Issued by: The Department of Foreign Affairs
PRESS STATEMENT ON SOUTH AFRICA'S PLEDGE TO THE OAU SPECIAL EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND FOR DROUGHT AND FAMINE IN AFRICA
South Africa has donated an amount of R250 000 (US $ 53 200,00) to the OAU Special Emergency Assistance Fund for Drought and Famine in Africa. The funds will be used to provide emergency assistance for victims of drought and famine in Africa and to provide immediate material and financial assistance in support of activities and programmes to reduce the impact of drought ad/or famine. This fund was established by the Twentieth Session of the OAU Assembly of Heads of State and Government after the major drought which affected a number of African countries in 1984.
From 1986 to 1994, the Special Fund financed 52 projects in 29 African countries, contributing a total of US$ 22 895 430,00. The projects encompassed, inter alia, the rehabilitation of water resource infrastructures, reforestation, support for food production, food assistance for people affected by drought and famine, early warning systems and locust control.
The projects are jointly monitored by the technical sections of the OAU and the African Development Bank which ensure that the projects are executed in conformity with the assistance agreement, binding both the OAU ad the beneficiary country.
South Africa will, in closest consultation with the OAU, identify the most deserving projects to be funded by our contribution.
All OAU Member States were informed during March 1996 of the critical financial situation of the Fund and its dwindling resources compounded by a lack of contributions.
Given South Africa's own experiences with the devastating effects of droughts on its people and the resulting adverse socio-economic conditions, South Africa - in conformity with the OAU - regards the efforts to strengthen the capacity to deliver drought and famine relief as of crucial importance to the amelioration of Africa's crisis situations.
This donation of R250 000 (US $ 53 200,00) further manifests South Africa's commitment to the political and economic development of Africa of which it is an integral part. South Africa further calls on other African Members of the Fund to donate their pledges before the Harare Pledging Session in June 1997.
ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRETORIA 7 FEBRUARY 1997