Chance for Zimbabwe to turn over a new leaf

Earlier this week, the Commonwealth Committee of Chairpersons met in London and took a number of important decisions on Zimbabwe. In keeping with the mandate given at the Australia Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Committee considered the Report of the Commonwealth Observers who observed the recent Zimbabwe Presidential elections. Basing itself solely on this Report, the Committee decided that Zimbabwe should be suspended from the councils of the Commonwealth for a period of 12 months.

Consistent with the recommendations of the Commonwealth Observers, the Committee also committed the Commonwealth to support the Zimbabwe process of reconciliation, facilitated by South Africa and Nigeria. The association would also help to improve the electoral process in Zimbabwe. It also agreed to three other critically important initiatives, these being:

• urgent assistance to Zimbabwe to address the current food shortage;
• help to resolve the land question; and,
• support to achieve economic recovery.

These decisions were informed both by commitment to the Commonwealth objectives of democracy and good governance and a deep-seated friendship for the people of Zimbabwe. They lay the basis for Zimbabwe to extricate itself from the political and economic crisis it confronts, with the support of the Commonwealth and the rest of the world.

Zimbabwe and South Africa are immediate neighbours. We are tied together by history, language, culture and a similar legacy. Our peoples cross our common border at will. Being inextricably linked to each other, we share a common destiny.

For these reasons, we have been deeply concerned about the problems that have afflicted Zimbabwe. Of particular importance, we have sought to contribute everything we could to help the sister people of Zimbabwe to find solutions to these problems, to avoid a further worsening of the situation.

This spirit also informed the approach of the South African Observer Missions during the recent presidential elections. At the request of the Government of Zimbabwe, these Missions worked both to observe the elections and to contribute to the creation of a climate that would help the people of Zimbabwe freely to express their will.

Accordingly, they interacted with the Zimbabwe authorities at various levels to address all instances that came to their attention, which they believed would impact negatively on this objective. Because of the effective work they did in this regard, both the major political parties formally thanked the Missions for the contribution they made.

In the period since 1998, various sectors of our society have intervened in Zimbabwe in a similar spirit to lend a hand to the people of Zimbabwe to help them meet the challenges facing them. These have included the Government, political parties, and the ANC in particular, the farmers, business people and our religious leaders.

The interventions made covered various areas. These included the electoral process and other political matters, the land question and the economy. In all instances these interventions were made with a view to assisting the people of Zimbabwe without favouring any particular political formation in that country.

As early as 1998, with the agreement of the Government of Zimbabwe, our government communicated with the rest of the international community to request that the rest of the world should assist the people of Zimbabwe to find the necessary resources to address the land question in that country. This was done because it was clear that unless this matter was dealt with urgently, it could provoke a crisis within Zimbabwe.

Having accepted the necessity to give the assistance we requested, the international community agreed with the Government of Zimbabwe on various measures to be taken to help resolve the land question. This was done during the 1998 International Conference on the land question that was held in Zimbabwe. Unfortunately, very little happened to implement the decisions taken at this Conference.

At a later stage, our government secured financial commitments internationally to purchase over 100 farms, which would be used to resettle people who had illegally occupied a number of commercial farms. Unfortunately, again, nothing came of this initiative.

Before the 2000 parliamentary elections, the ANC interacted both with ZANU-PF and the MDC to encourage them to co-operate in an effort to create the best conditions possible for the holding of elections that would express the will of the people. Once more, during these elections, our country did what it could to contribute to the creation of the necessary climate for the holding of democratic elections.

In the aftermath of the rejection of the Draft Constitution during a referendum, we facilitated communication between the MDC and the government focussed on bringing about constitutional changes desired by both parties, some of which had, in fact, been part of the constitution that was rejected. These included, for example, the establishment of an Independent Electoral Commission.

Similar interventions were made with regard to the economy. These initiatives sought to help end the further decline of the economy in order to avoid a situation of the further impoverishment of the people and the social unrest that might result from this situation. These interventions included interaction with international financial institutions.

