We have detected that the browser you are using is no longer supported. As a result, some content may not display correctly.
We suggest that you upgrade to the latest version of any of the following browsers:
close notification
Fore
ign Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma says government
will soon appoint a new Deputy Director-General to deal
specifically with multilateral relations in Africa.
The minister was addressing the media during the parliamentary
media briefing yesterday.
Minister Dlamini-Zuma added that government needed to put much
emphasis on Africa as it had concentrated much effort on bilateral
agreements with foreign countries.
"I wouldn't say neglected but we have not put much energy on
bilateral relations with the African countries and we have
identified this as one of the areas that we should deal with.
"This is important and also in line with Nepad because Nepad talks
about partnership between African countries and bilateral relations
means everything between political relations, economy, trade,
investments and tourism."
Speaking on tourism, she said South Africa had a lot of potential
and, "If we look at our tourism last year alone, we were looking at
probably over six-million tourists, four-million of them coming
from the African continent. It shows contrary to perceptions that
our tourism is sustained by Africa."
The minister shot down the misconception that most Africans wanted
to live in South Africa, saying people loved their homes and wanted
to remain patriotic.
"We should look at that in proper perspective as a regime that
encourages tourism and trade amongst African countries," she
said.
Dlamini-Zuma also said south-south relations were important and
should not to be seen as a replacement of relations with countries
in the north.
"If you put developing countries together, they do have a lot of
competitive advantage amongst themselves. When put together they
can actually enhance their development," she explained.
She emphasised the importance of countries in the southern region
to work together not only politically but also economically.
The minister also condemned xenophobia, adding that everyone was
welcomed in South Africa.
"How can we even stand with our heads high when do things like
that, how can you differentiate between a Mozambican and a South
African," she asked. - BuaNews .
Map
