WEEKLY POLITICAL & SOCIAL NEWS (AUGUST 3
rd– AUGUST 7
th)
EMBASSY OF THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA
Politics
Opposition parties discuss possible merger
Tony Leon silent about possible diplomatic posting
Diplomatic training for Ambassador-designates Skweyiya, Balfour & Leon
ANC works to rebuild crippled provincial structures
Allegations of rift within police ministry dismissed
President Zuma nominates new chief justice
Arms Committee to appear before Parliament
Foreign Relations
Zimbabwean PM to meet with President Zuma
President Zuma promises to intervene in Zimbabwe
International Relations Minister to hold bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State
Hillary Clinton to meet President Zuma in Durban
Crime
Busy first working day for new police commissioner
New police commissioner criticized for supporting crime stats moratorium
Man killed during armed robbery in Midrand
BAC expects further mall robberies
Other Social Issues
Municipal workers head back to work
South African tourism industry admits taking a knock
First swine flu death recorded in South Africa
Swine flu nears the 600 mark in South Africa
Swine flu claims its second victim in South Africa
Negotiations over BRT system will continue
Neighbouring Countries
Lesotho factory accused of dumping chemicals
Six in court for attempted assassination of Lesotho PM
International mediators urge Malagasy leaders to solve crisis
Hope prevails at Malagasy talks in Mozambique
POLITICS
Opposition parties discuss possible merger
Opposition political parties have confirmed they are in talks over a possible merger, which will aim to contest the dominant African National Congress (ANC), during local government elections in two year’s time. The Democratic Alliance (DA), the Congress of the People (COPE), the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and the Independent Democrats (ID) have been meeting since late last year to discuss co-operative measures ahead of the 2011 municipal polls.
Speculation of a merger was widespread before this year’s general elections but parties have strongly denied they were negotiating. However, COPE has spoken out and has confirmed that they are considering their options. COPE says there have been frank and open discussions between various opposition parties about a possible merger.
Meanwhile, the DA has responded to the allegations by saying it is too soon to confirm a coalition.
Tony Leon silent about possible diplomatic posting
Earlier this week, Tony Leon, the former leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), declined to confirm whether or not he has been selected to take up a post as South Africa’s ambassador to Argentina. The Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DICO) will announce three diplomatic postings this week and the former DA leader could take up the post of ambassador to the South American country.
Mr Leon commented, “I think I will maintain an uncharacteristic and diplomatic silence until an announcement is made, if there is an announcement to be made.”
Other ambassadorial candidates include Zola Skweyiya (former social development minister), Ngconde Balfour (former correctional services minister) and Dr Pallo Jordan (former arts and culture minister). It has been speculated that Mr Skweyiya will be posted to London and Mr Balfour will be posted to Gaborone (Botswana), while Dr Jordan will become ambassador to the United Nations.
Diplomatic training for Ambassador-designates Skweyiya, Balfour & Leon
On Monday, the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DICO) formally announced that former Minister of Social Development, Zola Skweyiya, former Correctional Services Minister, Ngconde Balfour as well as the former Leader of the Democratic Alliance, Tony Leon will undergo diplomatic training in preparation for future deployment in the diplomatic corps.
The diplomatic training will provide the Ambassador-designates with the required skills required to run a diplomatic mission as well as provide an interaction with senior officials on various aspects of the functions of DICO. The training takes into consideration that the Ambassador-designates are seasoned politicians in the South African government system with a wealth of experience in the functioning of government, albeit from opposite political parties. Diplomatic protocol requires that Ambassador-designates receive official confirmation of their acceptance by the receiving states before their deployment and this process is currently still in motion. President Jacob Zuma, upon recommendation by the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will make the final decision at an appropriate time with regards to their confirmation as South African representatives as well as countries of accreditation. Minister Nkoana-Mashabane has wished the three distinguished Ambassador-designates success during their Heads of Mission Orientation Programme.
ANC works to rebuild crippled provincial structures
After dissolving its provincial executive committees in the Western Cape and North West last month, the African National Congress (ANC) has given the interim leadership in those provinces some difficult tasks. The ANC’s national working committee announced the names of the party’s provincial task teams on Tuesday, saying they had no time to waste. The ANC’s Secretary-General, Gwede Mantashe explains, “The primary objective of the provincial task teams will be to build ANC structures, strengthen relations with alliance partners and work towards the convening of provincial conferences within 9 months.”
