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| PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA SENDS HIS CONDOLENCES TO TANZANIA |
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| President Cyril Ramaphosa has, on behalf of the South African Government, sent condolences to the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, following the passing away former Tanzania President, Benjamin William Mkapa. |
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Born on 12 November 1938 in Mtwara, Tanzania, former President Mkapa passed away on Friday, 24 July 2020, at the age of 81.
Paying tribute to the late former President, President Ramaphosa said he was a visionary African leader and an exceptional peace broker, leading several peace mediation process in Africa.
“He was a revolutionary at heart and formidable leader championing peace, integration and economic development in East Africa and South Africa,” President Ramaphosa said in a statement.
President Ramaphosa recalled the words of the late former President Nelson Mandela in his address to President Mkapa during his visit to Tanzania in 1998, when he said: “The struggle of our liberation was one that you made your own, not in any distant way, but as freedom fighters sharing the sacrifices and the dangers. You gave us a home away from home when we most needed it”.
The President underscored the important role played by the former President, particularly how he supported and encouraged sanctions against apartheid South Africa for their occupation of Namibia at the United Nations and on the international stage.
“The people of South Africa will always have a warm recollection of the life of former President Mkapa, for the role that he played, not only in South Africa, but also on the African continent,” President Rampahosa said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| IMF APPROVES US$4.3-BILLION LOAN TO SOUTH AFRICA TO SUPPORT COVID-19 FIGHT |
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| The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Executive Board has agreed to extend a US$4.3-billion (R70 billion) loan to support South Africa's response to the impact of COVID-19 on the economy. |
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The decision comes after months of engagement between National Treasury and IMF management, and it is part of R95 billion being sought from multilateral institutions to support job creation, protection and businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These loans are accounted for in government's R500-billion stimulus package to support the economy.
So far, both the New Development Bank and the African Development Bank have agreed to loans of US$1 billion and R5 billion, respectively.
"The Executive Board of the IMF today approved South Africa's request for emergency financial assistance," the IMF said in a statement issued on Monday evening, 27 July 2020.
Geoffrey Okamoto, First Deputy Managing Director and Chair of the IMF, noted that South African authorities responded "swiftly" to the crisis. The IMF said that South Africa had committed to manage the emergency financial assistance with "full transparency and accountability".
This IMF loan has been issued through a "rapid financing instrument" and is not subject to stringent conditions such as structural reforms associated with other IMF lending facilities. Treasury has been working out repayment terms of the loan with the IMF, Finance Minister, Tito Mboweni, previously explained at a press briefing following the tabling of the supplementary budget in June.
"The additional IMF funding is a low-interest loan that contributes to government's fiscal relief package while respecting South Africa’s decisions on how best to provide relief to the economy and those worst affected by the current crisis," National Treasury said in a statement.
"The country has been hard hit by the pandemic, and this required government to come up with fiscal and monetary measures that would respond to the struggling economy and contain its negative effects to society."
Commenting broadly on the R500-billion stimulus package, Minister Mboweni said it was "one of the largest economic response packages in the developing world".
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| APRM BENEFICIAL FOR SOUTH AFRICA'S DEVELOPMENT: MINISTER MCHUNU |
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| Public Service and Administration Minister, Senzo Mchunu, says South Africa’s involvement and participation in the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) is of great benefit to the country as a whole. |
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“The vision of the APRM is the full actualisation of transformative leadership and practice for the Africa we all want,” Minister Mchunu said.
Addressing the media virtually in Pretoria on Tuesday, 29 July 2020, Minister Mchunu said South Africa was committed to the ideals of the APRM of promoting good governance and economic development.
“Poor governance can critically undermine national development and therefore, good governance is critical in ensuring that the citizens and the country benefit in what may ultimately be realised,” Minister Mchunu said.
The Minister said the activities conducted within the APRM would assist South Africa in attaining its National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 goals of eliminating poverty, creating employment opportunities through faster economic growth and building a capable and ethical state.
“In repositioning the APRM in South Africa, an alignment between the APRM National Action Plan, NDP and the Performance Management and Planning instruments, including annual performance plans of departments, will be effected.