The Commonwealth has now spelt out a programme of action that seeks to help the people of Zimbabwe to address exactly the same matters with which we have been engaged. Once more, as has been the case with us, this intervention does not seek to favour any political party in Zimbabwe. It is intended to benefit the country and the people of Zimbabwe as a whole.

It is our duty to continue to work diligently to contribute whatever we can to the realisation of the goals set by the Commonwealth. As before, this calls for a co-operative effort among all sectors of our society. Again as before, we will have to approach our collective task in an honest and principled manner, without being driven by any desire to create a situation of confrontation. Undoubtedly, the Commonwealth will also adopt a similar posture.

We are pleased that various leading countries in the world have also indicated their readiness to participate in this programme directed at Zimbabwe's national reconciliation and economic recovery.

An important responsibility rests on the shoulders of the people of Zimbabwe and their political leaders in particular, to create the climate and circumstances that will enable us, our region, the Commonwealth and the rest of the world to help implement this programme of national reconciliation and economic recovery.

In this regard, we extend our best wishes to the ANC Secretary General, Kgalema Motlanthe and his colleague, Professor Adebayo Adedeji of Nigeria, as they work with ZANU-PF and the MDC to assist these leading political formations to address issues that of critical importance to the future of their country and people.

However, the matter cannot be over-emphasised that the future of Zimbabwe must and will be decided by the people of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a sovereign country and its people have every right to insist on their right to determine their destiny. In any case, no stable solution can be found unless it is a product of an agreement among the people of Zimbabwe themselves. To be productive, our interventions in this regard can only be as friends who act to support democracy, peace, stability and prosperity for all the people of that country.

It is however also true, as we have already indicated, that the future of Zimbabwe is of direct relevance to the future of our own country and our region. We are therefore materially and directly interested in a Zimbabwe that is democratic, peaceful, stable and prosperous.

Accordingly, none of us should do anything, which, for partisan reasons, encourages any tendency or process in Zimbabwe that is inimical to the attainment of these objectives. We have to persist in this approach without fear or favour.

The evolution of the situation in Zimbabwe holds important lessons for us. These relate, among others, to the challenges of building a non-racial society and issues of social transformation. The fact that Zimbabwe has been independent for 22 years points both to the fact that these are not easy matters to deal with and that, nevertheless, they have to be approached consciously, vigorously and systematically.

As a country we must learn everything we can from the experiences of our neighbour, so that we do not repeat mistakes that have been made by those who have gone before us. At the same time, we have to continue to strive to ensure that the negative consequences of such mistakes do not spill over to any of the countries of our region, including ourselves.

Our approach to any adverse matter that might arise in Zimbabwe must ensure that we do not encourage the emergence of similar adverse responses in our countries. What we have to share is best and not worst practice.

The people of Zimbabwe have a common task to identify for themselves what is in the national interest, the common challenges that face the country, regardless of race, ethnicity and gender. The political and other leaders of that country have a responsibility to work together to confront these common challenges. We must encourage such an outcome.

The people of Zimbabwe have a common task to build on the foundations of the process of national reconciliation that was proclaimed by the leaders of Zimbabwe even as she gained her independence in 1980. This requires that the objective of the creation of a truly non-racial society should be pursued by all the people of that country, both black and white, in a co-operative spirit, informed by a common patriotism and the full acceptance that Zimbabwe belongs to all who live in it. Together, they have an obligation to eradicate the legacy of colonialism and racism. We must support such an outcome.

The people of Zimbabwe have a common task to work to end any ethnic tensions that may exist, once more informed by the conviction that all Zimbabweans are entitled to equal rights in a common motherland.

The people of Zimbabwe have a common task to rebuild their economy, to eradicate poverty and underdevelopment and to ensure an equitable distribution of wealth, income and opportunity. This must be driven by the understanding that any other approach can only bring about insecurity and instability, affecting all Zimbabweans, both black and white. This is an outcome we cannot support.

