Date: 17/11/2005
Source: Ministry of Intelligence
Title: Kasrils: Opening of Ministerial Session of SA-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission


  Welcome address by the South African Minister for Intelligence, Honourable Ronnie Kasrils, to the Official Opening of the Ministerial Session of the RSA/Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security, Cape Town Lodge, Cape Town

Honourable Dydimus Mutasa, Minister of State for National Security, of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
Honourable Sydney Sekeramayi, Minister of Defence of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
Honourable Ministers & Deputy Ministers of South Africa Defence, Police, Correctional Services & Home Affairs;
Honourable Reuben Marumahoko, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs of the Republic of Zimbabwe;
Co-Chairpersons of the Senior Officials Meeting of the Joint Commission;
Permanent Secretaries and Director Generals;
Chiefs of Defence Forces, Chiefs of Police Services & Chiefs of Intelligence Services;
Chiefs of Immigration, Revenue, National Parks & Home Affairs;
Senior Government Officials and Government Officers of South Africa and Zimbabwe;
Members of the Media

On behalf of the South African delegation to the inaugural meeting of the South Africa-Zimbabwe Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security I would like to extend a warm welcome to the Zimbabwe delegation to this Ministerial Session in Cape Town, this morning.

In welcoming you we also acknowledge the solid work and progress made by the officials of the Joint Commission leading up to our meeting.

Yesterday, I conveyed to the officials our recognition of their efforts and therefore, given the importance of our work, it is imperative that they receive our support and encouragement, as they prepare and support progress with regard to the outcomes of our deliberations.

Co-Chairperson,

The establishment of a Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security has been a longstanding objective of the Defence establishments of both South Africa and Zimbabwe, since the idea was first mooted by the Secretaries for Defence of both our countries respectively.

Consequently, a South Africa-Zimbabwe Defence Liaison Committee was established in terms of a Defence Co-operation Agreement signed on 21 February 1996, by former Defence Ministers of the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Zimbabwe, the late Honourable Joe Modise and the late Honourable Moven Mahachi respectively. At that time both former Ministers pointed out that cooperation between our two countries dated back a very long time, founded on historical ties, geographical proximity, linguistic and cultural affinities. The history of the liberation struggles of Southern Africa and the resultant shedding of blood for a common cause was articulated as having cemented our cooperation on the way forward in the development of our respective countries and the region a whole.

This meeting takes place at an important time in our bilateral and regional relations. In addition to many significant developments between our two countries we have also played a significant role in the multilateral initiatives of Southern African Development Community (SADC), including the SADC Organ, the SADC Inter-State Defence and Security Committee (ISDSC), the SADC Brigade of the African Standby Force, the SADC Mutual Defence Pact and the Regional Peace Training Centre (RPTC) located in Zimbabwe.

The SADC Troika has also afforded both our countries the platform and opportunity for continuity of our joint efforts with regard to implementing critical foreign policy and Defence related issues, both multilateral and regional.

This week’s historic meeting therefore further consolidates a longstanding socio-political and economic relationship between our two countries. Our purpose now seeks to ensure that the appropriate levels of stability and security for sustainable progress and development are in place.

Co-Chairperson,

This first week of sessions of the Joint Commission will set the parameters of how we will work in future. Firstly, this Joint Commission will operate at two levels, the level of Ministers, and the level of officials appointed by their respective Ministers. Secondly, the focus of our work will be efficiently constituted through the following Committees: Defence; Public Security; and, State Security.

The specific objectives of the Joint Commission are threefold:

1. To identify areas of cooperation in the fields of Defence and Security;
2. To establish channels for the exchange of information and experience in the fields of Defence and Security, and any related matters of mutual interest; and,
3. To give guidance to the Committees on ways and means of implementing its decisions.

In this regard the officials have spent the past few days reviewing the terms of reference establishing the Joint Commission, and paving a strategic framework for progress on agreed objectives of both our countries.

The intention of this Joint Commission is to identify areas of co-operation in the fields of Defence and Security ranging from military, policing and intelligence issues in general, to specific areas of concern including cross-border crime, illegal immigration and mutual capacity building.

The Joint Commission also intends to meet annually in both countries on an alternate basis, which will afford us the opportunity to further strengthen our growing relationship through the alignment of our work procedures and the interoperability of our systems.

Co-Chairperson,

We have quite an interesting and busy schedule today for delegates, officials and media here today. After this speech and photo opportunity for the media, we will gather before the media again at 12:30 to sign two Memoranda of Understanding.

The first Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of South Africa and the Government of Zimbabwe establishes the Joint Commission agreement through guidelines and operating procedures outlined earlier.

Today we will also be signing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of South Africa and the Government of Zimbabwe relating to the provision of Air Force of Zimbabwe flying instructors to the South African Air Force (SAAF). This initiative, involving the seconding of Zimbabwe’s flying instructors to train SAAF pilots, aircraft technicians and support staff, follows a long tradition of training exchanges between our countries that included joint military exercises, peacekeeping training, defence management training, staff course visits, communication training, sporting activities and aviation safety.

The initiative also has an aim to accelerate interaction between SADC Air Forces and specifically the South African Air Force and the Air Force of Zimbabwe beyond development and support training. The highlight of the day will be the opportunity to take our guests to our naval base in Simons Town for a visit and brief trip on one of our new strategic acquisitions, the Valour Class Patrol Corvette SAS Mendi.

Co-Chairperson, In conclusion, South Africa’s Minister of Defence, Honourable Mosiuoa Lekota, was not with us this week due to a recent medical condition. He is recuperating at a military hospital here in Cape Town and has conveyed his best wishes and support for the success of this very important meeting.

Further, the Surgeon General of the South African Department of Defence has reported that the Honourable Minister is making very good progress and should be ready to resume his formal duties in the near future. In turn this meeting wishes the Honourable Minister of Defence of a speedy recovery.

Co-Chairperson,

With these introductory comments I take this opportunity to formally welcome the Zimbabwean Ministers and delegation to Cape Town and South Africa.

I thank you.

Issued by: Ministry of Intelligence
17 November 2005