Angolan Crisis: briefing

Meeting report

PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE
29 February 2000
ANGOLAN CRISIS

Documents handed out:
Defence Portfolio Committee Programme for 2000 (See Appendix 1)

SUMMARY
The Deputy Minister stated that there was an urgent need to find a solution to the Angolan crisis as it was hindering South Africa's political and economic growth, and contributing to poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Involvement was needed to combat the problem of guns from the Caprivi Strip entering the country.

The Committee adopted their committee programme.

MINUTES
Ms Modise (Chairperson) stated that there were three items on the agenda: the Angolan Crisis, the draft programme for this year, and a summary of the seminar that committee members attended earlier this year.

The Angolan Crisis
Deputy Minister, Ms Nozizwe Madlada-Routledge addressed the committee about the crisis in Angola and Namibia. She stated that the problems in Northern Namibia were closely related to the political instability in Angola, and that South Africa must play a role in pursuing peace within this region in order to move to a more stable Africa. Wars contributed to poverty as well as the spread of HIV/AIDS, and solutions to these problems in South Africa cannot be found when neighboring countries are not in a secure position.

Kevin Qoboshiane (political advisor) briefed the committee on Namibia's involvement in Angola. He stated that the crisis in Angola began to affect Namibia last year when the Angolan government had asked Namibia to let their armies attack UNITA from Namibian territory. The Namibian government had refused the request, stating it was too close to their election period. Attacks on UNITA had resulted in its members scattering throughout Angola and into Namibia.

Mr Qoboshiane stated that the Caprivi Strip was a potential danger zone, as it shared borders with Angola, Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana. He called for South African involvement in this area for two reasons. First, a huge influx of guns used by dissidents in the Caprivi Strip had spread to all four countries, as well as Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng. Second, that unrest in this area would further threaten the stability of South Africa's economic interests in the region.

Discussion
(Q) Mr McIntosh (DP) asked what advice did the Minister of Defence give to Namibia's Prime Minister on the domestic affairs of Namibia?

(A) Ms Madlada-Routledge replied that their visit to Namibia was to heed off any warring situations, and to intervene before the crisis elevates. She stated that South Africa must assist in finding a solution, but must also be respectful that Namibia is a sovereign state. South Africa cannot dictate to Namibia what actions should be taken, and that any involvement by South Africa would be taken at a SADC structural level.

(Q) Mrs Kota (ANC) asked if there was any possibility of Namibia reaching a settlement with Angola?

(A) Ms Madlada-Routledge stated that there was no simple approach to the problem, because it involved many other groups and interests. It would be unlikely that a political solution would be reached since the President of Angola had not honored the democratic process, or any other agreements put to him so far.

(Q) Mr Magoba (PAC) asked if there was a formula to stop the mass migration of people?

(A) Mr Qoboshiane said that the migration of people across the border did include Namibians, but that most were Angolan refugees. Discussions had been held with Namibia on putting mechanisms in place, but he also stressed the need to interact with Mozambique on this issue. An intergovernmental committee had been established between the Departments of Home Affairs, Defence, Intelligence and the Police but he felt that a collective approach between neighboring countries had to be taken.

(Q) Mr Magoba (PAC) asked what steps were being taken should South Africa be asked to become involved?

(A) Ms Madlada-Routledge responded that it was her hope that the Defence force would not be needed, but stated that they were preparing themselves for any eventuality.

(Q) A committee member asked what was SADC's position on UNITA?

(A) Mr Qoboshiane stated that SADC had been very clear on their position in that they had declared Mr Savimbi a war criminal. He stated they had also engaged UNITA on the SADC accord hoping for a peaceful solution in Angola.

(Q) Mr Botha (DP) asked, if SADC had declared Mr Savimbi a war criminal, how could a settlement be reached when one declares the other a war criminal?

(A) The Chair, Ms Modise, stated that it was important to note that Mr Savimbi had been declared a war criminal, not UNITA. This still allows for discussions between the Angolan government and UNITA. Ms Madlada-Routledge added that Mr Savimbi had been declared a war criminal because he had not followed any of the agreements he had signed with African countries.

Mr Qoboshiane stated that there were two clear objectives. First, to neutralize UNITA, and second, to further political missions and consultations with SADC to ensure that South African interests were not affected.

(Q) The Chair asked if Namibia was capable of dealing with Angola without South African involvement?

(A) Ms Madlada-Routledge stated that there was an urgent need to find a solution as it was hindering South Africa's political and economic growth, and contributing to poverty and the spread of HIV/AIDS. Involvement was needed to combat the problem of guns from the Caprivi Strip entering the country.

Committee Programme for 2000
The programme was unanimously adopted with the following changes:
1. That the public hearings for April 4, 2000 be extended to include April 5, and start at 9:00 a.m.
2. Move the discussions on peace-keeping and the Democratic Republic of Congo, scheduled for July, 18, 2000 forward.
3. Add the Defence Endowment Bill, and the Armaments Production and Development Bill to the schedule.

Summary of Seminar
Ms Kota (ANC) stated that the seminar illustrated many areas where the government needs to improve. She felt that the seminar made it clear that there was a greater need for legislators to work more closely with the executive to ensure that the work of Parliament is done. In addition, the seminar stressed the need for ongoing interaction, oversight, and consultation with interested bodies, such as NGOs. Mrs Kota believed that a military oversight office in Parliament would prove beneficial in providing expertise and informed opinions on matters before the committee, but felt that Parliament did not have the resources available to exercise this role.

Mr Ndlovu (IFP) said the seminar clearly highlighted the need for oversight committees and the strengthening of democracy in South Africa.

The Chair stated that a report on the seminar will be distributed to the committee.

Appendix 1:

PROGRAMME FOR PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE