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President Cyril Ramaphosa has left for Yokohama, Japan, where he will join the Springboks to encourage them ahead of their big game against England in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final. |
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Before departing on a flight on Thursday, Ramaphosa said he would visit the Boks in their camp where he would give them "vuma" on behalf of 57 million South Africans who are wishing them well for the game.
"I am going to give them a lot of encouragement so that when they go on the field, they must really go out like springboks. They must jump, run and take the ball like springboks would ordinarily do," the President said.
As the Springboks prepare for the rugby World Cup final in Japan, some 15 000 kilometers back in Cape Town, a group of staunch fitness and rugby-mad lovers trekked to the top of popular mountain, Lion's Head to wish the national team well.
President Ramaphosa reiterated his call for a moment of silence at 13:00 on Friday and encouraged South Africans to wear their Springbok jerseys.
"If there ever was a time when we should wish them well and wish them the best; and pray for them, this is the time. South Africa's moment has arrived," he added.
As the anticipation for the final grows, millions have united behind the team, hoping it brings the trophy home.
If South Africa wins, it will be its third post-democracy trophy, having won the cup in 1995 and 2007.
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu has also joined in, wishing the Boks the best of luck. |
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In a statement, Tutu thanked Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, coach, Rassie Erasmus, and the rest of the players for taking the team to the final, News24 reported.
"Your dignity, diversity and courage are infectious. You have restored South African rugby pride and made us all feel good about ourselves," Tutu said on Thursday.
"A World Cup final is a highly pressured environment, but if you feel weightless when you run onto that Yokohama field on Saturday, it will be because you are being carried by the love, respect and prayers of 56 million of us at home.
"You have already won! God bless you."
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA CONGRATULATES PRESIDENT MASISI ON HIS ELECTION VICTORY |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Republic of Botswana on his victory following the general election held on Wednesday, 23 October 2019. |
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President Ramaphosa also congratulated the people of Botswana for the manner in which they conducted themselves during the election process.
South Africa and Botswana enjoy strong relations. South Africa remains Botswana’s major trading partner, with South African companies having a significant presence in Botswana.
Economic and trade relations between the two neighbouring countries are centred around various sectors, including mining, housing, food and beverages, construction, retail, hotels and leisure, banking and medical services.
President Ramaphosa said he looked forward to working closely with President Masisi in solidifying relations not only at a bilateral level but also towards greater regional integration through the Southern African Development Community and continental political and economic integration as espoused in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. |
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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA COMMEMORATES OLIVER AND ADELAIDE TAMBO |
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| The 2019 event took place under the theme: “Celebrating the 90th birthday of Mama Adelaide Tambo”. |
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President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, 27 October 2019, commemorated the legacy of Oliver Reginald and Adelaide Tambo at Tamboville, Wattville, in the City of Ekurhuleni.
The President laid a wreath and delivered the keynote address at the event.
The annual OR Tambo commemoration ia aimed at preserving the legacy of the two liberation leaders, promote their values and engender a culture of selflessness. |
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| SA, CHINA STRENGTHEN COOPERATION |
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| Deputy President David Mabuza is co-chairing the Seventh Session of the South Africa-China Bi-National Commission (BNC). |
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The South Africa-China BNC is taking place from 31 October to 3 November 2019, in both Beijing and Shanghai.
This important bilateral platform was preceded by engagements between the political leadership of the two countries.
Established in 2002, the South Africa-China BNC serves as a strategic platform to address issues of common interest such as trade promotions and economic exchanges.
Deputy President Mabuza and a delegation, which includes the Deputy Ministers of International Relations and Cooperation, Candith Masego-Dlamini; Trade and Industry, Fikile Majola; and Environmental, Forestry and Fisheries, Makhotso Magdeline Sotyu, were received by the Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Lin Songtian, together with the South African Ambassador in Beijing, Deborah Balatseng, |
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The Working Visit by the Deputy President takes place in the context of strengthening South-South cooperation and consolidating the already existing bilateral political and economic relations between South Africa and China.
In its agenda of promoting a better Africa and a better world, South Africa and China are working closely in promoting mutually beneficial relations at both a continental and global stage.
“Our agenda of building mutually beneficial relations remains a fundamental pillar of South Africa’s foreign policy. China is a central partner and a fraternal friend that continues to support the development agenda of our country and continent. |
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“Therefore, these economic and trade relations between South Africa and China signify an ever growing partnership,” said Deputy President Mabuza.
Driven by this important bilateral diplomatic mechanism, several sectoral committees such as Economy and Trade; Minerals; Energy; Foreign Affairs; and Science and Technology were formed to cement relations between the two countries.
The strategic diplomatic relations between South Africa and China have resulted in the adoption of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which was signed in 2010. |
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The agreement prioritised improving the structure of trade between the two countries by working towards a more balanced trade profile and encouraging trade in value-added manufactured products.
This would be achieved through Chinese enterprises investing in South Africa’s manufacturing industry, as well as actively promoting the sourcing of value-added products by China from South African suppliers.
Currently, South Africa has a total of about 26 companies investing in China, with a capital expenditure of R88 billion between January 2003 and August 2019.
China, on the other hand, has a total of 88 companies that are investing in South Africa, with a capital expenditure of R116 billion over the same period.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER PANDOR CALLS ON NAM TO UPHOLD MULTILATERALISM |
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| The Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, has called on heads of state and government of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to strengthen the principles of multilateralism and consolidate the rule of law. |
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Minister Pandor was speaking at the 18th NAM Summit, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 25 to 26 October 2019. The summit was held under the theme “NAM Baku Summit – Upholding the Bandung Principles to Ensure Concerted and Adequate Response to the Challenges of the Contemporary World”.
Minister Pandor said the summit came at a crucial juncture as NAM reaffirmed the founding principles of political self-determination, sovereignty, non-aggression and non-interference in the internal affairs of others and the promotion of equality – all to support the efforts of developing countries in promoting peace and cooperation in the world.
Minister Pandor said NAM today faced more challenges than ever before in the midst of mounting global insecurity, political and socio-economic challenges.
“Millions in the developing world remain trapped in poverty, inequality and insecurity. The billions of people that we represent today sitting at this summit, especially the youth, will expect us to speak as a unified voice and act together in the advancement and defence of the collective interests of the Global South.
“Clearly, the people that we represent want us to ensure that whatever we do within NAM and within the UN [United Nations], should at all times guarantee them peace, security, stability, prosperity and development.
“They expect our solidarity to result in positive change and not to be limited to great speeches and summits. Our numbers, our strength and our solidarity have to mean more to our people,” Minister Pandor said.
She also urged the delegates to remain resolute and maintain their stance on historic and new challenges confronting them. These include the self-determination of the people of Palestine and Western Sahara; the lifting of the economic blockade against Cuba and unilateral sanctions against Iran, Venezuela and Zimbabwe; the resolution of the debate on the right of access to nuclear technology for peaceful purposes; defeating the scourge of unilateralism; upholding the centrality of the UN Charter and international law in the peaceful resolution of conflicts; defeating the scourge of terrorism and its root causes; and the alleviation and eradication of poverty and underdevelopment.
These challenges also include addressing conflict resolution and development in Africa.
This year, Minister Pandor said, Africa had reached an important milestone with the adoption and launch of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
“We are confident that it will unleash Africa’s economic potential and consolidate its position as a new frontier of economic growth and development, as well as contribute to peace, stability development and prosperity on our continent,” the Minister said.
UN Security Council (UNSC) reform
Minister Pandor said South Africa was currently serving its two-year tenure as an elected member to the UNSC, and had experience first-hand its inability to protect the weak and the vulnerable.
She emphasised that the reform of the UNSC was more urgent than ever before, given the fundamentally different conditions of the world today.
In this regard, Minister Pandor said NAM had acknowledged the need to reform the UNSC to reflect present-day realities. |
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“We, as South Africa, will work hard with the rest of the UN membership to reinvigorate the negotiations on reform at the intergovernmental negotiations in the UN General Assembly,” Minister Pandor said.
The NAM Summit of Heads of State and Government is the highest decision-making authority of the Movement. The existing practice is to hold a NAM Summit every three years.
Venezuela has been the Chair of NAM since 2016 and its three-year chairship concluded when the 18th NAM Summit took place in Baku. Azerbaijan will assume the chairship until 2022. |
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| SOUTH AFRICA-DENMARK SENIOR OFFICIALS CONSULTATIONS TAKE PLACE IN PRETORIA |
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| The purpose of the consultations was to enhance and strengthen bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Denmark, to encourage further trade and investment and to exchange views on regional, multilateral and global issues of mutual concern. |
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The Director-General of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), Kgabo Mahoai, on 28 October 2019, co-chaired the South Africa-Denmark Senior Officials Consultations with his Danish counterpart, Ambassador Ulrik Vestergaard Knudsen.
The two countries cooperate in a number of sectors, including energy, water, agriculture and science and technology. Potential has been identified in the areas of environment and climate change, digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The growth in bilateral cooperation was reflected upon during the previous consultations, resulting in an agreement between the parties to create a mechanism that reflects the maturing relations.
Relations between South Africa and Denmark are good and are based on mutual values of democracy, respect for human rights and social justice. Denmark was a strong supporter of the struggle for democracy and freedom in South Africa. Denmark was the first Western country to impose unilateral trade sanctions on the apartheid regime. The focus of the relationship is now based on political dialogue, trade and economic cooperation and closer coordination and mutual support on multilateral issues.
Economic relations between South Africa and Denmark are managed under the auspices of the South Africa-European Union (EU) Trade, Development and Cooperation Agreement (TDCA), which was institutionalised in 1999 and came into effect in 2000. The TDCA is a free trade agreement that allows over 90% of goods to enter each market duty free. In addition to the TDCA, South Africa and Denmark are both signatories of the Economic Partnership Agreement between the Southern African Development Community and the EU, signed in June 2016 and entered into force in November 2016.
Denmark is South Africa’s third-largest trading partner in the Nordic countries after Sweden and Norway. Meanwhile, South Africa is Denmark’s largest trading partner, for both imports and exports, on the African continent, followed by Egypt, Nigeria and Angola. |
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| ENVIRONMENT AFFAIRS HOSTS 17TH ORDINARY SESSION OF AFRICAN MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON THE ENVIRONMENT (ACMEN) |
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| South Africa will host the 17th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN) under the theme: “Taking Action for Environment Sustainability and Prosperity in Africa” at the Olive Convention Centre, Durban, from 11 to 15 November 2019. |
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The session will focus on a number of topical issues linked to the overall theme, namely the environmental contribution towards the green economy, advancing the circular economy in Africa, the environmental contribution to the development of the oceans economy in Africa, biodiversity, land degradation, desertification and drought as well as climate change.
AMCEN will discuss the need for African countries to take practical actions, including implementation of policies, relevant regional and global frameworks, in order for the continent to attain environmental sustainability and prosperity and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
The five-day programme will consist of a meeting of the expert group from 11 to 13 November, and a ministerial segment, on 14 and 15 November.
At this conference, South Africa will assume the Presidency of AMCEN from Gabon for the next two years and a new Bureau for the conference will be elected. |
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| WESTERN CAPE GOVERNMENT RENEWS AGREEMENT WITH BAVARIA |
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| Premier Alan Winde recently met with Dr Florian Herrmann, the Bavarian State Minister for Federal Affairs, to renew the Joint Action Plan between the two regions until 2021. |
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The Western Cape Government has enjoyed a long working relationship with the Bavarian state of Germany since 1995. The meeting explored ways to further strengthen bilateral relations as well as other areas of cooperation.
Premier Winde said: “Our partnership with Bavaria is a long-standing one and continues to bear fruit for both regions. Under the last agreement, signed in 2016, we focussed on vocational training, business cooperation, science and research, issues of climate change and the environment, energy efficiency and agriculture, among other things, with excellent results.”
“The new agreement will continue to focus on areas that fit into our strategic priorities as a government. During the meeting, I highlighted that I am very keen to explore partnerships in the area of safety, as this is a top priority for our government, and there are opportunities to learn from Bavaria in terms of using data in policing, violence prevention strategies as well as training opportunities for the 3 000 men and women we intend to deploy as part of the plan. The Bavarian police have an excellent reputation and I believe there is a lot we can learn from their best practice,” Premier Winde said.
A relationship between the Bavarian Police, as well as the South African Police Service will also continue and be strengthened under the agreement.
Opportunities for exchanges and vocational training will also remain under the agreement.
Premier Winde said: “We thank the Bavarian delegation for visiting the Western Cape and for working with us on achieving our priorities as a government. By sharing ideas and knowledge, we are able to learn from international best practice that helps each region deliver on their commitments to their residents.” |
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| SA BEST AFRICAN COUNTRY TO FIGHT PANDEMICS, ACCORDING TO GLOBAL INDEX |
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| South Africa is the most prepared of all African countries to respond to epidemics and pandemics, according to a recent report. |
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The new Global Health Security Index ranked South Africa as 34th out of 195 countries, the highest-scoring on the continent.
The index assesses factors critical to dealing with threats which have the potential to eliminate humanity. These factors include robust health systems, adherence to global norms, and political and security risks. It also measures public confidence in government.
