| URL: http://www.engineeringnews.co.za | |
| Policy, Law, Economics and Politics - Deepening Democracy through Access to Information | This privately-owned website is operated and maintained by Creamer Media |
 |
 |
|
Polity
Published: 06 Oct 2006
|
|
| Radebe: 40th Anniversary of Independence of Lesotho (06/10/2006) | |
| Date: 06/10/2006 Source: Ministry of Transport Title: Radebe: 40th Anniversary of Independence of Lesotho Address by the Minister of Transport, Mr Jeff Radebe, MP, at the celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of independence of the Kingdom of Lesotho, in the Lesotho High Commission Offices, Menlo Park, Pretoria High Commissioner, Mosuoe Moteane, Honourable Ministers, Your worship, the Mayor of Tshwane, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, High Commissioners Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, I am deeply delighted to have the privilege of joining all of you on this auspicious occasion to mark the 40th anniversary celebrations of Lesotho. The independence of Lesotho means a lot of positive developments not only for Lesotho, but also for countries in the region. The South African government therefore treats this day with great honour and pride. Since South Africa's democratic dispensation in 1994, relations between South Africa and Lesotho followed an encouraging path on investment, trade and development. I must emphasise that relations between South Africa and Lesotho will continue to focus on key issues that will impact positively on people of both countries. The two countries will share and co-operate in areas of tourism development, job creation, trade and development investment and economic growth, education and cultural exchanges, exchange of technology and agricultural co-operation. Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I must stress that South Africa has a well-diversified economy with mining, agriculture, commerce and automotive industries doing very well. Positive economic swings in South Africa are contributing positively to both economies and they are intended to benefit other neighbouring countries. The signing of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation (JBCC) by President Mbeki and the Prime Minister Mosisili in Maseru on 19 April 2001 was a brilliant turning point in portraying the excellent relations that we are witnessing between the two countries. It gives a strong sense of pride and encouragement in socio-economic development to note that the JBCC agreement reminds us of Lesotho's economic status and willingness to move from being one of the least development countries. Ladies and gentlemen, some of you will remember that on 18 July this year the Governments of Lesotho and South Africa reached a landmark socio-economic development for the people of the two countries when they agreed on the upgrading of the Mokhotlong - Sani Pass from the gravel, largely hard to navigate terrain to a smooth road. This road is currently being used by 4x4 vehicles. The upgrading of this road will bring the much-needed development to the areas of Himeville and Underberg in South Africa as well as Mokhotlong in Lesotho. The total cost of this road is R160 million. This initiative provides South Africa, Lesotho and the region with an opportunity to improve international, trade and economic relations. This project involves the upgrading of the 33,1 kilometre access road and forms part of the regional road link that links South Africa with the Mokhotlong area of Lesotho and also serves as an essential link for economic, social and tourism activities in this region. From South Africa's point of view this mountain pass has a major tourist and trade significance, providing economic benefits to the Underberg area just outside Pietermaritzburg. To Lesotho, the mountain pass provides the nearest market and health care services for the people in the Mokhotlong region. In July last year my Lesotho counterpart Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr Popane and myself signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to promote technical co-operation and activities in the area of transport including the areas of road, rail and air transportation which will pave the way for improved, tourism, trade and investment between the two countries. I must stress that regional co-operation and integration as articulated in the South African Development Community (SADC) protocol on transport, telecommunication and meteorology, which binds South Africa and Lesotho, are cornerstones to achieving the vision of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD). The Sani Pass project also provides access to the Maloti Transfrontier Park and the World Heritage Site thereby promoting tourism in this region. Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to mention that Lesotho's road network is constantly being expanded and being linked to the South African road network system, thus providing excellent access to the cities and ports of South Africa. The Lesotho borders with South Africa at Caledonspoort, Ficksburg and Maseru are open 24 hours a day and inland port and container facilities are available. Upgrading of roads within and in the outskirts of Maseru to bitumen standard, and improvement of roads in other urban centres are progressing and expansion of the national road network through the most remote locations in the country is continuing. These developments, ladies and gentlemen, will yield much needed benefits between the two countries. At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, let me emphasise that South Africa and Lesotho will tirelessly work together to improve the following: identification of potential foreign and domestic investment, promotion of South Africa and Lesotho to foreign investors in all sectors of the economy, ensuring availability of services, facilities and incentives necessary to enhance economic co-operation between the two countries, improve relations in the promotion of trade and tourism, sharing of expertise in transport services and infrastructure, engineering and telecommunication. In conclusion distinguished guests, I would like to thank his Excellency High Commissioner Moteane for extending this invitation to all of us to celebrate this memorable occasion. I thank you! Issued by: Ministry of Transport 6 October 2006 |
|