1. The South Africa - Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security concluded its 3rd Session on 8 November 2011, at the Sheraton Hotel, Pretoria, South Africa.
2. The South African delegation was led by Honourable Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans and included Honourable Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Home Affairs, Honourable Mr Siyabonga Cwele, Minister of State Security, Honourable Mr. Thabang Makwetla, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Honourable Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Honourable MM Sotyu Deputy Minister of Police and senior Government Officials.
3. The Mozambique delegation was led by Honourable Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, Minister of National Defence, Honourable Gregório Leão, General Director of State Security Service; Honourable Jose De Jesus Mateus Pedro Mandra, Deputy Minister of the Interior and senior Government Officials.
4. The Commission deliberated on a wide range of issues pertaining to defence, public and state security and noted with satisfaction the progress made in these areas. It also reviewed progress made in the implementation of resolutions passed at the 2nd Session of the South Africa - Mozambique Joint Permanent Commission on Defence and Security held in Matola, Maputo Mozambique in 2009.
5. The Commission noted the successful deployment of and conducting of joint Naval and Air Patrol on the Mozambique waters that it has significantly reduced piracy activities. To support this effort a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the two countries which to enhance the effort to combat piracy activities.
The Commission further emphasised the importance of involving Tanzania in an effort to deal with piracy along the east coast and urged that given the urgency of the matter, the Trilateral MoU on Maritime Security between the RSA, Mozambique and Tanzania must be finalise as soon as possible.
6. The Commission underscored the need to conduct joint operations to curb various forms of crimes. These crimes include theft and vehicle smuggling, stock theft, smuggling of illicit goods, fire arms and ammunition and non-ferrous metal. The Commission further recommended that the sharing of intelligence and information must be strengthened in order to curb drug trafficking and determine the routes and trends followed by drug traffickers.
7. The Commission underlined the need that rhino poaching be considered a priority crime for joint operations. That a Technical Committee must be formed to finalised a strategy to protect wildlife, which should be done by the end of February 2012 and that the Technical Committee must report back on progress in the next meeting.
8. Concerning the influx of illegal migrants into Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, the Commission urged the law enforcement agencies of the two countries to exchange information on the movement of illegal immigrants and to formulate common strategies. These should include the enactment of legislation dealing with human trafficking and irregular migration
9. The Commission expressed satisfaction with the commitment and cooperation demonstrated by the security sector and called on it to continue to nurture this relationship for the benefit of the two countries. It further noted the significant achievement by the Public Security Sector in dealing with the transnational crimes and urged all law enforcement agencies to intensify anti-corruption strategies.
10. In efforts to facilitate the smooth movement of people, goods and services, the Commission noted the work done by the Technical Team on the establishment of the new border post at Mbuzini/Macuacua. The Commission noted with appreciation the assistance rendered by the Mozambican Government during the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.
11. The Commission was held in a cordial atmosphere, reflective of the excellent relations existing between the two countries. The Mozambican delegation expressed its appreciation to the Government and the people of South Africa for the warm hospitality and excellent facilities avail to it.
12. The Mozambican delegation extended an invitation to the South African delegation to attend the 4th Session of the Commission to be held in Mozambique in 2012 on a date and venue to be communicated and the South African delegation accepted the invitation.