“The APRM, via the National Governance Commission/National Governing Council (NGC), is essentially a vibrant and dynamic platform, through which civil society can ensure accountability, integrity, ethical conduct and delivery of services on the part of all three spheres of government and its departments, including state-owned entities (SOEs),” Minister Mchunu said.
He said the formation of the South African NGC would pave way for the preparation of South Africa’s Second Generation Review, which is about to be undertaken.
Cabinet approved the formation of the NGC, which comprises the three spheres of government, civil-society groups, the private sector and labour, in line with the APRM principle of broad-based participation.
Minister Mchunu said the NGC structure was at the core of the functioning and success of the country’s APRM, as its key role is to mobilise and ensure participation of all stakeholders and citizens in the APRM processes.
“The structure is expected to lead this process of country self-assessment, ensure its credibility and ultimately produce the Country Self-Assessment Report,” he said.
Since its appointment, the NGC has convened meetings in order to formulate its Charter, which is in accordance with the Statute of the APRM and further provides insight to the objectives of the NGC, the structure of the various national structures to be appointed and the functions of the various structures.
“Following the adoption of its Charter, the NGC will be inducted on the processes of the APRM, which are technical in nature. This is to ensure that all representatives understand what is required of them as a structure, in respect of the country’s Second Generation Review process.
“Furthermore, the NGC will engage on the National Road Map, which is currently in draft form. The National Road Map details the activities to be undertaken in the NGC’s 2020/21 financial year with the aim of producing the first draft of the National Country Review Report,” the Minister said.
NGC leadership
Minister Mchunu congratulated the newly appointed NGC Chairperson and the Deputy Chairperson to lead the structure of 32 representatives, plus the nine provinces.
Thulani Tshefuta was elected and appointed as the NGC Chairperson. Tshefuta holds a number of postgraduate qualifications from Wits University, GIBS and Crammer Graduate School of Business at Rollins University, United States.
He is currently studying towards a Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation with Wits University.
Magdalene Moonsamy, admitted attorney, the founder of the Women’s Justice Foundation and an activist for human, women and LGBTI rights, was appointed Deputy Chairperson.
The following ministers form part of the NGC: Minister for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs; Minister in The Presidency; Minister of International Relations and Cooperation; Minister of Finance; and Minister for Public Service and Administration.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK APPROVES R5 BILLION TO FIGHT COVID-19 |
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| The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a loan of approximately R5 billion (US$288 million) to the Government of South Africa, as the country battles one of the largest COVID-19 caseloads in the world. |
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South Africa confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on 5 March 2020 and is currently the most affected in Africa, and among the top five in the world in terms of confirmed cases.
According to the AfDB, the loan falls under the bank’s US$10-billion COVID-19 Response Facility and will finance South Africa’s COVID-19 Response Support Programme. It further represents the bank’s first-ever budget support to the country.
The operation is designed as a Crisis Response Budget Support Operation following a request from the Government of South Africa.
The purpose of the programme is to protect:
- lives and promote access to essential equipment to prevent infection, such as protective personal equipment, sanitisers and gloves
- livelihoods by preserving jobs, incomes, food security and access to essential public services
- firms by supporting enterprises in the formal and informal economy to withstand the impacts of COVID-19 and prepare for economic recovery.
In order to ensure a complementary intervention, the AfDB operation was designed in collaboration with other partners, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and the New Development Bank.
South Africa is ranked as the most prepared African country to deal with a pandemic, according to a Global Health Security Index.
“Yet, significant challenges remain in the public health sector, including underfunding and human resource shortages. While the private health sector is better equipped, it remains unaffordable to the majority of South Africans.”
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| SOUTH AFRICA SHARES CORONAVIRUS EXPERIENCES WITH BRICS |
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| South Africa has shared its COVID-19 experiences with fellow BRICS member countries. |
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Trade, Industry and Competition Minister, Ebrahim Patel, shared South African experiences of the pandemic during the 10th BRICS Trade Ministers Meeting on Thursday, 23 July 2020.