The people of Zimbabwe have a common responsibility to ensure that theirs is a peaceful and democratic country, in which the people enjoy human rights and protection under the rule of law. This is an outcome we must support.

An historical moment has arisen giving the people of Zimbabwe the possibility to turn over a new leaf. It is our responsibility as neighbours, as Africans, as human beings to contribute to the success of Zimbabwe and her people. We trust that the rest of the world will join as partners in the common effort to assist the people of Zimbabwe to attain a better life for themselves.

HIV/AIDS

Lend a caring hand of hope

While the AIDS epidemic is one of the greatest challenges this society has faced, South Africans cannot afford to succumb to despondency and despair. In a statement released this week, the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) said that there is hope in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

"We are confident that, inspired by joint commitment to action, South Africans can succeed in managing and ultimately defeating AIDS," it said.

The NEC, following a wide-ranging discussion on HIV/AIDS, said there was reason to hope because South Africans have the internal strength to ensure their self-preservation as individuals, as communities and as a national. There was hope because the message of AIDS awareness had reached the majority of people in the country; treatment programmes and home-based care were helping manage the epidemic; and progress was being made in government' s efforts to eradicate the conditions of poverty that are critical in the propagation of HIV and progression of AIDS.

The NEC used the opportunity to clarify the position of the ANC on HIV/Aids. It re-affirmed that the ANC's approach to epidemic is informed by the assumption that HIV causes AIDS; that, though it can be managed in a variety of ways, there is no cure for AIDS; and that socio-economic conditions, particularly poverty, play a critical role in both the transmission and progression of the disease.

"The NEC meeting put all elements of our policies and strategies under scrutiny, and also examined the environment within which these matters have to be articulated. The overriding conclusion the meeting came to, is that these policies and strategies are, under current circumstances, among the best and most relevant approaches required to manage the epidemic," it said.

The work of the current period should be characterised by 'continuity and change' - continuity in broad strategy and policy, and change in intensity and coherence of implementation and articulation.

It reaffirmed the comprehensive strategy of government to address all aspects of the disease, which covers, among other things: " prevention, including awareness campaigns and changing lifestyles; management of sexually-transmitted diseases and the initiative to develop an AIDS vaccine; " treatment, care and support, which includes the intensification of the programme to treat all opportunistic infections and care for the affected and infected; " strengthening partnerships across all sectors of society for us collectively to make maximum impact in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

The NEC committed itself to the prevention of mother-to-child-transmission of HIV (PMTCT). It stressed that this entails more than just the administration of anti-retrovirals; but includes complex procedures to manage delivery of new-borns and matters of nutrition. On the drug Nevirapine, it was emphasised that the current programme is one of research to establish the long-term effectiveness of the drug and challenges of infrastructure. The current task is to consolidate this research and extend the sites where real capacity exists and the demands of research dictate. In December 2002, when the first group of babies in this programme would be between 12 and 18 months old, the process of determining whether the administration of the drug can be universally rolled out will begin.

"In the meantime we will intensify the training of lay counsellors and the implementation of other procedures to manage the delivery of babies born to HIV-positive mothers," it said.

While a number of antiretroviral drugs have been registered for use in South Africa, they cannot be provided in the public health system because of prohibitive costs and the complexity of management. The drugs have disastrous consequences in instances where they are not taken as they should be. The meeting emphasised that, while these drugs could not be provided in public health institutions, the Health Ministry was to do further work by consulting with medical practitioners and other health workers.

The meeting welcomed the briefing on support structures and resources that were being provided to help the infected and affected, including food parcels and foster care grants. Beginning with the letsema health month in April, ANC structures will be assuming a critical responsibility to mobilise communities to assist in this regard.

The NEC examined the place and role of continuing scientific enquiry in the battle against HIV/AIDS. It agreed that government is duty-bound to pose scientific questions on this and any other matter that affects public policy. In this regard, the NEC welcomes the continuing work of the International AIDS Panel, and urges that the matters under investigation should be handled with the urgency they deserve.

