Issued by: Office of the Presidency
15 May 2001
Deputy President Zuma today presented a lecture on the process that led to South Africa's achievement of peace and democracy, at the Los Andes National University in Bogota, Colombia.
The Deputy President had been requested by Vice President Gustavo Bell Lemus to share with the Colombians, the process of transition from apartheid to democracy in South Africa. Vice President Bell Lemus said South Africa was a good role model in the world with regards to conflict resolution.
The Government of Colombia is currently engaged in peace negotiations with guerrilla movements and the Government believes there are lessons that Colombia can learn from the South African success story. Vice President Bell Lemus also invited Deputy President Zuma to possibly engage the Colombian guerrilla movements to assist the Colombian peace process.
In response, Deputy President Zuma said South Africa would be willing to hold discussions with the Colombian guerrilla movements to share experiences. The conflict between the Government of Colombia and guerilla movements has been going on for about four decades.
Yesterday, Deputy President Zuma received a briefing on the Colombian peace negotiations from the High Commission for Peace in Colombia, Mr Camillo Gomez Alzate. He also laid a wreath at the memorial of Simon Bolivar, a national hero in Colombia and Venezuela, where he freed slaves.
The visit of the South African delegation to Colombia has focused on co-operation on combating drug trafficking as well as South Africa sharing its conflict resolution expertise.
The Deputy President will leave Colombia for Mexico tomorrow, 16 May where the delegation will focus on strengthening trade relations.
The Deputy President=B4s delegation includes the Minister for Safety and Security, Mr Steve Tshwete, Minister for Intelligence Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister for Justice Penuell Maduna and Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Aziz Pahad.
The Ministers today continued discussions with related Ministries, regarding co-operation in fighting organized crime.
Inquiries: Lakela Kaunda , spokesperson to Deputy President, (09573) 241 3032.