Minister Patel outlined national interventions and actions. He also highlighted key lessons that government was drawing from the Coronavirus crisis and how that was shaping thinking about the future.
Minister Patel said government was considering further economic measures, including significant infrastructure investment and developing greater levels of dynamism and competitiveness in the domestic industry.
The Minister highlighted two key observations from South Africa's experience in dealing with the pandemic.
"The first observation is that solidarity and working together are critical in fighting a pandemic. And, as the pandemic is still with us, we need to now further strengthen the solidarity between ourselves: for example in securing critical goods from each other where no local manufacturing capability currently exists,” he said.
He also spoke of the need to promote investment in BRICS economies so as to fast-track economic recovery.
The second observation he shared with his BRICS counterparts was that the benefits of highly integrated supply chains came with enormous vulnerabilities when they are disrupted.
"African countries are learning the hard lesson that if we are simply exporters of raw materials and importers of medication, medical equipment and other critical goods, then our ability to ensure protection of citizens in moments like these is compromised," said Minister Patel.
Diversifying
He added that building resilient and diversified supply chains must include building domestic manufacturing capabilities as part of building new, inclusive supply chains.
"An inclusive supply chain means that manufacturing capacity is diversified across countries and South Africa, and indeed the African continent, is ready to expand production for both existing product lines and new product opportunities," he said.
However, this does not entail disengaging from global trade, investment and cooperation. These, he said, remained important sources of growth and development.
“However, we do not think it wise or the right time to consider new binding global or plurilateral rules in haste at a time of such crisis. We need to retain flexibility to respond with all available policy tools to address the crisis and effect economic recovery.”
The meeting also focussed on responses to the Coronavirus pandemic, the strategy for the BRICS Economic Partnership, the Multilateral Trading System and other key areas of cooperation.
Trade
In the G20 and at the World Trade Organisation, South Africa called for a discussion on the relationship between TRIPS (the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) and COVID-19, arguing that affordable access to technology to produce critical medical supplies remains important.
The South African Government has argued that the provisions of the TRIPs Agreement on patents and compulsory licensing should not be barriers to sharing the technology (without royalty) to produce the medical equipment needed to address the crisis.
BRICS countries are important trading bloc partners for South Africa, with exports to BRICS countries from South Africa totalling nearly R500 billion in 2019.
In the 10 years since its inception, BRICS cooperation has expanded to many areas, including economy, trade, finance, business, agriculture, education, health, science and technology, culture, think tanks, and friendship cities.
BRICS is the association of the five major emerging countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| LESOTHO HIGHLANDS PROJECT TO DELIVER WATER TO SOUTH AFRICA IN 2026 |
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| Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, says the Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s second phase is expected to deliver water to South Africa by 2026. |
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She said this when she outlined budget priorities for the Water and Sanitation Department during a virtual session of the National Assembly on Thursday, 23 July 2020.
“I am glad to report that I, together with my counterpart form the Kingdom of Lesotho, did a sod-turning event that marked the construction of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II.
“This project is aimed at achieving water security and delivering water to South Africa by November 2026,” she said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MEERKAT TELESCOPE TO BE EXPANDED BY 20 DISHES |
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| Higher Education, Science and Innovation Minister, Dr Blade Nzimande, says the 64-dish MeerKAT, the pre-cursor to the Square Kilometer Array (SKA), will be expanded by 20 dishes at a cost of R800 million. |
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The Minister said this when he outlined the department’s spending priorities during a virtual sitting of the National Assembly on Friday, 24 July 2020.
Minister Nzimande said that astronomy in South Africa remained important to its socio-economic landscape and that the heritage would further be strengthened through the MeerKAT, which had already been able to give the world a glimpse into the star-formation history of the universe.
“To extend its research area reach, the MeerKAT is to be expanded by 20 dishes at a cost of R800 million. The expansion will be a partnership between South Africa, Germany and China.
“The MeerKAT will further be integrated into SKA Phase one (2019 – 2024) with an additional 133 antennas in the Karoo up to 80-km baseline from the core to make it a 197-dish array mid-frequency telescope.”