While most members of the former provincial executive were excluded from interim structures, the teams in the North West and Western Cape include several former party leaders and struggle activists from a cross-section of society. In the Western Cape, the ANC must regain the trust of the electorate following the Democratic Alliance’s (DA) victory in the provincial ballot. ANC veteran and Minister of Labour, Membathisi Mdladlana will lead the party’s activities in the province and former Member of Parliament (MP), Randy Pieterse has been asked to co-ordinate the task team’s functions on a full-time basis. Former Education MECs (Members of Executive Councils – provincial cabinet ministers) Yusuf Gabru and Andre Gaum have also been roped in, in an attempt to restore the image of the ANC in the Western Cape. The old leadership was accused of sowing racial division and patronage. To boost the ANC’s efforts to rebuild branches in Coloured communities, the party has included a number of Coloured leaders in its interim task team.
In the North West, ANC veteran Martin Sebakwane has been appointed as convener of the party’s activities and former ANC Youth League (ANCYL) leader Saki Mofokeng will co- ordinate the task team’s functions on a full-time
basis. The ANC disbanded the North West’s provincial executive in a bid to root out factionalism and facilitate service delivery after investigation by an internal task team found that most municipalities in the province were not functioning properly.
Allegations of rift within police ministry dismissed
An explosive relationship between the Minister of Police, Nathi Mthethwa and his Deputy, Fikile Mbalula has nearly come to blows but the Ministry of Police is strongly denying the allegations. Several sources claim the two ministers are battling one another over who has more authority within the African National Congress (ANC) but the two men have issued a joint statement denying this. They say allegations that their relationship has deteriorated are nonsense and a malicious rumour circulated by faceless people.
However, a number of senior officials within the South African Police Service (SAPS) as well as the Ministry of Police claim that the situation is unhealthy. It is understood the tipping point was a fiery argument between the two men after Deputy Minister Mbalula was invited to a police passing out parade which Minister Mthethwa did not authorize.
A Police Ministry spokesperson insists these claims are untrue, commenting “We are deeply disturbed by these kinds of rumours. However, these kinds of rumours will not derail us.”
Both Minister Mthethwa and Deputy Minister Mbalula say they anticipated an unreceptive environment from people who do not want change within the South African Police Service.
President Zuma nominates new chief justice
On Thursday afternoon, President Jacob Zuma told the National Press Club in Pretoria that Judge Sandile Ngcobo is his candidate for South Africa's new chief justice. The current Chief Justice, Judge Pius Langa is due to retire in September this year. Explaining his choice, President Zuma said that he had taken the decision “properly” and
“objectively”.
President Zuma commented, “Judge Ngcobo has more experience in the Constitutional Court than Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke. He has been there for a long time and he has very serious credentials in terms of his experience. The fact of the matter is that I have appointed a judge that I believe is capable.”
President Zuma will now consult with opposition political parties and the Judicial Services Commission (a watchdog parastatal agency which advises the government on any matter relating to the judiciary or the administration of justice) regarding Judge Ngcobo’s nomination as the country’s next Chief Justice.
[President Jacob Zuma’s choice of Judge Sandile Ngcobo as the country’s next Chief Justice is one that will please both the ruling African National Congress (ANC) and critics of Western Cape Judge President John Hlophe. Judge Ngcobo was appointed a Constitutional Court judge in 1999 and he has a reputation of being credible and respected. The obvious choice for this position would have been Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke but he made controversial comments about the ANC earlier this year which may have counted against him. However, President Zuma maintains that he was not influenced by those statements].
Arms Committee to appear before Parliament
The National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) will be called to Parliament to explain arms deals approved during the past year. Opposition political parties say the head of the NCACC, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe, will be asked to account for recent arms exports to Iran Libya, Syria, Venezuela, North Korea and Zimbabwe.
The allegations surfaced at the beginning of the month when the Democratic Alliance (DA) questioned how South African businesses were allowed to ship arms and ammunition to these pariah countries. Minister Radebe insists the DA’s allegations are false and says, “They are talking about Iran - we have not awarded any contract to Iran. We have not been contracting with North Korea for the past five years, so all these allegations by the DA are baseless.”
