Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
JOINT STATEMENT BY THE FOREIGN MINISTERS OF SOUTH AFRICA AND THE KINGDOM OF SWAZILAND
The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Swaziland and the Republic of South Africa, Senator Arthur Khoza and Mr Alfred Nzo, met in Pretoria on 4 February 1997 for discussions against the background of recent developments in Swaziland.
Minister Khoza expressed the Swaziland Government's concern at COSATU's association with the strike action called by the Swaziland Federation of Trade Unions. This was regarded as interference in Swaziland's internal affairs. Minister Khoza said that the COSATU decision to advise its members to withhold the delivery of goods to Swaziland would be in contravention of the Southern African Customs Union agreement on the free movement of goods within the region, and in violation of the SADC trade protocol.
Minister Nzo emphasized the trust that exists between South Africa and Swaziland. He said that officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs had recently met with leaders of COSATU to discuss relations with Swaziland and COSATU's expressions of solidarity with the SFTU. Minister Nzo laid emphasis on COSATU's status as an organisation that operates independently of the South African Government. He assured the Swaziland delegation that the South African Government would never interfere in the internal affairs of Swaziland. He praised the formation of the Constitutional Review Commission in Swaziland as a positive and brave move, appealed to the Swaziland Government to guide and control the developing democratic process in that country and to expedite the deliberations of the Constitutional Review Commission.
Mr Nzo also referred to the South African press statement of 3 February 1997, and stressed that 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. He added that it is South Africa's 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. He also called on all other role players to constructively strive towards finding a negotiated settlement.
It was agreed that the Department of Foreign Affairs would continue its dialogue with COSATU, and brief the latter of South Africa's obligations to the region under the SACU and SADC agreement.
The Ministers agreed that their contact was fruitful and should be maintained and that a follow-up meeting would be held in Swaziland at a date convenient to both Governments.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 4 FEBRUARY 1997