The Minister said the MeerKAT, located in the Karoo, continued to perform great science and had contributed to several discoveries.
The benefits of hosting these telescopes include a 75% local content component, direct investment of more than R300 million in the Northern Cape alone, the development of technical skills and big data capabilities, strengthening of university research programmes, opportunities for SMMEs and industry, community upliftment programmes, and investment in the youth.
“South Africa also participates in the African Very Long Baseline Interferometry Network project that aims to establish self-sufficient radio telescopes in Africa through the conversion of redundant telecommunications antennae into radio telescopes, ‘new-build’ telescopes or training facilities with training telescopes.
“Countries which participate in this initiative are Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, and Zambia,” he said.
Government mulls over new SKA Exploratorium
The Minister said, meanwhile, that government was also collaborating with the Department of Tourism, the Northern Cape Department of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, and the Kareeberg Municipality to establish the SKA Exploratorium in Carnarvon.
“This envisaged R60-million multi-purpose science tourism visitor centre will create jobs and boost tourism in the area, and also serve as an outreach hub.
“A funding agreement is now being finalised for signature by the relevant parties in order to kick-start the project,” he said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| UFS LECTURER BECOMES THIRD AFRICAN TO WIN INTERNATIONAL NURSING AWARD |
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| A University of Free State (UFS) lecturer has become the third African to win a prestigious international nursing award. |
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The purpose of the award is to recognise nurses whose research and scholarship have impacted on the profession and the people it serves.
The award was presented online at the International Nursing Research Congress.
As yet another testament to the great work being done – as well as the dedication, passion and hard work of staff members in the School of Nursing at the UFS – a senior lecturer has become the first UFS staff member to win the prestigious Sigma Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award, making him the third African to achieve this.
"I was overwhelmed to be honoured with this award as the third African to have won it in the history of the awards. To me, this is an indication that the quality of our work in the School of Nursing is top-notch and meets international standards, and that our contribution to nursing science and nursing education is outstanding," says a proud Dr Champion N Nyoni on his latest achievement.
Sigma Theta Tau International (Sigma) is a global honour society for nurses that recognises and advances nursing through research and scholarship. Membership for this society includes a minimum of a Master's qualification and nomination from current members based on your contribution and the potential thereof for nursing at a national and global scale.
The Emerging Nurse Researcher/Scholar Award, with the purpose of recognising nurses whose research and scholarship have impacted the profession and the people it serves, was introduced in 2015.
No easy process
It is quite a rigorous process to become eligible for the award, explains Dr Nyoni. "One is nominated by peers who are also part of Sigma; these peers must motivate their nomination by providing evidence related to the research and scholarship of the nominee.
"In addition to the numerous reference reports from colleagues in the discipline of nursing, additional referrals are sought from colleagues in other professions in the health sciences who have worked and engaged with the research of the nominee. This application process is then evaluated for consideration, among others, by a global panel."
Dr Nyoni says: “I never thought that I would win this award, given the nature of the nomination process, and the heavy funding that other nurse researchers globally receive in comparison to Africa”.
According to a passionate Dr Nyoni, the award will also give him the energy to continue an academic track, especially in nursing and nursing education, with a focus on improving the quality of nursing education, the quality of nursing graduates, impacting the nursing workforce and thereby influencing the quality of health indicators, especially in Africa, where health systems are nurse-driven.
Dr Nyoni is appreciative of the nurturing environment and brilliant colleagues in the School of Nursing, who are supporting his research career.
Quality nursing education
He says: “We need quality nurses for quality nursing care, and this should be done through quality nursing education. I hope to use this award as part of a motivation strategy for young nurses to be engaged in scholarship and in academia, as there is a great need, especially in sub-Saharan Africa.”
When he was nominated, Dr Nyoni had close to 15 publications in nursing education and close to 40 presentations at local and international conferences. He also had several awards for his research work, including the Best Education Paper: Senior Category at the Faculty of Health Science's Research Forum in 2019.