The DA does not believe that legislation is being adhered to when authorizing these arms deals and says, “How then can we sell glide bombs to Libya, how then can we be considering selling thousands of sniper rifles to Syria, how then can we be considering selling millions of rounds of ammunition to Zimbabwe? What is going on is wrong!”
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Zimbabwean PM to meet with President Zuma
Zimbabwe’s Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai will meet President Jacob Zuma this week before returning home to focus on the unity government. Prime Minister Tsvangarai has spent the past few days in South Africa canvassing economic support for his country.
During the last couple of months, the Zimbabwean prime minister has been on a mission to help lift the troubled country out of economic turmoil. In June, Prime Minister Tsvangirai travelled to Britain and the United States, where he secured £5-million in aid from the British government and $73-million from the US government. At a gala dinner in Sandton, Johannesburg last Friday evening, Prime Minister Tsvangirai told delegates that Zimbabwe was open for business and urged South African companies to invest in that country and assist in upgrading its infrastructure.
Prime Minister Tsvangirai will embark on talks with President Zuma before flying back to Harare on Tuesday.
President Zuma promises to intervene in Zimbabwe
On Monday, President Jacob Zuma promised to take up concerns with his Zimbabwean counterpart (President Robert Mugabe) regarding outstanding issues in that country’s unity government. These issues include the abduction and torture of opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) members.
President Zuma and Zimbabwean Prime Minister, Morgan Tsvangirai met at Chief Albert Luthuli House (the ANC headquarters) in Johannesburg on Monday, where President Zuma gave Mr Tsvangirai an undertaking to help address outstanding issues in Zimbabwe since the formation of a unity government five months ago. These include the appointment of Reserve Bank Governor Gideon Gono, who is a staunch ZANU-PF (President Mugabe’s political party) stalwart. Mr Gono is accused of ruining Zimbabwe’s economy, which was once considered the breadbasket of the Southern African region. President Zuma says that while significant progress had been made since the formation of a unity government, there are still a few issues which need to be resolved in Zimbabwe.
International Relations Minister to hold bilateral discussions with US Secretary of State
On Friday (7 August), South Africa’s International Relations and Co-operation Minister, Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane will host her USA counterpart, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the Presidential Guest House in Pretoria for bilateral discussions. Secretary Clinton’s visit, scheduled for 6-9 August, will be the first such visit to South Africa since her appointment as Secretary of State in January 2009.
The discussions between Minister Nkoana-Mashabane and Secretary Clinton will take place within the context of consolidating the already sound bilateral relationship between the two countries with a particular view of establishing high-level diplomatic contact between South Africa and the USA. In this regard, the discussions will, amongst others, focus on: *Establishment of a structured Bilateral Mechanism aimed at regulating existing bilateral, political and economic relations between the two countries; *NEPAD, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), and the support for the Consolidation of the African Agenda; *Collaboration in the fight against communicable diseases, including tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS; *Strengthening educational, scientific and cultural cooperation.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane will also host a dinner on 7 August 2009 within the context of Women’s month, where Secretary Clinton will be the guest of honour. Secretary Clinton will pay special attention to the status of women and their role in good governance during her visit. Secretary Clinton also will pay a courtesy call on Former President Nelson Mandela and visit US-funded projects in and around Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town. Secretary Clinton’s visit will conclude on Women’s Day (Sunday, 09 August).
Hillary Clinton to meet President Zuma in Durban
On Thursday, the US Secretary of State, Ms Hillary Clinton said she would press South Africa to use more of its influence to counter the “negative effects” of Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe. Secretary Clinton arrived in South Africa on Thursday evening, her second stop in an 11-day trip to Africa, and she is set to meet President Jacob Zuma in Durban on Saturday.
On Thursday, Secretary Clinton commented, “I do intend to speak not only with President Zuma but other members of his government about what more South Africa believes can be done to strengthen the reform movement inside Zimbabwe, alleviate the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe and try to use its influence to mitigate against the negative effects of the continuing presidency of President Mugabe.”
President Zuma has taken a harder line on Zimbabwe than his predecessor Thabo Mbeki, but the United States would like the new South African President do more to quicken the pace of reform in its neighbour. The US, troubled by what it sees as an absence of reform in Zimbabwe, has no plans either to offer major aid or to lift sanctions against President Mugabe and some of his supporters. Before any of that can happen, Washington wants more evidence of political, social and economic reforms.
