JOINT COMMUNIQUÉ BETWEEN THE SWAPO PARTY AND THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, WINDHOEK, DECEMBER 9 2008
The SWAPO Party and the African National Congress met in Windhoek on the 8th of December 2008. The respective delegations were led by the President of the SWAPO Party, Comrade Hifikepunye Pohamba, and the President of the ANC, Comrade Jacob Zuma.
The longstanding and strong relationship between the SWAPO Party and the ANC, which was forged in the struggle for liberation of our two countries against a common enemy, was emphasized. It was noted that the two parties still face similar challenges to correct the injustices of the past and to put policies in place that will foster sustainable economic development.
The main socio-economic challenges facing our countries are among others education, health, rural development, land redistribution, housing, decent job creation, cross border crime and energy.
The meeting noted with appreciation the frequent contact at the highest governmental levels as can be seen by the South African-Namibia Heads of State Economic Bilateral Meetings and other contacts at Ministerial level. The meeting expressed the need for speedy progress to finalise the implementation of the Trans-Kalahari Corridor.
It was noted that there is a recurring reactionary debate around the need to reduce the dominance of former libration movements on the African continent. In this regard the emergence of counter revolutionary forces to reverse the social, political and economical gains that have been made under the leadership of our liberation movements was discussed.
It was agreed that the two parties should cooperate closely to strengthen the already existing strong fraternal relations. The two Presidents noted that while government-to-government relations are well formalized, the relationship between the two parties need to be further strengthened and formally structured. This is especially so since the governance authority of the two governments is derived from the democratic mandate of the ANC and SWAPO Party respectively as the ruling parties.
To this effect it was resolved to further strengthen relations through formal and regular interaction between the two parties through their Secretaries General. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be developed to further structure the relationship between the two parties. In this regard the MOU will establish the principles on which the two parties will jointly develop a stronger organizational base for cooperation.
The SWAPO Party supported the decision of the National Conference of the African National Congress at Polokwane to host the Forum of Secretaries General of Former Liberation Movements in South Africa in January 2009.
The meeting called for lasting solutions in the conflict-ridden areas of the DRC, Sudan, Somalia and Burundi. With regards to Zimbabwe, the meeting expressed its support for the SADC mediation process under the facilitation of former South African President Thabo Mbeki and all the decisions of the SADC.
Issued by the African National Congress, December 9 2008