Dr Nyoni is currently a postdoctoral fellow – the first – in the UFS School of Nursing and serves as Chairperson on several boards of directors relating to health professions education in the African region, namely AfrIPEN and SAFRI. He is also supervising several Master's and PhD students.
– Source: www.news24.com |
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| V&A WATERFRONT FIRST TOURISM ATTRACTION IN SOUTH AFRICA TO ADOPT WORLD TOURISM BODY SAFE TRAVEL PROTOCOLS |
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| The V&A Waterfront is the first attraction in South Africa to adopt the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) Safe Travels stamp, the world’s first-ever global safety and hygiene stamp for Travel and Tourism, designed specifically to address COVID-19 and similar outbreaks. |
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The V&A joins an international list of 80 top travel destinations and 1 200 companies around the world to be awarded the specially designed “Safe Travels” stamp, having implemented comprehensive measures to safeguard the health of visitors and employees. The town of Stellenbosch recently became the first destination in South Africa to be awarded the prestigious Safe Travels Stamp by the WTTC.
The Safe Travels stamp is only awarded once all the health and hygiene protocols have been implemented.
The global protocols were developed in collaboration with the WTTC members, leading industry associations and international organisations. They consider the current guidelines of the World Health Organisation and the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. The initiative is also backed by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
The WTTC produced the new global Safe Travel protocols for use by the Travel and Tourism sector as best-practice guidelines to help restart and speed up the recovery of the sector in the wake of COVID-19. The aim of the protocols is to rebuild confidence among travellers, and within the tourism sector, so that safe travel can resume once restrictions are eased.
The stamp will allow travellers and other travel and tourism stakeholders to recognise destination authorities and companies around the world that have implemented health and hygiene protocols aligned with the WTTC’s Safe Travels Protocols.
V&A Waterfront CEO, David Green, said: “We’ve noted best practice from all over the world with a view to setting a benchmark, and we will continue to modify these measures as our understanding of the Coronavirus evolves. As a member of the WTTC, we have the most up-to-date information on the most effective, scientifically supported measures available and the V&A will continue to take the lead in implementing them.”
As part of its Coronavirus response, the V&A Waterfront has introduced an intensified cleaning and sanitising regime of its public areas, requires visitors to wear masks at all times, and is limiting the number of visitors in its stores. Natural ventilation has been increased where possible, and the V&A is making creative use of its many open spaces to facilitate social distancing.
The V&A Waterfront also uses technology as a means to enable the safe resumption of retail, hospitality and leisure activities, introducing contactless payment for parking and click and collect drive-through shopping solutions.
– Source: www.goodthingsguy.com |
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| CONDOLENCES FOR ACTRESS CANDY MOLOI |
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| The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has paid tribute to veteran actress Candy Moloi. |
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“Moloi was both a stellar linguist and a phenomenal storyteller – in a league of her own. Through her work, she taught us the tshiVenda language.
“She was a true embodiment of African culture and heritage. A proud Vha-Venda Queen, who created a path for so many others to enter the media space,” the Minister said on Wednesday, 29 July 2020.
Moloi passed away on Tuesday at a hospital in Pretoria. She is most notably known for her portrayal of the character of Vho-Makhadzi on SABC2’s Muvhango, for which she won the 2009 SAFTA Golden Horn Award for Best Supporting Actress in a TV Soapie.
In 2008, she played the role of MaModumedi in the SABC1 mini-series Death of a Queen, which aired as part of the channel’s “Shakespeare in Mzansi” strand from July to August of that year.
In 2014, she featured as Fhatu Neluvhola in the SABC2 thriller series Thola and also starred in Giyani: Land of Blood on the same channel in 2019.
“Our sincere condolences to her family, especially her daughter, Lerato Zah Moloi, as well as her colleagues, friends and fans around the country. This is the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new eternal life chapter. Lufu a lu shoni. May her soul rest in eternal peace,” the Minister said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| MINISTER CONGRATULATES MASTER KG ON HIT SONG |
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| The Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, has congratulated Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode on their global success for the hit song “Jerusalema”. |
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The song, with more than 50 million views on YouTube, has people from all over the world dancing to it on social media with the hashtag #JerusalemaDanceChallenge.