CRIME
Busy first working day for new police commissioner
The new national police commissioner, Bheki Cele, spent his first working day on Monday holding meetings with his deputies, being measured for a South African Police Service (SAPS) uniform and sidelining his predecessor’s staff.
However, all was not smooth sailing for the new Police Commissioner as he apparently arrived at police headquarters in central Pretoria with his own personal assistants, driver and spokesperson. The move shocked police staff stationed at the police commissioner’s office - some of whom have been in their positions for over a decade. They are still waiting to hear what roles they will fill in the South African Police Service (SAPS). Commissioner Cele was appointed to the job by President Jacob Zuma last week.
New police commissioner criticized for supporting crime stats moratorium
The reputable independent think tank, the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) has warned that a moratorium on crime statistics could be a violation of democracy. New Police Commissioner Bheki Cele has been severely criticized by the
opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) party for suggesting that he will support a moratorium on crime statistics, but he has not yet ordered that one be put in place.
The ISS is adamant that such a decision will only create suspicion that police are hiding something and perpetuate rumours about the country’s crime situation. It will have the opposite effect to what Commissioner Cele is claiming that he is aiming for. The ISS says the public has a right to know whether crimes are being committed in the country.
However, Commissioner Cele argues that he will support such a moratorium because crime statistics are used for political bashing and are abused by criminals so he prefers a periodical release of crime statistics. His office, however, stresses that no such ban is in place at the moment.
Meanwhile, on Monday the Durban Magistrate’s Court heard that Commissioner Cele was involved in the handling of an accident scene in Durban’s city centre on 29 March 2008. The accident involved a friend of Commissioner Cele’s, Durban businessman and socialite, Prince Sifiso Zulu, who is standing trial for culpable homicide. Mr Zulu is believed to have been involved in a high speed hit-and-run accident which killed two people. Captain Shane Spilsbury, a Durban metro policeman, testified how Commissioner Cele (then KwaZulu-Natal’s Transport and Community Safety Minister) arrived on the scene soon after the accident and tried to intervene in the police investigation. Captain Spilsbury was on duty that evening and he claims the new police commissioner was unhappy when police at the scene told him the license plates on Mr Zulu’s luxury BMW X5 motor vehicle did not match the cars registration details.
Commissioner Cele allegedly wanted the BMW, which contained empty bottles of alcohol, returned to its owner after the accident which killed two students. According to Captain Spilsbury, it was also apparent that Commissioner Cele knew the owner of the BMW. This week’s testimony in court comes as Commissioner Cele tries to distance himself from this case.
Man killed during armed robbery in Midrand
A man was shot and killed by armed robbers after drawing a large sum of money from a Standard Bank branch in Midrand, Johannesburg on Monday. The gang of armed robbers confronted the man at the Sandridge Mall in Midrand as he was walking to his car.
Police investigators do not know how much money was stolen and they say the deceased was shot once on the left hand side of his chest. Netcare 911 paramedics were called to the crime scene but the victim was declared dead on the scene. The police are still hunting for three men who fled from the scene of the crime in a white Mercedes Benz.
BAC expects further mall robberies
Business against Crime (BAC – an initiative established by big business in South Africa in 1996, in a response to a call from then President Nelson Mandela for the business community to become involved in the fight against crime) said on Thursday it was anticipating an increase in shopping centre robberies. At least four shopping centres have been targeted this week alone. In the most recent incident, a policeman was shot and four people were assaulted when gunmen tried to rob a Pick ‘n Pay supermarket in Gallo Manor (a wealthy suburb in Sandton, Johannesburg) on Wednesday evening.
In Centurion (a large town south of Pretoria), a security director for PROTEA COIN (a major private security company in South Africa) was killed after he chased robbers that held up the Irene Village Mall on Wednesday morning. Ms Jennie Irish-Qhobosheane from Business against Crime says that security measures are continuously reviewed to ensure the safety of customers. The Shopping Centre Security Initiative has been established with shopping malls to address these issues and relevant stakeholders meet on a weekly basis to discuss problem areas.
