The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula meets her counterpart from The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Minister Crispen Atama Tabe Mogodi to discuss the forth coming elections in the DRC and the implementation of the military strategy for the DRC, Airforce Base Yesterplat, Cape Town
The Minister of Defence and Military Veteran Ms NN Mapisa Nqakula today met her counterpart from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Minister of Defence Mr Crispen Atama Tabe Mogodi to discuss matters of mutual interest between the two countries at Air Force Base Yesterplat in Cape Town.
The two Minister discussed issues concerning the implementation of the Military Strategy for the DRC which was developed with the assistance of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). The military strategy was presented to the Bi National Commission which was held in the DRC 2015 before the Presidents of the two countries and approved for implementation.
Minister Mapisa Nqakula said that South Africa was ready to send the implementation a team led by Major General Barney Hlatshwayo to help with the implementation of the strategy so that they are able to report in the next Bi National Commission on the progress made with regards to that strategy. The strategy amongst many issues deals with the restructuring of the Armed Force of the DRC.
“It is very critical that implementation of this strategy begins in earnest as this is long overdue and our members are waiting and ready to be deployed in the DRC Defence Force to assist and support with the implementation of the military strategy. We implore you to make sure that this is done as quickly as possible as that we can report in the next Bi-National Commission.” She said.
In his response Minister Atama Tabe Mogodi further agreed that this must be implemented and that they were ready to receive Major General Hlatshwayo and his team in the DRC to start with the implementation. He said when he gets back to the DRC he will facilitated the arrival of the South African Team. Both Ministers agreed that the Implementation Team must be in place by April 2016.
“After we presented that military strategy to our Presidents during the Bi-National Commission which was held in my country, I asked myself when are we going to start with the implementation of the strategy. I am glad today that we have agreed that this should be done with immediate effect, said Minister Atama Tabe Mogodi.
Another matter that was discussed was the help that was required by the DRC in preparations for the elections which are due to be held this year. The DRC was urged to make sure that their requirements for assistance must be made on time so that preparations for such support can be done on time. The meeting agreed that such requirements will be made as soon as possible.
The DRC indicted that preparing for the elections in that country is very difficult and expensive due to the infrastructure and the vastness of that country. They appreciated the gesture by South Africa to assist with whatever support they have at their disposal. The meeting agreed that as a sister country there was a need to help and assist each other to ensure that these elections are run smooth.
An undertaking by the DRC Minister was made that they will discuss all matters with the Chief Electoral Officer in the DRC of the needs of the Electoral Commission for assistance which may be required.
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