National Assembly, 27th February 2001
Madam Speaker
In our January 8th statement, the ANC said that:
"slavery, colonialism and neo colonialism have ravaged the African economy. ....The provision of an adequate standard of living for the millions of our people has been very weak.The situation has to be corrected by rebuilding Africa’s economies to ensure that they are able to generate the necessary volumes of wealth, work for the people, and the capacities that will ensure that we take our rightful place within the global economy."
This ANC policy statement - as well what the President said in this House about us uniting for change in the fight against poverty - what guide us in this debate today.
Our position on the challenges faced by the people of Zimbabwe must follow this approach. We cannot do anything that is going to defeat this perspective and lead to the polarisation of the people of our region. Instead we should be doing everything to build unity amongst the people of Zimbabwe so that they can address the problems they face together, irrespective of political affiliation. The ties that bind us with Zimbabwe are many.
But while we have much common history, our paths are very different. We must look at the distinctions as well as the parallels in order to work for solutions that will benefit our countries and our region.
Zimbabwe is facing great challenges. Perhaps the root of the problem is that, after an initial period of growth after independence, structural adjustment requirements have led to negative growth.
And, most critically, it is still seeking a solution to the question of land reform and redistribution. Today, too much remains in the hands of too few.
The economic decline has compounded the frustrations of war veterans the youth, and landless peasants. People have taken the law into their own hands.
Contrast this with South Africa. Our post democracy period is characterised by fiscal responsibility, growth and transformation, though we still face grave challenges.
With a fundamentally sound economy, we are now moving into an economic environment with emphasis on the micro-economy, to stimulate growth and development.
Our strength is that we arrived at freedom, after a long struggle, through negotiation and agreement.
Sadly the problems of Zimbabwe have been used to stir up insecurity in this country. Questions of press freedom, of the relationship between government and the judiciary, and breakdown of rule of law have been dangled in front of the people of this country as though these are under threat here, in the new South Africa.
The African National Congress does not waiver on these issues. The ANC has built the freedom of expression, the freedom of opinion and belief into our constitution. But the ANC will continue to debate issues and say when we disagree with the media.
The independence of the Judiciary is an important pillar of any healthy democratic system. The ANC will fight to keep it so, but we will criticise judgements we believe unjust. And transform the judiciary in line with our constitutional values.
The ANC will fight to maintain the rule of law, but we will continue to transform the legal framework of our country in accordance with our belief in fairness, justice and equity.
The values of the ANC do not change for political expedience.
Today in the Old Assembly, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands said: " South Africa is an important force of stability and economic development in the sub-continent".
It is clear that the international community applauds our government’s policies in relation to our continent - unlike the doom and gloom parties who sit in this House.
Madam Speaker
We must apply the same standards and values throughout the world. As we condemn human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, we must condemn them in Israel. We must speak out against the abuse of power we see in the bombing of Iraq.
History is littered with the devastation caused by foreign powers interfering in the internal affairs of foreign states - Vietnam is only one example.
We must offer Zimbabwe something else. The issue of land must be resolved through the broad context of development, democracy and human rights as envisaged in the Millennium Africa Recovery Plan.
Key to the solution of the problems faced by Zimbabwe is the speedy resolution of the land question.
It is the responsibility of South Africa and the entire international community to commit themselves to solving this land problem, and ensure a fair distribution of land to the rural masses.
Calls for sanctions, to cut off aid are irresponsible. Such action will only result in more illegal immigrants.
Madam Speaker
In this House on 20th September last year, our President said, referring to the situation in Zimbabwe:
"We can shout as much as we want about that, but it will not address this issue. However, we have to address this matter and we have to ensure to the best extent that we can we are not governors or the government of Zimbabwe - that this is handled in a manner that respects the law, that respects the rights of Zimbabweans and that produces the stability and development that is required".Zimbabwe is a democracy with a democratically elected government. We cannot only believe in the ballot box when it suits us. Let us leave the internal politics of our neighbours to the people of those countries but always reaffirming our commitment to justice, freedom of expression and the rule of law.
The ANC has historic links with Zanu PF - they fought the same liberation struggle against colonialism and racism. But we speak to all parties in Zimbabwe, including the MDC.
In the last elections the opposition made a very strong showing. It must use its support responsibly and work to bring about growth, stability, democracy and peace.
Yesterday I met with the leadership of the MDC yesterday, Morgan Tsvangirai and Gibson Sibanda, the Leader of the Opposition in the Zimbabwean Parliament.
Mr Tsvangirai told the media that this meeting with the ANC was one of the most important he has held. We had a frank discussion about the situation in Zimbabwe and we agree that a lasting solution to the challenges must come from the people of Zimbabwe themselves.
The MDC has met with the ANC before our Secretary General led an ANC delegation to Zimbabwe and met with both Zanu PF and the MDC.
South Africa and other neighbours have a very important role to ensure that democracy and economic stability thrive in Zimbabwe.
Madam Speaker
Our President has said that he will meet President Mugabe to engage him on the challenges faced by his country.
This is a bold political statement by our head of state.
It indicates that our government will not hesitate to engage, but will not attempt to impose its will through irresponsible actions.
Madam Speaker
Rather than making cheap politics out of the problems of our neighbours whilst following the core values of the ANC and our constitution let us all devote our energy to building unity in action for change.