The average overall index score was 40.2, with the top-scoring country, the United States (US), scoring 83.5 out of a possible 100.
South Africa scored 54.8 and was among a number of middle- and low-income countries that scored above some wealthy countries.
South Africa scored well in five of the six categories; however, was found to have poor compliance with global norms. South Africa scored poorly on its financing rating.
Kenya was the second-highest ranked African country, ranked in 55th place.
The index is a project of the Nuclear Threat Initiative and the Johns Hopkins Centre for Health Security in the US.
More than 100 researchers spent a year collecting and validating data, according to TimesLive. |
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| DURBAN’S NEW 8-KM BEACHFRONT PROMENADE EXTENSION IS 100% COMPLETE |
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| According to Ethekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kuanda, the multi-million-Rand Durban Beachfront Promenade Extension is 100% completed and will soon be open to the public. |
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The completion of this project is now going to unlock in access of R2-billion investment that will see two 29-floor skyscrapers changing the skyline of Durban, the municipality said in a statement. A multi-million-Rand shopping centre is also on the cards.
The promenade will for the first time enable residents to cycle or walk from the harbour mouth straight to the Blue Lagoon with ease.
Its length will now result in it competing with the likes of Copacabana in Brazil and makes it the longest in Africa.
According to Point Waterfront Realty, the premises for the new Point Waterfront Clubs, which will be positioned underneath the raised promenade, is also nearing completion. The Yacht Club is expected to begin occupying their premises in December 2019, with the Point Waterfront Club – which comprises both the Durban Underwater Club and the Ski Boat Club – probably moving into the new premises in January 2020, and members getting full access in February 2020.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| TIGERS RESCUED IN GERMANY BEGIN NEW LIFE IN SA |
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| Two big cats rescued from Germany have arrived in South Africa to start a new life. |
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Tigers, Bela and Sharuk, were rescued from an inappropriate private facility and have been transferred to Lionsrock Big Cat Sanctuary in Bethlehem, Free State.
Bela and Sharuk were born in 2014, while a third sibling, Imara, did not survive.
Before their transfer to South Africa, Four Paws took the tigers to their Tierart centre in the Rhineland-Palatinate state in western Germany.
"We took intensive care of the two siblings for more than four years. They have always been fixated on each other and spend a lot of time together cuddling on their platform or playing," said Florian Eiserlo, site manager at Tierart.
But she said that the tigers needed more space than the 14-ha property could provide.
The decision was made to move them to the 1 250-ha Lionsrock site.
"It became clear to us that these tigers, especially shy Bela, need more space and less interference from humans to make further progress. We are convinced that they will find this in their new home," said Eiserlo.
The tigers were checked by the state vet in Johannesburg and given the all-clear to travel to the Lionsrock sanctuary.
"Although it has been a very long journey, both tigers are doing well considering the conditions and have already had some species appropriate food," said Hildegard Pirker, head of the animal welfare department at Lionsrock.
– Source: www.news24.com
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| TRANSNET SETS NEW WORLD RECORD WITH 4KM-LONG MANGANESE TRAIN |
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| The production train has 375 wagons, improving on Transnet’s previous world record of the 342-wagon iron ore production train. |
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The employees of Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) had every reason to celebrate recently after successfully launching a 375-wagon manganese train, which measures 4km in length – breaking the record of testing the longest production train in the world.
According to TFR spokesperson, Mike Asefovitz, the testing of the train took place over a distance of about 861km – from Sishen in the Northern Cape to Saldanha, in the Western Cape.
“This is a production train with the highest number of wagons in the world, followed by the one currently operating within the same Transnet corridor,” said Asefovitz. “This initiative breaks TFR’s own record and a world record of the 342-wagon iron ore production train.”
Once in operation, the longest manganese train is set to be the highest volumes carrier – “an opportunity to increase volumes railed and drive the strategic imperative of moving bulk traffic back to rail”. |
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It is meant to meet the needs of manganese customers within the Hotazel area in the Northern Cape and emerging miners.
TFR chief operating officer, Lloyd Tobias, said: “This is in line with TFR’s business objective of applying heavy haul operating, maintenance, design, construction and best practice principles on general freight operations – in line with TFR’s plan of migrating traffic from road to rail.”
Russell Baatjies, general manager for iron ore and manganese business unit at TFR, said the project team was “challenged to explore the use of technology through industry 4.0 solutions, to achieve the same objective at minimum cost”.
– Source: www.ciitizen.co.za |
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| CAPE TOWN’S LA COLOMBE NAMED 12TH-BEST FINE DINING RESTAURANT IN THE WORLD |
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| Cape Town’s La Colombe has been announced as the 12th Best Fine Dining Restaurant in the World by the acclaimed TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice® Awards 2019. |
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TripAdvisor® is the world’s largest travel platform with nearly 795 million reviews and opinions from travellers worldwide.
La Colombe, with its seasonally-driven, globally inspired modern cuisine, is also the only restaurant in Africa to be selected in the Top 25 in the World, with La Colombe also no. 1 on the dedicated African list.
This announcement came fresh off the heels of the local JHP Gourmet Guide Awards, where La Colombe was awarded the highest accolade of three plates.
This year’s awards recognised 584 restaurants globally, including the Top 25 in the World, plus dedicated lists for Asia, Africa, Europe, India, Canada, Mexico, Australia, South America, South Pacific, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Award winners were selected using an algorithm that took into account the quantity and quality of reviews for restaurants around the world, gathered over a 12-month period.
Chef proprietor, Scot Kirton, and executive chef, James Gaag, said: “The unique fact about this recognition, is that it is the ‘people’s choice’ – an unsolicited review by diners from all over the world. Our team is absolutely delighted with this award!” |
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| CAPE BOERBOEL WINS INTERNATIONAL DOG OF THE YEAR |
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| It’s not just Cape Town’s culinary scene or ice cream that is the best in the world – our local pets are also outshining others from across the globe. |
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At the annual International Boerboel Show and Expo, held in Parys, Free State, recently, a dog from Mitchells Plain took home top honours as International Boerboel of the Year.
Named Busby Adam, the towering canine competed for the title against 333 other dogs, and emerged victorious.
Adam weights nearly 90kg and won the International Senior Champion 2019 and the International Grand Champion 2019 to qualify for the event.
His owner, Lloyd de Villiers, 38, beamed with pride as his best furry friend was awarded top honours after his stellar performance.
De Villiers is a breeder of boerboels and explained that the competition this year was tough with judges considering each dog’s standard, weight, muscle tone, shape of ears, quality and health of coat, jawline, height, discipline and general appearance.
