LIMPOPO - South Africas Minister of International relations and Cooperation, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane (pictured), said at the weekend that the effectiveness of the countrys foreign policy would depend on how it responded to challenges such as those that Zimbabwe was facing.We cannot look at ourselves in isolation from our location in this region. South Africa cannot be an island of peace and prosperity, she said in a lecture at the University of Limpopo.
What we do in the SADC, the rest of Africa, and in our relations with countries of the South and those of the North is in our interest now and in the future. We have been consistent since 1994 in what we do in our international relations, but there is also been areas of change by virtue of the dynamic nature of the environment we work in and the lessons we learn. We harbour no illusions that this consistency will continue into the future, but our effectiveness in our foreign policy will also depend on how we respond to changing circumstances.
Nkoana-Mashabane said South Africa was committed to seeing the inclusive government work.
We will continue to work with our neighbours and the international community to support the implementation of the Global Political Agreement in Zimbabwe and finding a lasting solution to the crisis in Madagascar. Our recent State Visit to Angola is one effort towards strengthening bilateral relations among Member States of the SADC. Sound and strong bilateral relations with our neighbours will help consolidate the spirit of solidarity and cooperation that kept our region together during the dark days of apartheid.
South Africa has borne the biggest brunt of the political and economic turmoil in neighbouring Zimbabwe. It is estimated that three million Zimbabweans have sought refuge in the country.
Said Nkoana-Mashabane: This very Province bears testimony to what we always say that our future is inseparably-linked to that of our neighbours and the rest of Africa. The developments in Zimbabwe have had an impact on this Province. Like the people of Zimbabwe, you have an interest in the speedy resolution of challenges in that country.
The lecture was attended by University of Limpopo Vice-Chancellor Mahlo Mokgalong and the Premier of Limpopo, Cassel Mathale among other officials.
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