“We are happy that you have put our country on the global map. You have used song and dance to unite the whole world. We note the collaboration with Burna Boy, a move that augers very well with the Government’s programme of strengthening our ties on the continent,” the Minister said.
Master KG also did a remix to the song with Burna Boy, a Nigerian musician.
The Minister on Tuesday, 27 July 2020, hosted a virtual meeting with Master KG and Zikode to celebrate the success of the song.
Master KG said he was surprised when the song, released in December, reached one million views on YouTube after one week.
“I believe in my music, which I started way back in Tzaneen, Limpopo. That’s where I started to make beats and producing music. We’ve been getting a lot of international calls from people who want us to perform the song. We need our government to help us to make this possible,” he said.
Zikode said she had been trying to get a breakthrough in the music industry for the past 15 years.
“Things were not happening. God blessed me with this song. I had goosebumps when I listened to it,” she said.
– Source: SAnews.gov.za |
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| STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR JERRY MATJILA, THE PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS (UN), DURING THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING ON THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN SYRIA, 29 JULY 2020 |
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“Thank you, Mr President,
“Let me begin by thanking, Mr Mark Lowcock (Under Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs) for his frank briefing on the humanitarian situation in Syria. We also thank Ms Amany Qaddour, Regional Director of Syria Relief and Development, for her briefing.
“Mr President,
"Reports of increased security incidents and airstrikes in various pockets of Syria are of great concern to South Africa. While South Africa welcomes the general maintenance of the ceasefire agreement in the northwest of Syria, reports of the use of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines, air and ground strikes and incidents involving explosive remnants of war cannot be ignored, especially due to the resulting injury and death of civilians, including women and children.
“South Africa, again, calls on all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international human rights and international humanitarian law on the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, such as schools, health facilities and water reticulation facilities. South Africa recommends that these facilities be regarded as neutral by all parties to the conflict. The continued loss of civilian life is unacceptable.
“Mr President,
“These continuing security incidents and violence have a direct impact on the socio-economic and humanitarian situations in Syria. The deteriorating economic environment has seen a significant impact on the daily lives of Syrians with over nine million people food insecure and many households are engaging in negative coping mechanisms in order to make ends meet. These negative coping mechanisms are having a destructive psychological impact on civilians who have already been devastated due to nine years of violence resulting in injuries, deaths and detention of loved ones.
“The deteriorating economic circumstances in Syria are having a direct impact on the already dire humanitarian situation. South Africa therefore reiterates its call for the immediate lifting of all unilateral sanctions currently being imposed on Syria, especially given the growing spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout Syria.
“With the rising number of COVID-19 cases, it is important that humanitarian response efforts should focus on preparedness and response planning to minimise the potential impact of COVID-19 on the vulnerable refugee and IDP populations. Testing, especially in locations susceptible to the spread of the virus, such as detention centres, formal and informal refugee and IDP camps, is essential in this regard.
“Mr President,
“South Africa is concerned by the impact of the reduction in humanitarian border-crossing points. We welcome the extension of the humanitarian border crossing at Bab al-Hawa for 12 months as this is the only way essential humanitarian assistance is currently being delivered to northwest Syria. The 12-month mandate renewal will also allow the UN’s humanitarian agencies and parties the necessary time to adequately plan and prepare for their important and continued efforts.
“In view of the reduction of the cross-border assistance mechanisms, focus must turn towards the improvement and enhancement of the cross-line assistance mechanisms. The scaling up of cross-line assistance is essential to close the humanitarian assistance gap resulting from the closure of the Al Yarubiyah and Bab al-Salaam border crossings.
“In this regard, we also reiterate our call for the safe, unimpeded and impartial delivery of humanitarian aid and assistance to all who require it, in line with the provisions of international humanitarian law.