OTHER SOCIAL ISSUES
Municipal workers head back to work
Municipal workers were expected to return to work on Monday this week, after last week’s four-day nationwide strike.
Municipal employees were granted a 13% wage increase as part of the multi-year agreement that ended the industrial action, which crippled municipal services around the country and was marred by reports of intimidation and vandalism.
Municipalities have been pulling all their resources to catch up on services which were abandoned during the strike.
However, various Johannesburg suburbs have experienced power and water cuts and struggled to get the problems sorted out due to the lack of manpower. The City of Johannesburg has urged workers to return to their posts.
South African tourism industry admits taking a knock
A South African economist says sluggish tourism numbers have shaken the country’s finances. Destination marketing companies, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and Cape Town Tourism have both confirmed tourism numbers are down as a result of the global economic downturn but they are pinning their hopes on domestic travellers and the 2010 FIFA World Cup to boost the tourism sector.
International trade economist, Kobus Venter said sporting events have been the saving grace in boosting visitor numbers to South Africa over the past few months. However, he believes more has to be done to attract tourists
throughout the year. Cape Town Routes Unlimited says that tourism numbers are expected to remain very low at least until the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Cape Town Tourism says until the 2010 World Cup, they are relying heavily on domestic and business travelers and are confident that, in particular, the refocus on domestic tourism as well as business events tourism will see the industry through to the new season.
First swine flu death recorded in South Africa
South Africa has had its first swine flu death. The Western Cape Health Department has confirmed that one person died last week (on 28 July) after contracting the swine flu virus. The victim, a 22-year-old University of Stellenbosch student passed away last week after contracting the H1N1 virus.
Almost 500 South Africans have now been diagnosed with swine flu and the country’s first case was reported in mid- June. In a media statement released by the Ministry of Health on Monday, the Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, expressed his sincere condolences to the family of the university student whose death was confirmed by the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) to be due to the H1N1 virus. The Minister says the death of such a young person, who was actively building his future career, is unfortunate and deeply regretted. However, the Minister says he is encouraged by the fact that the majority of swine flu cases in South Africa have so far been mild and he hopes that this will remain so despite this unfortunate death. The Minister advises any person, with chronic heart or lung disease or who is pregnant, who suspects they may have contracted swine flu (especially those in the 14-30 year age group), to seek immediate medical attention.
[As of 1 August 2009, South Africa had confirmed about 480 cases of swine flu, with Gauteng leading with 365 case, followed by Western Cape with 34 cases, KwaZulu-Natal 29, Eastern Cape 17, both North West and Mpumalanga recorded seven cases, Free State five, Limpopo two, while the Northern Cape recorded one, with 13 cases being unknown.]
Swine flu nears the 600 mark in South Africa
On Tuesday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) confirmed that close to 600 South Africans have been infected with the swine flu (H1N1) virus. Health officials have appealed to South Africans to remain calm in the wake of a swine flu death.
On Monday, Western Cape health authorities confirmed the death of 22-year-old Stellenbosch University student, Ruan Muller who died last week. The NICD will continue to conduct tests and the Institute’s Dr Lucille Bloomberg says there is no cause for concern as mild swine flu cases are not any more dangerous than the normal flu virus.
Swine flu claims its second victim in South Africa
On Wednesday, The Star daily newspaper reported that a 44-year-old man from Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, died last week after he was admitted to hospital with what appeared to be pneumonia. Earlier this week, officials confirmed that a University of Stellenbosch student also died of complications last week after he too contracted the H1N1 virus.
KwaZulu-Natal health authorities say the second South African to die from the virus had recently returned from a trip to Swaziland. He was admitted into hospital and placed in isolation because of the severity of his symptoms.
KwaZulu-Natal health authorities say that all staff who cared for this patient are currently receiving treatment. On Wednesday, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) reported 591 laboratory-confirmed cases of swine flu in the country.
[A media statement released by the National Department of Health on Wednesday says, based on the report from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), the recent death of the 44 year-old man from Durban cannot be conclusively attributed to the H1N1 Influenza. The man recently travelled to Swaziland and was suffering from bronchitis, for which he was subsequently hospitalized in Durban and placed on treatment. He later developed respiratory distress and passed away on 30 July.
