter VI of the UN Charter on pacific settlement of disputes.
“Excellencies,
"South Africa is convinced that peace and stability in the world will remain elusive if we do not address the nexus between security and development. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development gives recognition to this vital link. In this context, consideration of the interdependence of security and development requires the different principal organs of the UN to work, in a complementary manner, within their respective Charter mandates, to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to sustainable and durable peace.
“Excellencies,
“I wish to conclude with yet another quote from Nelson Mandela: ‘We were expected to destroy one another and ourselves collectively in the worst racial conflagration, instead we as the people chose the path of negotiation, compromise and peaceful settlement. Instead of hatred and revenge, we chose reconciliation and nation-building’.
“South Africa appeals to our sisters and brother in Africa to adopt a similar mind-set, instead of hatred and revenge, chose reconciliation and nation-building.
“And once more colleagues, we urge the Security Council to allocate more resources to preventative diplomacy.
“I thank you. |
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