The NEC resolved to continue to seek co-operation with all who are genuinely interested in joining the fight against the epidemic, while combating populism and the opportunism that derives from cheap politicking or from benefits lavished by the lobby of powerful local and international interests.

The NEC endorsed the decision of government to appeal the court judgement on universal access to Nevirapine at the Constitutional Court: "The appeal is driven by the desire to clarify the critical matter of the role of the judiciary in relation to detailed matters of public policy. It is incorrect for anyone to prescribe a specific drug from the Bench, let alone one whose efficacy is still under investigation."

The positions of the ANC are inspired by hope in the strength of South Africans to lend a caring hand to defeat the epidemic.

"Where there is prophesising for doom, we stand for hope. Where there is mobilisation for despair, we call for measured, effective and sustainable programmes. Where there is focus on one issue, we draw attention to the whole gamut of actions required to fight HIV and AIDS.

"We are not populist. And we shall always strive to act with honesty. Not once in its history has the ANC sought short-cuts when faced with difficult problems. Nor shall we mislead our people in search of an adulatory headline," it said.

More Information:

• ANC NEC Statement: 'Lend a caring hand of hope'
• ANC Today Briefing Notes: HIV/AIDS in South Africa, November 2001
• HIV/AIDS/STD Strategic Plan for South Africa 2000-2005, May 2000

GROWTH SUMMIT

Alliance seeks set of concrete actions

The ANC, together with its Alliance partners, the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) and the South African Communist Party (SACP), is beginning work to outline a set of concrete actions which can be tabled before the Growth and Development Summit for adoption by all key stakeholders. This approach, discussed at a recent 10-a-side meeting of the Alliance partners, was endorsed by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) at its meeting last weekend.

The Growth and Development Summit, which will probably take place in second half of the year, will focus on developing a plan to accelerate the growth of the economy, create employment, develop skills, significantly develop the country's infrastructure and meet basic needs in a sustainable manner.

The work that has already begun within the Alliance was further enriched by the NEC discussion, which included an overview of challenges faced and progress made over the last 8 years.

In 1994, the democratic government inherited an economy in a severe state of decline. There had been stagnant growth for several years, massive inequality, inefficiency, high unemployment and a long period of isolation from the world economy. The first response of the government was macroeconomic reform. This has been successful in reducing the budget deficit, thereby reducing borrowing requirements, and freeing up funds for public expenditure. The dangers of opening up our markets has not been realised, as the manufacturing sector has become very competitive internationally. Manufactured products, as opposed to primary products, have increasingly become one of the country's major exports, enabling the country to derive greater benefits from its raw materials. These macroeconomic reforms have stabilised the economy, but have been insufficient to bring about the growth rates required to meet the needs of the people.

The government has therefore identified micro-economic reforms as the chief focus of current efforts to generate growth and jobs. This does not mean that certain micro-economic reforms haven't taken place over the last eight years, nor does it mean that some macro-economic fine-tuning doesn't still need to take place.

The elements of an integrated action plan on micro-economic reform, first announced by President Thabo Mbeki in February 2001, include:

• more targeted and effective support for small business development;
• encouraging key growth sectors like tourism, agriculture, exports, information and communication technology, and cultural industries;
• additional capacity, resources and better coordination for the development of the country's human resources;
• greater and more effective spending on infrastructure;
• focusing on lower costs and increased access to transport, telecommunications and energy infrastructure.

This plan will include a strong equity dimension, ensuring that meaningful black economic empowerment takes place in all sectors and at all levels of the economy. It will also need to have a geographical dimension, integrating existing strategies around rural and urban development nodes; spatial development initiatives (SDIs) and Industrial Development Zones (IDZs); the Integrated Development Plans (IDPs) of local government; and efforts to integrate with countries in SADC and elsewhere on the continent.

Preparations for the Growth and Development Summit will be one of a number of issues on the agenda of the forthcoming Alliance Summit, a meeting of the national executives of all three alliance partners, scheduled for 3-6 April.

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