Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
MEDIA STATEMENT ON SOUTH AFRICAN - NORWEGIAN ANNUAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION CONSULTATIONS
Consultations on development cooperation were held in Pretoria between South African and Norwegian delegations between 13 and 16 May 1997. Agreed Minutes were signed on 16 May 1997 on assistance for the remaining three years of a transitional period of five years ending in 1999. The Norwegian delegation pledged continued support at a level of 120 million Norwegian kroner each year, corresponding to approximately R80 million. Total funds made available during the five years are expected to reach at level of 575 million Norwegian kroner or R360 million.
Norway's contribution to the democratisation process in South Africa was initiated 20 years ago, as financial and political support to liberation movements in exile, church organisations, trade unions and a variety of non-governmental and community-based organisations. After the first democratic elections in South Africa in 1994, the nature of Norwegian assistance changed to long-term development cooperation, in support of South Africa's Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP). The objective of the present cooperation, shared by the two countries, is to contribute to the consolidation of democracy and to support a process leading to economic growth and social development.
The cooperation between South Africa and Norway will focus on areas to promote democracy and human rights, local government, primary education, housing and environmental affairs. In addition, support will be given to small-scale industries and to the development of a national policy and legislation for the energy and fishery sectors.
Among agreement signed after the consultations last year, can be mentioned support to the african Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town, the Institute Democracy in South Africa (IDASA), the Open Learning System Trust (OLSET) and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
South Africa and Norway have, in addition, concluded negotiations for an agreement on procedures between the two countries, concerning the promotion of the RDP of South Africa. The agreement is expected to be signed in the near future. The two delegations have also agreed to further explore and identify areas of cooperation beyond the year 2000.
Issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs PRETORIA 16 MAY 1997