Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
Against the background of recent developments in Swaziland, the Department of Foreign Affairs wishes to announce that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Alfred Nzo, will be holding discussions with his Swaziland counterpart, Mr Arthur Khoza, in Pretoria on 4 February 1997.
The South African Government regards the formation of the Constitutional Review Commission in Swaziland by His Majesty King Mswati 111 as a positive and brave step which should make an important contribution to the evolution of a democratic system in the Kingdom. The South African Government has great respect for Swaziland's traditional and customary institutions and is convinced that these institutions will not be threatened in any way by the adoption of a democratic constitution. It is our view that these customs and traditions will continue to be nurtured in a democratic environment that has been achieved by peaceful dialogue amongst all sectors of Swazi society.
The last decade of this century has seen the expansion of democracy throughout Southern Africa. Happily, through the invaluable support of its neighbours, including Swaziland, South Africa experienced a transition from a restrictive apartheid system to the extension of democracy to all our peoples, which has brought great benefits to our country. While we certainly do not wish to prescribe the South African experience to anyone, South Africa feels that the pursuit of democratic principles by each country in the SADC region in its own way can only be to the good of the region as a whole.
It is with regret that the South African Government noted the arrest of the leaders of the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions this past weekend. We do not feel that this step is helpful in encouraging the expansion of democracy in Swaziland, nor does it address the underlying problems affecting that country.
The South African Government, as a good neighbour intent upon expanding the cordial ties that exist between our two countries, appeals to His Majesty the King and the Swaziland Government to reconsider this decision. In a fraternal spirit, South Africa wishes to encourage the Government of Swaziland to enter into dialogue with all sectors of Swaziland society. The South African Government appeals to the Swaziland Government to firmly guide and control the developing democratic process in that country ad to expedite the deliberations of the Constitutional Review Commission as a matter of urgency. We also call on all other role players to constructively strive towards finding a negotiated settlement.
For additional information please contact Pieter Swanepoel on 083-2250209
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 3 FEBRUARY 1997