Although he has an intimidating appearance, Adam is reportedly a friendly dog who loves children and enjoys attention and interaction.
On a daily basis, Adam is fed 1.5kg of raw chicken, steak and mince to keep his muscle tone and coat glossy on par, de Villiers told the DailyVoice.
De Villiers is the first coloured breeder to win the title and worked hard to achieve his goal.
– Source:
www.capetownetc.com |
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| BOK SKIPPER KOLISI SET FOR MILESTONE IN RWC FINAL |
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| Springbok skipper Siya Kolisi will earn his 50th Test cap in Saturday's Rugby World Cup final against England in Yokohama. |
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The 28-year-old made his debut back in 2013 against Scotland in Nelspruit.
He was given the full-time Bok captaincy in 2018 when Rassie Erasmus replaced Allister Coetzee as national coach.
A serious knee injury in 2019, however, meant that Kolisi was a doubt for this year's showpiece.
He used the pool stages of the tournament to help rediscover his full fitness and, unless something goes wrong between now and then, he will lead the Boks out into battle against Eddie Jones' men as they look to secure a third Webb Ellis Cup.
"It's a great achievement for your captain to have his 50th cap in this game," said forwards coach Matt Proudfoot.
"Duane (Vermeulen) and Pieter-Steph (du Toit) have gone past 50; Eben Etzebeth 80, Beast (Tendai Mtawarira) 118 I think, Steven (Kitshoff) is getting close to 50, Frans (Malherbe) is about 40 to 45.
"So, the group as a pack is really experienced, and what’s impressed me is how they solve their problems internally. A lot of guys have been here and are in their second World Cup, and we have empowered these guys to handle the situation.
"I must mention, being a forwards coach and my contact time with the forwards, how mature the guys have become over the last three or four years."
Kick-off on Saturday is at 11:00 (SA time).
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| JANTJIES NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS WORLD RUGBY AWARD |
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| Springbok scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies has been recognised for his stunning debut season by being nominated as one of three contenders for the title World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year. |
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Jantjies has been nominated with England wing, Joe Cokanasiga, and flyhalf, Romain Ntamack, of France for the prestigious award, which is now in its fifth year. The winner will be named in Tokyo on Sunday at the World Rugby Awards.
In their nomination, World Rugby said of the 23-year-old Western Province star:
"Few people knew anything about the diminutive scrumhalf outside of the Stormers camp coming into 2019, but he announced himself to the world in some style, scoring twice on his test debut against Australia in the Rugby Championship in July and then touching down again in the 16-16 draw with New Zealand. The 23-year-old has featured in all but one of South Africa’s tests since, more often than not providing an impact off the bench."
Jantjies scored his fourth Test try in the 41-7 win over Japan at the beginning of September and has made nine Test appearances in all. The only Springbok match he has missed this season was the 24-18 win over Argentina in Pretoria when he was injured.
To be eligible for the award, players must be in their debut season of senior international rugby. The judging panel is made up of former internationals Jamie Heaslip, Felipe Contepomi and Rugby World Cup winners Fiao'o Faamausili and Bryan Habana.
The title was taken in 2018 by another South African – Aphiwe Dyantyi – with the other winners being Nehe Milner-Skudder (NZ) in 2015, England forward Maro Itoje (2016) and All Blacks winger Rieko Ioane (2017).
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| SPRINGBOK TRY NOMINATED FOR BEST OF THE YEAR |
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| Cobus Reinach’s hat-trick try against Canada at the 2019 Rugby World Cup has been nominated as one of the contenders for the International Rugby Players (IRP) Try of the Year 2019 Award. |
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The winner will be announced at the World Rugby Awards in Tokyo on Sunday, 3 November 2019.
The sweeping, length of the field score, featuring four Springboks, is one of four shortlisted tries – three of them scored at the Rugby World Cup in Japan.
The four tries were selected by the IRP Try of the Year panel of former players in Rugby World Cup winners Fiao’o Faamausili and Bryan Habana along with Jamie Heaslip and Thierry Dusautoir.
Reinach’s try came in the 66-7 demolition of Canada. It was started by Elton Jantjies inside the Springbok 22. The flyhalf produced an inch-perfect kick-pass for wing Warrick Gelant, who evaded DTH van der Merwe, and sprinted into the Canadian half.
Damian de Allende offered support to keep the move going and in turn spun a pass to Reinach, who breezed under the posts to complete his hat-trick with barely 20 minutes of this RWC 2019 Pool B match played.
Also nominated are tries by Charles Ollivon for France against Wales in the quarter-final; Sergio Parisse for Italy in a warm-up match against Russia; and TJ Perenara for New Zealand against Namibia.
IRP representative, Conrad Smith, the former All Black and Rugby World Cup winner who chaired the Try of the Year panel, said: “There were some excellent scores this year and our job to pick a shortlist was a difficult one”.
– Source: www.sport24.co.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA CROWNED 2019 AFRICA NETBALL CUP CHAMPIONS |
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| South Africa has been crowned the 2019 Africa Netball Cup Champions in a clean sweep in a tournament in which South Africa remained unbeaten throughout! It’s the first time South Africa has secured the award in a decade. |
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The South African national netball team beat Zambia in the final match to win that sought-after gold. Malawi won the silver and Uganda the bronze.
Both teams were feeling confident, but the Proteas got the upper hand, starting the game on a mission. They were quick off the mark and drew first blood, and by the end of the first quarter led 17 – 12.
South Africa continued their dominance throughout the match and cemented their victory, winning 72-53 against Zambia, ensuring they won the coveted Champions of the 2019 Africa Netball Cup, an award that had eluded them for a decade.
This was a dream for the dynamic coaching duo of Dumisani Chauke and Dorette Badenhorst who had just been appointed 21 days before the tournament started.
– Source: www.sapeople.com |
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| SOUTH AFRICA TO HOST 2022 RUGBY WORLD CUP SEVENS |
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| Cape Town will host the next Rugby World Cup Sevens in 2022, World Rugby announced, marking the first time the event has been held in Africa. |
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The coastal city was awarded the tournament at a time of rising fortunes for sevens rugby, which made its Olympic debut in 2016 and will return for the Tokyo Games next year.
The three-day event will be held at the 55 000-capacity Cape Town Stadium in September 2022, World Rugby said after a meeting of the World Rugby Council in Tokyo.
Exact dates are still to be announced for the tournament, which will feature 24 men's and 16 women's teams, a statement said.
New Zealand sealed back-to-back titles and their third overall at the last sevens World Cup in Las Vegas in 2018, mirroring the performance of the 15-a-side All Blacks, who were crowned world champions in 1987, 2011 and 2015.
– 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 UN SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON THE UN INTERIM ADMINISTRATION MISSION IN KOSOVO (UNMIK), THURSDAY, 31 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Excellencies, in this the last formal meeting of the Security Council for this month, allow me to take a moment to thank you for your support during South Africa’s presidency. I also wish to express my sincere thanks to SCAD, the Conference and Meeting officers, translators and interpreters, who have ensured that our Presidency of this month has run smoothly.
“I now turn to the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo.
“I thank Mr Zahir Tanin (Special Representative and Head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), for his briefing.
“Allow me to also welcome the presence of the representatives of Serbia and Kosovo, respectively, in joining this briefing.
“South Africa reiterates its support for the important work of UNMIK in creating an environment conducive to compromise, reconciliation and stability. We commend UNMIK’s continued engagement with all stakeholders in pursuit of building trust among the communities through dialogue and with initiative aimed at empowering the youth and women.
“My delegation expresses its concern that the situation regarding the arrest of UNMIK personnel has not yet been resolved but we await the outcome of UNMIK’s internal investigation into the matter.
“Excellencies,
“The continued stalemate in the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina is of concern and we call on the two sides to refrain from actions or rhetoric that may increase tensions and further entrench divisions between the parties. Such actions, create instability on the ground and jeopardise the gains that have already been made through dialogue.
“South Africa can attest, through its own history that the path to achieving long-term solutions to what seems like intractable situations may not be easy but is vital to the peace and security of the region. South Africa’s own experience has shown us that we would not have succeeded if we had not engaged in sincere and constructive dialogue.
“In conclusion, South Africa, therefore encourages all parties to show flexibility and take the necessary steps to actively pursue the resumption of dialogue, with the aim of working towards a viable and mutually acceptable solution and the normalisation of relations between the two sides. This is not only important to stability in Belgrade and Pristina but to the security of the wider region.
“I thank you.” |
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| STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF SOUTH AFRICA BY AMBASSADOR J MATJILA, INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE, UNDER THE THEME “THREAT TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY AND ITS EVOLUTION THROUGH THE PRACTICE OF THE SECURITY COUNCIL AND COURT”, 31 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Mr President,
“South Africa warmly welcomes President Yusuf to the Security Council today and wishes to share its views on the thematic discussion related to the “Threat to international peace and security and its evolution through the practice of the Security Council and Court”.
“The preservation of peace has been the driving force in the evolution of international adjudication. The Security Council plays a significant role in ensuring peace and security. However, while it may have the “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security”, this does not mean that the Security Council alone has such a responsibility. The ICJ, through its jurisprudence, similarly plays a significant role in maintaining international peace and security.
“Maintaining international peace and security by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the Security Council should be approached from the perspective of the United Nations Charter and the way it delimits competences between two principal United Nations (UN) organs and regulates the exercise of their parallel authority.
“Mr President,
“While the Court is the principal judicial organ of the UN under Article 92 of the Charter; it is also an autonomous adjudicative body with the function, in terms of Article 38 of its Statute, of applying International Law to disputes between Member States as are brought before it.
“The ICJ aims to maintain international peace and security through law. The Court has faced criticism as being an ineffective role player in achieving international peace and security, largely because of its jurisdictional architecture, which is based on consent. The ICJ also has to grapple with addressing complex issues which have political and legal dimensions that have the ability to threaten the international legal order.
“Over the years, the Security Council and Member States have unfortunately failed to take advantage of the potential contributions the ICJ could make in maintaining international peace and security. This stands in contrast to the innumerable benefits Member States could gain by utilising such an important tool at its disposal.
“It is thus that South Africa welcomes the advisory opinion, which was delivered by the ICJ on 25 February 2019, on the legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965. South Africa made both written and oral submissions in support of Mauritius to the Court. South Africa therefore welcomes the conclusion by the Court that the detachment of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius before Mauritius became independent in 1968, was unlawful in terms of the international law principles applicable at the time, and the process of independence of Mauritius was therefore not lawfully completed.
“Mr President,
“The Security Council and Member States need to bear the provisions of the UN Charter in mind, particularly concerning the interaction of the two entities, including the possible role each entity could play in assisting the other in implementing its responsibilities. As an example, the United Nations was established at a time when threats to international peace were largely inter-state. Over the years, threats have changed and today many threats are presented by non-state actors. A shortcoming of the Court is its jurisdiction vis-à-vis non-state actors. However, the Security Council has the benefit that its mandate allows it to address such threats. The synergies between the Security Council and ICJ must thus be harnessed to achieve a collective goal of maintaining international peace and security.
“Peace can be sustainable only if it goes hand-in-hand with justice. Therefore, when appropriate, the Security Council should encourage Member States involved in a situation that threatens international peace and security to resolve their disputes before the ICJ. This includes the Security Council requesting an advisory opinion from the Court on legal matters that may arise within its work.
“Mr President,
“The world continues to evolve and so do the threats posed to international peace and security. The Security Council and the Court have made invaluable contributions in the face of threats to international peace and security, and South Africa values the continued roles these two organs will play in the maintenance of future peace and security.
“I thank you for your attention.” |
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| STATEMENT BY DR GNM PANDOR, MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION, FOR THE 10-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE MANDATE ON SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN CONFLICT, WEDNESDAY, 30 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG), Ms Pramila Patten,
Ministers,
Distinguished Representatives,
“I would like to extend my thanks to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Sexual Violence in Conflict (SRSG), Pramila Patten, for inviting South Africa to co-host this event today.
“South Africa welcomes to this occasion the diverse participants, in particular victims and survivors of sexual violence in conflict affected countries.
“Our interactions today with the relevant role-players will allow us to not only assess the achievements and challenges of the mandate given to the SRSG, but to also receive first-hand information from practitioners working with those who have suffered the trauma of sexual violence in conflict, as well as the victims and survivors of these heinous acts. |
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“Colleagues,
“Sexual violence is not only peculiar to conflict-affected countries but in varying degrees to all countries – developed and developing countries alike, those in conflict and those at peace.
“Even though South Africa is not a country in conflict, we unfortunately can relate to the challenges of dealing with gender-based violence, in particular, sexual violence. In our case, the most affected by sexual violence are the most vulnerable; women, children, the elderly, the LGBTI community and persons with disabilities.
“Sexual violence is not a problem that can be addressed one-dimensionally. A multidimensional and multidisciplinary approach is needed to address this scourge by strengthening law-enforcement mechanisms, promoting social cohesion, protecting and reaffirming the rights of victims and survivors and providing support to those affected by it. This means involvement of a variety of sectors in government, as well as non-governmental and civil society organisations.