“I have a question for Mr Lowcock. Given the dire economic and humanitarian situation, as you talked about in your statement, and the increasing needs, especially for children, women and those with disabilities, does Syria have oil fields and if so, where are they located, who controls them and why are you unable to use the proceeds from the oil that is produced, for the relief agencies to assist the Syria people?
“In conclusion, we reiterate that the situation in Syria can only be resolved through negotiations and dialogue and thus, call on all parties to exert every effort towards the full implementation of Resolution 2254 (2015) to further avoid the displacement of Syrians and loss of innocent lives.
“Mr President, when there is no progress on the political front, the humanitarian catastrophe will further deteriorate and there will be further loss of life and destruction. An alternative to war must be found.
“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 MEETING ON YEMEN, 28 JULY 2020 |
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“Mr President,
“We thank Special Envoy, Martin Griffiths; Chair of the Redeployment Coordination Committee, Gen. Abhijit Guha; Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aid (OCHA), Acting Assistant Secretary-General, Ramesh Rajasingham; Chairperson of the Arab Human Rights Foundation, Dr Raja Abdullah Ahmed Almasabi; and General Coordinator (Yemen of Medecins du Monde), Wafa`a Aisaidy, for their briefings.
“South Africa reiterates its support to the Special Envoy in his arduous pursuit for a peaceful solution to the situation in Yemen despite the escalating violence that persists amidst the unyielding COVID-19 pandemic.
“My delegation would like to reiterate that the disturbing humanitarian situation in Yemen, aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic, is inextricably linked to the political impasse. As such, my intervention will focus on these two elements, namely the humanitarian and the political situation.
“Mr President,
“On the humanitarian situation, South Africa remains deeply concerned about its devastating effect on the people of Yemen, in particular women, children, the aged, internally displaced persons, and those with disabilities. As Dr Almasabi has mentioned, it is a harrowing reality that persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected in situations of risk and face multiple barriers in accessing protection and humanitarian assistance.
“South Africa therefore calls upon all authorities in the various governorates to agree to a unified set of measures to counter the spread of COVID-19 in Yemen and alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people. It is imperative to allow full access into the country; to accelerate custom clearances for PPE and medical supplies; to facilitate air travel of humanitarian staff into the country for staff rotations, as well as to communities in need, both in the North and the South. This will enable healthcare workers and the humanitarian community to slow the rate and spread of infection.
“Mr President,
“It is vital for all parties to abide by their obligations and responsibilities under international humanitarian and international human rights law, and to take all measures necessary to end and prevent violations against civilians. Investigations into alleged violations must be pursued to uphold the standards of integrity, transparency and accountability.
“Mr President,
“On the political impasse, fighting continues in the region of Yemen’s northern border with Saudi Arabia, on the edge of Marib City, Hodeidah and Taìz. The proposed ceasefires remain unimplemented and there remains no substantial progress on any of the political agreements. South Africa calls on all parties to cease hostilities in line with the Secretary General’s global ceasefire call and UNSC Resolution 2532 (2020). Furthermore, we call upon the parties to agree on confidence-building measures, such as the payment of civil servants, reopening of Sana’a airport and lifting of commercial import restrictions, to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to provide impetus to the overall political negotiations to end the war in Yemen.
“We reiterate our position that a military response is not a viable solution and call on all parties to approach the resumption of the political negotiations with a spirit of compromise, placing the interests of all Yemenis at the centre of a negotiated political settlement. We appeal to all parties to avoid approaches of gaining ‘absolute’ positions.
“Mr President,
“South Africa remains concerned regarding the lack of implementation of the Riyadh Agreement. We reiterate our call for the implementation of this vital agreement between the Yemeni Government and the Southern Transitional Council (STC). We also call for the full implementation of the December 2018, Stockholm Agreement.
“South Africa urges all parties to conclude the issue of the Safer Oil Tanker by allowing critical repairs and to avoid a man-made disaster in the Red Sea. The need to allow technical experts to undertake an assessment and initial repair, cannot be stressed enough. It is our wish that this impending threat be dealt with on a purely technical basis, without politicisation.
