the celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of independence of the Kingdom of
Lesotho, in the Lesotho High Commission Offices, Menlo Park, Pretoria
6 October 2006
High Commissioner, Mosuoe Moteane,
Honourable Ministers,
Your worship, the Mayor of Tshwane,
Your Excellencies,
Ambassadors,
High Commissioners
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am deeply delighted to have the privilege of joining all of you on this
auspicious occasion to mark the 40th anniversary celebrations of Lesotho. The
independence of Lesotho means a lot of positive developments not only for
Lesotho, but also for countries in the region.
The South African government therefore treats this day with great honour and
pride. Since South Africa's democratic dispensation in 1994, relations between
South Africa and Lesotho followed an encouraging path on investment, trade and
development.
I must emphasise that relations between South Africa and Lesotho will
continue to focus on key issues that will impact positively on people of both
countries. The two countries will share and co-operate in areas of tourism
development, job creation, trade and development investment and economic
growth, education and cultural exchanges, exchange of technology and
agricultural co-operation.
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, I must stress that South Africa
has a well-diversified economy with mining, agriculture, commerce and
automotive industries doing very well.
Positive economic swings in South Africa are contributing positively to both
economies and they are intended to benefit other neighbouring countries. The
signing of the Joint Bilateral Commission of Co-operation (JBCC) by President
Mbeki and the Prime Minister Mosisili in Maseru on 19 April 2001 was a
brilliant turning point in portraying the excellent relations that we are
witnessing between the two countries.
It gives a strong sense of pride and encouragement in socio-economic
development to note that the JBCC agreement reminds us of Lesotho's economic
status and willingness to move from being one of the least development
countries.
Ladies and gentlemen, some of you will remember that on 18 July this year
the Governments of Lesotho and South Africa reached a landmark socio-economic
development for the people of the two countries when they agreed on the
upgrading of the Mokhotlong - Sani Pass from the gravel, largely hard to
navigate terrain to a smooth road. This road is currently being used by 4x4
vehicles. The upgrading of this road will bring the much-needed development to
the areas of Himeville and Underberg in South Africa as well as Mokhotlong in
Lesotho. The total cost of this road is R160 million. This initiative provides
South Africa, Lesotho and the region with an opportunity to improve
international, trade and economic relations. This project involves the
upgrading of the 33,1 kilometre access road and forms part of the regional road
link that links South Africa with the Mokhotlong area of Lesotho and also
serves as an essential link for economic, social and tourism activities in this
region.
From South Africa's point of view this mountain pass has a major tourist and
trade significance, providing economic benefits to the Underberg area just
outside Pietermaritzburg. To Lesotho, the mountain pass provides the nearest
market and health care services for the people in the Mokhotlong region.
In July last year my Lesotho counterpart Minister of Public Works and
Transport Mr Popane and myself signed a Declaration of Intent (DOI) to promote
technical co-operation and activities in the area of transport including the
areas of road, rail and air transportation which will pave the way for
improved, tourism, trade and investment between the two countries.
I must stress that regional co-operation and integration as articulated in
the South African Development Community (SADC) protocol on transport,
telecommunication and meteorology, which binds South Africa and Lesotho, are
cornerstones to achieving the vision of the New Partnership for Africa's
Development (NEPAD). The Sani Pass project also provides access to the Maloti
Transfrontier Park and the World Heritage Site thereby promoting tourism in
this region. Ladies and gentlemen, I am delighted to mention that Lesotho's
road network is constantly being expanded and being linked to the South African
road network system, thus providing excellent access to the cities and ports of
South Africa.
The Lesotho borders with South Africa at Caledonspoort, Ficksburg and Maseru
are open 24 hours a day and inland port and container facilities are available.
Upgrading of roads within and in the outskirts of Maseru to bitumen standard,
and improvement of roads in other urban centres are progressing and expansion
of the national road network through the most remote locations in the country
is continuing. These developments, ladies and gentlemen, will yield much needed
benefits between the two countries.
At this juncture, ladies and gentlemen, let me emphasise that South Africa
and Lesotho will tirelessly work together to improve the following:
identification of potential foreign and domestic investment, promotion of South
Africa and Lesotho to foreign investors in all sectors of the economy, ensuring
availability of services, facilities and incentives necessary to enhance
economic co-operation between the two countries, improve relations in the
promotion of trade and tourism, sharing of expertise in transport services and
infrastructure, engineering and telecommunication.
In conclusion distinguished guests, I would like to thank his Excellency
High Commissioner Moteane for extending this invitation to all of us to
celebrate this memorable occasion.
I thank you!
Issued by: Ministry of Transport
6 October 2006
Source: SAPA