“Through this multistakeholder approach, South Africa is currently implementing its own Emergency Response Action Plan to deal with gender-based violence. Part of this includes, inter alia, behaviour-change interventions to influence men and boys; the roll-out of training on victim-centric, survivor-focussed services, with a specific drive to train police, prosecutors, magistrates and policy-makers; and the establishment of a gender-based violence fund for rapid response to assist survivors at community level.
”Colleagues,
“On this 10th anniversary of the establishment of the mandate and Office of the Special Representative on Sexual Violence in Conflict, South Africa would like to commend and reiterate its support for the efforts of the UN and the SRSG particularly on ending sexual violence in armed conflict situations and for the full implementation of the measures for the prevention and response to conflict-related sexual violence.
“We note the significant progress that has been made in the past 10 years on this matter, but at the same time, we remain concerned about the prevalence of incidents of conflict-related sexual violence perpetrated by both state and non-state actors, which ravage communities and destroy lives.
“It goes without saying that parties to conflict must always adhere to international human rights law and international humanitarian law. However, if these were scrupulously adhered to, we would not be having this discussion today.
“Our common objective is to end the scourge of this reprehensible crime. But for this to be attained, we need to address the root causes of sexual violence. It is generally accepted that the key intervention is to address the behaviour of the offenders. Although there is a need for accountability, there is an equal need for measures focussing on prevention and deterrence.
“We wish to stress that it is of utmost importance that perpetrators of sexual violence are held accountable for their crimes even though in many situations perpetrators remain unidentified. |
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"The reality is that most countries in conflict or post-conflict situations have capacity constraints, weak institutions, and justice systems unable to cope with increasing demands.
“It is thus important that we partner globally, regionally and nationally, to assist these countries in building capacity and strengthening their institutions such as security and social services to deal with the perpetrators and provide the necessary support to victims and survivors. These countries must, however, demonstrate political will and a commitment to hold perpetrators to account in order to send a clear message of deterrence for would-be offenders.
“One of the effective measures taken as a deterrence, and worthy of commending, is the prohibition of all state actors repeatedly listed in the Secretary-General’s reports on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Children and Armed Conflict from participating in UN peacekeeping operations. It is imperative that the implementation and application of these measures are consistent across all country situations.” |
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| STATEMENT BY MINISTER MAPISA-NQAKULA, SOUTH AFRICAN MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS AFFAIRS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL BRIEFING ON COOPERATION BETWEEN THE UNITED NATIONS AND REGIONAL AND SUB-REGIONAL ORGANISATIONS (AFRICAN UNION), 30 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Members of the Council,
Excellencies,
“I have the honour of delivering this statement on behalf of the three African members of the Security Council, Côte d’ Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa (the A3).
“I thank the Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, for his report on Strengthening the Partnership between the United Nations (UN) and the African Union (AU) on issues of peace and security in Africa. I also thank the African Union Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Fatima Mohammed, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union, Ms Hanna Tetteh, for their briefing today.
“Excellencies,
“While the Charter gives the Security Council the primary responsibility for international peace and security, Chapter VIII of the Charter also recognises the complementarity between the roles of the UN and regional organisations. In this regard, the African Union and regional economic communities throughout the continent are engaged with the resolution of conflicts in their respective regions. |
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“Regional organisations are often most affected by the conflicts in their respective regions. They are also in most circumstances best placed to address these conflicts because it is linked to their own stability, development and prosperity.
“The African Union has developed an expansive architectural peace and security framework to ensure sustainable peace on the continent. These mechanisms form part of the concerted efforts of the Union to achieving peace and realising the aspirations to silence the guns by 2020.
“It is precisely in pursuit of this aspiration that the Government of Equatorial Guinea will host a Ministerial level conference in Malabo on 2 and 3 December 2019 on the topic of Silencing the Guns by 2020, which will be the theme that will be adopted by the African Union Summit for 2020.
“The active engagement of the continent, together with its external partners, including the UN, has undoubtedly led to the resolution of long-standing conflicts. |
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“Political and strategic alignment between the Security Council and regional organisations has been effective, as we have seen in Somalia, Central African Republic and Sudan. What is clear though is that for this collaboration to be efficient it should be formalised and structured.
“Excellencies,
“Over the past 12 years, much has been achieved to improve this collaboration. The adoption of resolutions 1809 in 2007 and 2033 in 2012 gave impetus to the implementation of Chapter VIII of the UN Charter regarding the partnership between the UN and regional organisations, in particular, the AU.
“We recognise the positive impact that the Joint UN-AU Framework for Enhanced Partnership in Peace and Security has had in elevating the cooperation, coordination and collaboration between the two organisations into a strategic partnership, particularly at the level of the UN and AU Secretariats.
“This increased collaboration and strategic partnership has contributed positively to both the UN and AU developing common objectives and seeking sustainable solutions to the complex conflicts on the African continent. It is apt to say that the complex peace and security issues facing the continent, including the necessity for conflict prevention, resolution and management, require an effective and meaningful partnership and collaboration between the UN, AU, regional economic communities and regional mechanisms.
“The A3, therefore, welcomes these efforts that seek to strengthen the strategic partnership and to ensure that there is genuine acceptance by all concerned to leverage the complementary roles and comparative advantages of both the UN and the AU. These include areas such as mediation, preventive diplomacy, peacekeeping, peace-enforcement and peacebuilding.
“Excellencies,
“The key principles that should direct and shape the partnership and cooperation between the two organisations going forward are: meaningful and inclusive collaboration, shared and common approaches, and effective consultative mechanisms.
“Excellencies,
“One of the most critical areas where this strategic partnership between the UN and AU on peace and security in Africa continues to grow and must be enhanced is between the UN Security Council and the AUPSC.
“From 21 to 22 October, members of both councils met within the framework of the 13th Annual Joint Consultative Meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. During this joint consultative meeting, members of the UNSC and the AUPSC discussed a number of conflict situations in Africa, namely, the Central African Republic, Libya, South Sudan and the Sahel region.
“On the matter of South Sudan, there was convergence between the Security Council and the AUPSC on what ought to happen in the lead-up to the 12 November deadline for the formation of the revitalised Government of National Unity. This demonstrates that both councils can have common understandings and positions on peace and security matters in Africa.
“However, there are areas where both councils are at opposite ends. The situation in Libya demonstrates where interests other than advancing the peace process has the potential to undermine the strategic partnership between the Security Council the AUPSC. It is imperative that the Security Council takes into account the role and contribution of the AU Commission and the AUPSC in efforts to resolve the Libyan issue, including consideration for the request to appoint a joint special envoy.
“The two councils also exchanged views on thematic issues, namely on the African Union’s flagship initiative of Silencing the Guns by 2020 as well as on the modalities for joint field visits by both the Security Council and AUPSC.
“Following these consultations, the A3 wishes to emphasise the following:
- The need to translate and elevate some of the commitments made by both councils into tangible outcomes. There is, therefore, a need to assess and evaluate the extent to which the principles of cooperation and commitment to the partnership between the UN and AU have translated into the development of practical and commonly shared purposes within both councils. In this regard, the Security Council should endeavour to give effect to the commitments it has already made in its previous resolutions, in particular, Resolution 2033.
- The Debate on Strengthening the UN-AU Partnership must move away from generalities about partnership and cooperation and move towards decisive and practical steps that the Security Council in particular, and the UN and AU in general, will take to realise the full implementation of this strategic partnership.
“Excellencies,
“The A3 welcomes the undertaking of the Secretary-General to conduct an assessment of UN-AU cooperation, including the structure and capacity of the UN Office at the AU as requested by this Council in Resolution 2320 (2016).
“It is also imperative for this Security Council to outline its own perspectives of the efficacy of the partnership between the two councils, based, inter alia, on the experiences and outcome of the recently held 13th Joint Consultative Meeting.
“Excellencies,
“To conclude, the A3 commends the continued engagement between the Secretary-General and the AU Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, to improve the synergy between the UN Secretariat and the AU Commission as well as the continued consultative meetings between both councils.
“As we have heard from the briefers, both secretariats have executed their tasks diligently. We urge all concerned to work towards the effective strengthening of the partnership so that it contributes to real peace and security in Africa.
“I thank you.” |
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| EXPLANATION OF VOTE BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA, TO THE UNITED NATIONS, DURING THE SECURITY COUNCIL MANDATE RENEWAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS MISSION FOR THE REFERENDUM IN WESTERN SAHARA (MINURSO), 30 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“At the outset, South Africa wishes to reiterate its unequivocal and strong support for the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). This Mission, as its name denotes, was created almost 30 years ago with a mandate to hold a referendum to allow the people of Western Sahara to exercise their right to self-determination. We lament the fact that this referendum has unfortunately not occurred, depriving the people of the territory this universally accepted right.
“Excellencies,
“Once again, South Africa wishes to commend the political process, which was facilitated by the Secretary-General’s good offices through his former Personal Envoy, Mr Horst Köhler, as well as the efforts of the Special Representative and Head of MINURSO, Mr Collin Stewart. A new Personal Envoy should be appointed as soon as possible to continue this process. |
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“Excellencies,
“Although the resolution that has been voted upon contains numerous paragraphs with which South Africa can agree, there remain several elements of concern to our delegation. These include the following:
(i) The current text as it stands is not balanced, and it does not provide a true reflection of the efforts undertaken by the two parties, Morocco and the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) as they are referred to as a Member State of the African Union, represented by the Frente Polisario, in the political process. Both the parties are Member States of the African Union.
(ii) We note that once again terms such as “realistic”, “realism” and “compromise”, are being used in the resolution. These references are an attempt to undermine the principle of self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, which as has been established by numerous United Nations General Assembly and Security Council resolutions as relevant to the situation in the Western Sahara. This Council must reaffirm its long-standing and unequivocal commitment to the right to self-determination for the people of Western Sahara in an unqualified manner.
“Excellencies,
“South Africa would have preferred a six-month mandate for MINURSO, which we believe will allow the Council to regularly meet to consider progress on the appointment of the Personal Envoy and the resuscitation of the political process. The arguments put forward for the Council to meet regularly on items on its agenda, should also hold for the situation in Western Sahara. Western Sahara should not be treated differently to other issues on the Council’s agenda and we should not allow for ‘an out sight out of mind’ approach to this matter.
“Excellencies,
“South Africa welcomes references to human rights in preambular paragraphs 17 to 20, however, we wish to reiterate that there is a need for a formal human rights mandate to strengthen the monitoring of possible human rights violations on all sides.
“Lastly, we wish to note again that the text must differentiate between the parties to the conflict, which are Morocco and the Frente Polisario, and neighbouring states, Algeria and Mauritania.
“Excellencies,
“We wish to reiterate again that the Council’s working methods on this matter, whereby it delegates responsibility to the Group of Friends remains of serious concern to South Africa. We have consistently raised this issue as problematic, particularly the unrepresentative nature of this Group, which does not include a single African Member of the Council, despite this being an African issue.
“The substantive concerns that we have raised regarding the text could have and should have been raised in negotiations on the text. However, despite being elected by the General Assembly to serve on and participate in the work of Security Council, we have not been given this opportunity. This process of providing Council members that are not members of the Group of Friends a text with a ‘take it or leave it’ approach is not sustainable and does not allow us an opportunity to carry out our mandate. |
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“Excellencies,
“South Africa wishes to reiterate our principled position on the situation in the Western Sahara, which remains the last colony on the African continent, listed as a non-self-governing territory by the United Nations.
“Given our concerns and in considering this text before us, while the draft resolution does renew the mandate of the United Nations Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and endorses the political process embarked upon by the former Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General, South Africa is not able to vote in favour of the text and will thus abstain.
“I thank you." |
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| STATEMENT BY DR GNM PANDOR, MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA, DURING THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON WOMEN, PEACE AND SECURITY, 29 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Ministers,
Heads of Delegations,
Distinguished Representatives,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
"I thank you all for participating in our discussion today.
“Women from diverse contexts across the world continue to face obstacles and resistance, they continue to bear the brunt of armed conflict and their personal, economic, civil and political security is persistently undermined. |
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“Women’s efforts to ensure their participation in peace processes continue to be undermined and if we fail to address the barriers in the next 20 years and beyond that, then we must face that we are falling short of our ambitions to realise the objectives we set as an international community.
"Together, the United Nations, Member States, regional organisations, civil society and other actors supporting peace processes must hold each other accountable to maintain and go beyond the current progress in the area of the WPS agenda by 2020 and beyond that.
“Ladies and gentlemen,
“Your participation today in this important meeting confirms the significance of the women, peace and security agenda. The myriad and complex conflicts in the world underscores the need to reinforce the implementation of the Women Peace and Security (WPS). |
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“Resolution 1325, which was passed 19 years ago in October and its subsequent resolutions underpin the Women, Peace and Security International normative Framework.
“Excellencies,
“My country views the women, peace and security agenda as a means for women to mediate in conflict situations and as essential to end the use of force as a means of settling disputes.
“The report of the Secretary-General that we have before us provides us with a useful overview of the successes and gaps in the implementation of this agenda. The report provides us with concrete recommendations that should move us from rhetoric to action, so that we can effectively implement the commitments we have set ourselves.
