Opening Remarks by Ms Sue van der Merwe, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, on the occasion of the Briefing of the South African Observer Mission to the DRC Elections, 6 - 7 July 2006, Police College, Pretoria West

Ambassador Ngombane
Distinguished Members of the Observer Mission to the DRC
Ladies and Gentlemen

Twelve years ago, on 27 April 1994, the historic South African elections that ushered in our democracy were held. Most of us in this room were part of this event and perhaps we will re-live this moment as we prepare to depart to observe the DRC elections.

In the colourful observations of one writer:

Many powerful images characterise South Africa's first democratic election. The turnout was huge and very long queues developed at voting stations. But the atmosphere among voters was exhilarating, even festive. The image of all South Africa's people waiting patiently to vote, caught the world's imagination. It provided a new picture of South Africa - so different from the divided queues of apartheid.

There were poignant moments. The beaming, joyful smiles of our leaders, for the first time casting their votes. At midnight, on Wale Street, a crowd gathered to watch the solemn lowering of the old South African Republic flag, to the tune of the anthem 'Die Stem', and raised a great cheer as the new flag and our new anthem replaced them.

I am very pleased to be here today to address you as we prepare ourselves for what is sure to be an historic adventure in support for he People of the Democratic Republic of Congo .

It has been ten years since we as a government first became involved in the DRC peace process. Our involvement in the DRC peace process dates back to the latter part of the nineteen-nineties, when then President Mandela and Deputy President Mbeki took part in the negotiations on board the SAS Outeniqua with the view to brokering peace in that country.

We have come a long way since then and we remain committed to assist within our means in contributing to the peaceful elections in the DRC. As you are aware, South Africa's efforts to assist in the resolution of the conflict and in its subsequent peace process culminated in the signing in Pretoria of the Global and All-Inclusive Agreement, on 16 December 2002.

Our government has been an ardent supporter of the transitional process as well as the Transitional Government of the DRC as it has grappled with the implementation of the various elements of the Agreement, and of course importantly the conducting of free and fair elections

For the DRC, as was for South Africa, the road to peace and democracy has indeed been one of bitter struggle. Our recent celebration of ten years of democracy and then the celebration of our democratic constitution served to remind us of our hard-earned freedom. We have encountered many obstacles as we worked towards our first democratic elections. Who will forget the dramatic storming of the World trade Centre by the armoured vehicle of the ultra right and the tragic assassination of Chris Hani at such a sensitive time in the negotiation process.

We understand that the implementation of democracy does not happen overnight but is a difficult, though not insurmountable process - provided the will exists.

The great African author Ben Okri, wrote that "our suffering has not destroyed us, but has only served to make us stronger". What is happening in the DRC is an inspiration to rest of the continent and has served to confirm that nothing can stand in the way of a nation determined to fulfil its destiny.

The DRC is on the verge of rewriting its history and the Congolese people can see in the successful outcome of the elections the peace they had been hankering after since their country's independence from colonial powers almost over forty years ago.

In her budget vote speech early this year, Minister Dlamini Zuma quoted from a moving letter Patrice Lumumba, wrote to his wife entitled "History will one day have its say". That day is now nearer than ever! We as South Africans can feel fortunate to be part of the elections that will ensure that the Congolese people live the dream that Lumumba had for his country.

As we go into the DRC to support the Congolese with their elections, we do so in the firm belief that our future is inextricably linked to the future of the African continent and that of our neighbours in Southern Africa.

The success of the DRC elections will inspire more hope for the people of our continent and give further momentum to our what President Mbeki termed as a "confluence of encouraging possibilities."

However, we do not intend nor do we profess the ability to find solutions for the DRC. The ultimate power to turn things around in the DRC lies with the Congolese people themselves. In a speech he made in 1966, Amilcar Cabral entitled "The Weapon of Theory" he contends that:

We … know that on the political level our own reality - however fine and attractive the reality of others may be - can only be transformed by detailed knowledge of it, by our own efforts, by our own sacrifices.

Therefore, " … however great the similarity between our various cases …, national liberation and social revolution are not exportable commodities; they are … the outcome of local and national elaboration …"

It is within this context that we understand our co-operation with the DRC. Increased collaboration between our two countries is a demonstration of our commitment to Africa, which is a key element of our foreign policy. In turn, we hope that anchoring our foreign policy on an African Agenda will bring us closer to the African Renaissance.

As a country and people, we continue to play our part in ensuring that there is an enabling environment for free and fair elections in the DRC. As part of the South African Observer Mission your task is to continue to assist the Congolese people in reconstructing and developing their country.

In this regard, we need to take advantage of and build on the growing interconnectivity amongst our people and nurturing the realisation that we are all part of the same race, the human race.

Over the next two days you will be briefed on the substantive and logistical matters pertaining to the elections. Your task will not be easy, as this is an election in many ways like no other. Your support in this mission will go a long way towards the realisation of the vision of a creating a better Africa and a better world, and we in government and the department of foreign affairs thank you for your willingness to participate.

The briefing by Ambassador Ngombane regarding the political situation on the ground will I am sure be highly instructive. His experience in promoting bilateral relations between our countries will provide insight into our state of preparedness to support free and fair elections in the DRC.

On the other hand, the Independent Electoral Commission will draw on its extensive experience in conducting elections in South Africa, in other countries on the continent and beyond. The IEC will also assist in familiarising you with the legal and electoral observation practices that you will need to be aware of and observe.

For its part, the South African National Defence Force has done a fantastic job in providing so many parts to the operation including delivering the ballot papers.

Of course our South African National Defence force also provides effective support to our foreign policy on the continent by providing its expertise in peacekeeping operations. Their security assessment of the situation on the ground will therefore be useful to put you in the picture about what to expect once you arrive in the DRC.

In addition to all of the above, we must of course remain cognisant and sensitive to the role played by others in assisting the Congolese in holding the first democratic elections in over forty years. We therefore welcome the support of the African region and of international partners in the implementation of development goals in the DRC.

As government, we are convinced that the outcome of these elections will mark the beginning of a bright new future for the people of the Congo.

On behalf of government, I wish you a safe trip and we look forward to your successful return.