Document handed out: Media Briefing by Deputy Minister
The briefing was given by Deputy Minister Aziz Pahad (document awaited).
Discussion (Q) If the peace process in the DRC falters, will SADC impose sanctions?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, there is no talk of sanctions yet. Our major objective is to get the Lusaka Accord back on track, particularly the ceasefire and the requirement of internal dialogue. The problem is rooted in that, once Mobutu left Zaire, there was no clear idea of what would replace him. This is unprecedented neo-colonialism. Also, in the DRC, the war has become profitable, in that people are making money from this war. No, we want the Lusaka Accord to be implemented.
(Q) You spoke of an "older generation of African leaders carrying colonial baggage". Who are you referring to?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: I cannot be specific. I think the Cold War played a major part in all this; for example, Mobutu was kept in power since he was seen as a democratic leader and a defence against communism. One of our big challenges is to tackle neo-colonial legacies.
(Q) When the ANC was still banned, 15 years ago, you were in exile, Mr Pahad. Does the ANC have any contact with the Movement for Democratic Change in Zimbabwe?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: Yes, the ANC has contact with this organisation.
(Q) Do you think the recent spate of bombings in Cape Town makes it comparable to Algeria?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, Algeria is totally different from South Africa. The terrorism there is at a much higher level. Also, don’t make the mistake of equating terrorism with religion. The Cape Town terrorists are not representative of Muslims or Islamic people, but are a small group.
(Q) You spoke of "identifying priorities". What are these priorities?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: This has to do with our vision of the African Renaissance. We do not see it as something that is happening "out there", but as something that is happening right here and right now. As I mentioned earlier, we are interested in market access, direct foreign investment, etc, like the Marshall Plan that was implemented in Europe after World War II.
Of course, the true priority is peace and stability in the African continent. This is linked, inextricably, to development.
(Q) What is South Africa’s position on the Comoros?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: That is easy to answer. Democracy must be restored or sanctions will be increased.
(Q) Excuse my ignorance, Deputy Minister, but it appears the OAU has different approaches in assisting conflict-ridden states. Why are sanctions being imposed on the Comoros and not on the DRC? Did you not say earlier that the DRC must take responsibility for its own problems?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, no. We take specific approaches to specific situations. These approaches cannot be the same. The UN has not said it is time to impose sanctions on the DRC.
(Q) How many more lives will be lost before it is time for sanctions?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: We can’t seem to find a solution. I realise that, to date, 1.8 million people have died. This must stop.
(Q) How embarrassing is it for Foreign Affairs that a gifted amateur has more success in the Great Lakes region than it has?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: Are you speaking of Former President Mandela in Burundi? No, he is not acting in isolation from us. We work closely together; all our activities are linked.
(Q) Do you know if the Cape Town bombers have any overseas contacts?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, although I have read in the news that some of them may have been trained in other countries. But there is no concrete evidence that they have received assistance. Not in the Sudan or anywhere else.
(Q) How do you reconcile the South African government’s stance that no ransom is to be paid for hostages with the fact that R 1 million was paid for each hostage in the Philippines?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, to pay for the safe return of hostages sets a dangerous precedent. We are hesitant to open this Pandora’s Box.
(Q) Any sign of a negotiated settlement in Angola? Or that the warring parties will resolve their differences?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No military solution is possible; if there is to be a settlement, it will be a negotiated one. We are committed to increased sanctions against UNITA. In addition, we are playing a major role in the issue of diamonds fueling the civil wars in Sierra Leone.
Angola and the DRC are both vital members of SADC. We will try to assist and maintain contact for a negotiated solution.
Also, it is said that "Good news doesn’t sell newspapers". It seems that other places understand the challenges and successes of South Africa better than we do. For example, I saw on my recent trip to Korea that they see us as central to their relations with all African nations. But we seem to want negative news only about ourselves. The Leader of the Opposition goes abroad and makes negative, pessimistic and false statements about South Africa. This is unprecedented and affects foreign investment. There is constant negative reporting about South Africa. The media has a duty to be constructively critical.
(Q) Are you not aware that both the Minister of Justice and President Mbeki have linked South Africa to Algeria? Is this not negative?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, no. Do not say these things. South Africa is nothing like Algeria. Or, for that matter, Ireland, Bosnia or, now, Indonesia. Those are massacres taking place in Algeria. This is nothing like South Africa.
(Q) I do not understand your response, given this comparison was made by the Minister of Justice and repeated by the President. Should President Mbeki meet with the Leader of the Opposition to discuss his concerns?
(A) Deputy Minister Pahad: No, Foreign Affairs must meet with him.