“In conclusion, Mr President,
“South Africa reiterates that the only solution to the conflict in Yemen is an inclusive Yemeni-led, Yemeni-owned, political settlement that will deliver on the hopes of the Yemeni people for a strong economic and political future. In this context, we also call for the full and meaningful participation of women in all aspects of an inclusive political process.
“I thank you.” |
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| STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR XOLISA MABHONGO, DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF SOUTH AFRICA TO THE UNITED NATIONS (UN), DURING THE UN SECURITY COUNCIL VIDEO TELECONFERENCE MEETING ON THE MAINTENANCE OF INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY: CLIMATE AND SECURITY, 24 JULY 2020 |
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"Mr President,
"We thank the Secretary-General as well as the briefers for their contribution on this matter.
"South Africa’s strong commitment to a collective, multilateral response to the existential challenge of climate change remains unwavering and we are redoubling our efforts at continental and national level to address the crisis, even during the current COVID-19 pandemic.
"Mr President,
"South Africa recognises that extreme weather events, drought, water scarcity, food insecurity and desertification, which are thought to be exacerbated by climate change, have the potential to increase the risk of violent conflict, either within sovereign states or across state boundaries. In Africa, there is some evidence to suggest that this may be the case in parts of the Sahel, the Lake Chad Basin, as well as the Horn of Africa. In these specific instances, climate change is a threat, or risk multiplier, which escalates existing tensions and conflict by placing strain on already scarce resources.
"Notwithstanding these instances, there is currently little scientific evidence to support more generalised conclusions of a direct causality between climate change and threats to international peace and security. South Africa therefore remains wary of introducing climate change into the Security Council as a thematic issue or adopting generic decisions in this forum. Instead, where climate change is thought to be a clear contributing factor to a threat to international peace and security, it is appropriate for the Security Council to comment on this issue, within the specific context of the countries which may be affected. Even in those circumstances, the contribution the Security Council can make is modest and unclear. We therefore welcome this opportunity to hear ideas from Council members on what that contribution could be.
"It is important to emphasise that climate change is a sustainable developmental issue that needs to be addressed through full implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with support to Member States from multilateral bodies dedicated to effectively supporting all three legs of sustainable development – economic, social and environmental.
"The key to addressing climate change is to secure international collaboration to take the necessary mitigation and adaptation measures and to ensure that all developing countries that require means of implementation support, or assistance in responding to loss and damage caused by climate change, receive such support. In so far as there are security implications to climate change, these are likewise best addressed through massively scaled-up, appropriate and accessible climate-adaptation and mitigation-related support to the affected countries.
"The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) holds the primary mandate and capabilities to galvanise this type of action by the international community, particularly since the UNFCCC enjoys universal membership, operates by consensus and adheres to the Convention principles, including equity and Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities.
"To introduce climate change as a thematic issue on the agenda of the Security Council would, in our view, risk diffusing the importance of the UNFCCC and detract attention and resources from its essential work.
"We also think that there are reasonable questions about when and on what scientific basis the Security Council would invoke climate change as a contributing factor to a specific conflict situation and where precisely the Security Council draws the line with respect to incorporating environmental issues in its agenda.
"Certainly, climate change is but one of several serious environmental challenges with potential peace and security implications and we need to guard against mandate creep by the Council or the Council outpacing its own resources and capacities.
"Mr President,
"We do not wish to downplay specific climate-related security risks, which the Security Council has progressively acknowledged in various outcomes over the years and which have received enhanced analytical capacity in the UN system, most notably in the Climate Security Mechanism between DPPA, UNDP and UNEP.
"Rather our message is that the international community needs to channel its resources effectively through the bodies in the United Nations system that are most fit for a particular purpose.
"We nevertheless welcome the opportunity of this meeting to explore proposals to enhance the capacity of the Security Council to better respond, as appropriate, to climate-related security risks.
"In conclusion Mr President, we would urge, as always, that these risks be considered in the context of close partnerships with regional organisations, including the African Union, and that we seek creative, cost-effective means of utilising existing resources and avoid generating new mechanisms that could entail significant costs and additional burdens to already strained operations.
"I thank you." |
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