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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
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