Zuma, Khama 'exchange vows'

BAME PIET
Staff Writer | Thursday August 30, 2012 00:00

 

The commission, which was signed yesterday, will be driven by the two Heads of State to make it more effective and efficient.

'I wish to point out that the elevation of our bilateral issues from operational level to Head of State level is not only manifestation of the importance with which we attach to our bilateral relations, but a sign of the seriousness of our two governments to ensure that these relations are taken to greater heights. I have no doubt that the commission will serve as a vital platform for addressing our development needs and challenges that confront us,' Khama said.

Although there is a deadlock between ZANU-PF and the Movement For Democratic Change (MDC) over the draft constitution, Khama commended Zuma for his mediation efforts in Zimbabwe.'It is gratifying to note progress on this front, evidenced by the steps the Zimbabweans are taking towards the implementation of the SADC Roadmap with all the challenges facilitation comes with. I hope your efforts as well as those of the SADC community will be rewarded with the holding of credible elections in that country,' he said.

Khama continued; 'Nothing other than free and fair elections should be acceptable to the people of Zimbabwe or the rest of us in the international community. SADC - as the guarantor of the GPA - must also ensure the process leading up to the elections, and not only the elections themselves for all to witness and devoid of attempts at manipulation by one party or the other'.

Khama, who is very skilled in condemning events in other countries then directed his guns to Syria, labelling that country's government as 'Assad's murderous regime'. 'Equally, we are disturbed by the continuous staunch stand of some permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, specifically Russia and China, which frustrate the concerted efforts of the international community to find a lasting solution to the Syrian conflict,' he said.

Meanwhile, Zuma stated that Botswana is the second home for South Africans, dating back to the times of colonialism and apartheid in South Africa. He said that the country hosted freedom fighters including at least five former presidents of the African National Congress (ANC), among them Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo.

'The country acted as entry and exit points for our freedom fighters. Between 1950 and 1975, Botswana was the only country that hosted us, carrying sensitive activities and operations, among them the first meeting of the armed struggle,' he said.

The country also served as a transit route for freedom fighters travelling to Zambia, hence Zuma flew to Kasane yesterday to remember those who died on their route to freedom. Zuma also visited the Extension 14 cemetery where he laid wreaths on graves of South Africans who were victims of the June 1985 Bontleng raids by the South African apartheid forces.

 Interestingly, Zuma assured Khama that he should ignore the remarks of some people who have called for regime change in Botswana, as the two countries will continue to enjoy peaceful relations. It was clear Zuma was talking about the calls made by then president of the ANC Youth League Julius Malema two years ago. Malema has since been expelled from the party. With Zuma were eight government ministers, among them Naledi Pandor, Dipuo Peters, Rob Davis and Minerals Minister Edna Molewa.

Among the agreements that were signed between the two governments yesterday are the bilateral agreement on trade, energy, technology, transport and others. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Phandu Skelemani, revealed that the standoff over extradition of murder suspects from South Africa to face trial in Botswana was not discussed because the relevant minister was not present. He revealed that there would be another meeting in two weeks time where the topic, along with other outstanding issues will be discussed.