“It is within this context that South Africa saw it fit to present a resolution focusing on full implementation of the WPS agenda. The resolution recognises that although there has been great progress made, great opportunities still lie ahead of us.
“As we exchange views on how to strengthen implementation of the WPS agenda, particularly as we move towards the 20th anniversary of the adoption of resolution 1325 next year, it is also imperative for the international community to take into account the findings, including recommendations made in the 2015 Global Study on the implementation of resolution 1325, commissioned by this Council. We believe some of these recommendations are still relevant in terms of elaborating practical and attainable deliverables and it is for this reason that South Africa advocated for its inclusion to embolden the message on full implementation of the agenda.
“Our deliverables must be visible and discernible. They must be clearly aimed at ensuring the meaningful participation of women in all levels of peace processes; increasing the number of women in uniformed and civilian components of peacekeeping operations; investing in women as peacebuilders, such as in mediation and negotiation; protecting the human rights of women, particularly sexual and reproductive health rights; and advancing accountability for heinous crimes such as sexual violence.
“Excellencies,
“South Africa has been a proponent of the women, peace and security agenda since its inception and we remain committed to implementing the agenda, so that it can also support and contribute to Silencing the Guns across the world, and work towards saving ‘succeeding generations from the scourge of war’, as we committed to at the founding of the United Nations.
“South Africa has been engaged in training women across all of these areas. We are, therefore optimistic that the operationalisation of the Global Alliance of Regional Women Mediators Networks will advance some of these objectives.
“Excellencies,
“On peacekeeping, South Africa will continue to ensure the meaningful participation of women in peace support operations. Currently the South African National Defence Force comprises 30% women. This has enabled South Africa, as a troop contributing country to UN peacekeeping missions, to deploy more females in the frontlines of armed conflicts. The South African contingent of the Force Intervention Brigade (FIB) to MONUSCO is composed of 14,5% women and the Officer commanding the South African Force is a woman.
“During our side-event on Women in Peacekeeping held yesterday afternoon, we shared experiences on how to achieve the goals we have set on increasing the representation of women in peace support operations. We are pleased that the UN’s Uniformed Personnel Gender Parity Strategy clearly indicates the quotas and timeframes that must be reached to increase the number of women deployed in military, police, corrections and justice personnel.
“As a supporter of collective approaches to address issues that affect us all, South Africa will continue to actively participate in existing global initiatives, such as the Women, Peace and Security Focal Points Network; the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations; and the Secretary-General’s Action for Peacekeeping Initiative. We find these initiatives useful and also serve as instruments to raise awareness on the importance of the women, peace and security agenda.
“Excellencies,
“Let us commit today to continue to advance the cause of women, peace and security agenda through implementing the recommendations and guidelines emanating from the resolutions.
“I thank you.” |
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| STATEMENT BY DR GNM PANDOR, MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION OF SOUTH AFRICA, DURING THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL OPEN DEBATE ON THE SITUATION IN THE MIDDLE EAST, INCLUDING THE QUESTION OF PALESTINE, MONDAY, 28 OCTOBER 2019 |
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“Members of the Council,
“South Africa firmly believes that the question of peace in the Middle East will not be resolved unless the question of Palestine is resolved. Today we debate one of the longest standing subjects on the agenda of the Security Council. Our failure to find a resolution to the plight of the people of Palestine and to secure their peace and freedom is a profound stain against our stated mission and objectives. In the period since our last debate, the situation has deteriorated markedly, suggesting even less hope for peace.
“The Council has a duty to the people of Palestine, clearly articulated in the founding Charter and it is vital for dedicated attention to be directed at finally achieving the outcomes stated in manifold United Nations resolutions.
“South Africa believes it is always possible to find solutions to seemingly intractable challenges. Our own struggles were advanced by United Nations action and determination to end a crime against humanity. We need similar vigorous international solidarity, indignation and commitment for Palestine. |
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“Council is fully aware that it is in this very body that the elusive breakthrough exists -- that it is only several of the members present here that can ensure peace and security in Palestine and the entire Middle East.
“Council resolutions have been breached and ignored. Resolution 2334 of 2016 of this Council confirmed that the Council would not recognise any changes to the 04 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those that were agreed by the parties through mediation. Yet, this very agreed decision and negotiations have been undermined through unilateral decisions aimed at predetermining the outcome of the negotiations. That points to bad faith and can never secure peace.
“Excellencies, of even greater concern is that the people of Palestine seem to be a forgotten people and their hopes are dissipating in the face of diminishing world support and the absence of any genuine attempt at honest and genuine negotiations.
“We as South Africa are gravely concerned by the continued disregard for the long-standing Middle East Peace Process through the systematic foreclosing of the final status issues, particularly with regard to the borders, the return of refugees, the status of Jerusalem and the ever-expanding illegal settlements.
“Clearly, there is no intention to seek or achieve peace by those implementing these actions. How is it possible to believe in this Council, in peace and security in the face of such offending breaches of this Council’s decisions?
“This Council must find ways to repair it damaged and waning credibility as a source of peace and security. Council must insist on regular written reports on the implementation of its decision, particularly with respect to resolution 2334, secondly Council must visibly show its solidarity with the long-suffering people of Palestine by conducting the long-overdue field visit to the occupied Palestinian territory by those on the Council willing to do this and thirdly, Council must take further action against the continued violations of human rights and disregard for international law.
“South Africa fully supports a two-State solution, and an agreed peace processed aimed at ensuring two co-existing, viable states, side-by-side, offering hope and example to those who suffer hatred and insecurity. This would be an important benefit to the entire region. We also utterly condemn the human rights violations against the Palestinian people and the violence directed at the people of Gaza and the West Bank though occupation and aggression by Israel.
“Council cannot be seen to condone actions of violence and hostility such as the building of further barriers and walls, closing of schools and killing of civilians. Council should act to ensure gestures of hope and the building of trust between the parties. This requires, as a first step, firm statement against intolerance of violent infringements and other negative actions. |
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“Excellencies,
“This institution, the United Nations, was founded on the principles of insuring the presence and practice of human rights, respect for the worth and dignity of every person, equality whether rich or poor, might or weak and a world of justice, peace and respect for international law. We have clearly failed on these principles on the subject of Palestine, our commitments have fallen short and suffering continues unabated. We must do more before the next debate.
“There are many who will speak on this subject today, this indicates great trouble and great interest in this troubling inadequacy. Let us remember that while debate is important, we lose credibility as an institution when words are not accompanied by action. The people of Palestine require action.
“I thank you.” |
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