The tests for the H1N1 virus were done in a private laboratory and the specimen was sent to the NICD to conduct further tests to confirm the cause of death. The NICD is the only accredited laboratory in South Africa that can confirm all H1N1 cases, including deaths, as part of managing the pandemic. Due to the insufficient specimen, the cause of the Durban man’s death cannot conclusively be attributed to H1N1. So far, only one death in South Africa - that of a university student in the Western Cape – is known to be directly linked to the H1N1 virus, based on laboratory confirmation by the NICD.]
Negotiations over BRT system will continue
On Friday, the Deputy Minister of Transport, Jeremy Cronin said that negotiations with the taxi industry over the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system would continue. The project is expected to be piloted in Johannesburg at the end of August.
Some members of the taxi industry are opposed to the BRT system, saying they were not consulted properly and would lose their work. The government has admitted that the consultation process was flawed but Deputy Minister Cronin insists that taxi drivers will not lose their jobs. He says the BRT system will be ready in time for the 2010 Soccer World Cup tournament. Deputy Minister Cronin says, “The BRT system is desperately needed and will be going ahead so Johannesburg will be rolling out (the BRT) from 1 September. So it will go ahead and needs to go ahead but at the same time consultation and negotiation will be going ahead.”
NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES
Lesotho factory accused of dumping chemicals
A factory that produces jeans for the American clothing retailers, Gap and Levi Strauss is illegally dumping chemical waste in Lesotho, posing a major hazard to children, the Sunday Times recently reported in London.
The British weekly newspaper says it has discovered that the factory, operated by Taiwanese firm Nien Hsing, is pouring dark blue waste matter into a river used for cooking and bathing. The newspaper also alleges that the Taiwanese firm is dumping needles, razors and harmful chemicals at two municipal dumps that attract young children searching for pieces of clothing to sell. Many of these children work for up to 10 hours a day and complain of ailments including breathing difficulties, weeping eyes and skin rashes, according to the Sunday Times.
Both Gap and Levi Strauss have ordered immediate investigations and Levi Strauss says it is disturbed by the findings, while Gap says in a separate statement that it has put the factory on notice to improve. Gap says as soon as it was alerted to these issues, it immediately investigated the situation on the ground in Lesotho, commissioned an independent monitoring organization to conduct its own investigation, and placed one of the factories involved on immediate notice until the clothing company’s investigation is completed. Gap says, in keeping with its strong and transparent history on any sourcing issues, the clothing company will continue to act swiftly, decisively and thoughtfully in doing everything possible to protect the Basotho workers at the factories that make its products and the communities in which they live and work.
Six in court for attempted assassination of Lesotho PM
On Monday, six people appeared in the Bloemfontein Regional Court for the attempted assassination of Lesotho Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili in April. The matter was postponed to 25 August in the same court for further investigation. Gunmen opened fire on and stormed Prime Minister Mosisili's residence in Maseru on 22 April.
Lesotho Communications Minister Mothetjoa Metsing later described the attackers as South African and Mozambican mercenaries who had been contracted to stage a coup. He also indicated that four attackers were killed in the incident. The men who appeared in the Bloemfontein court this week were arrested hours after the attack in South Africa’s Free State Province. One of the alleged masterminds of the Maseru attack, former Lesotho soldier Makotoko Lerotholi, was later arrested in South Africa’s Gauteng Province and appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate's Court.
South African Police Service (SAPS) spokeswoman, Director Sally de Beer said at the time the case against Mr Lerotholi was postponed while he remained in custody, pending extradition to Lesotho. Director De Beer also said those arrested in the Free State Province would be subject to the extradition process.
Meanwhile, the Free State Province SAPS has confirmed that another man, Jessie Ramatakane, appeared in the Bethlehem Magistrate's Court on Monday in connection with the case. The case against Mr Ramatakane has also been postponed and will be joined with those men who appeared in the Bloemfontein court for re-appearance on 25 August. Mr Ramatakane, a businessman from Gauteng Province, is seen as one of the main conspirators in the Lesotho attack and he was arrested in the Free State Province last week.
International mediators urge Malagasy leaders to solve crisis
On Wednesday, international mediators met Madagascar's political leaders in Maputo, Mozambique and they are hopeful that they will find solutions to end the crisis sparked by the ousting of former President Marc Ravalomanana.
The 4-day talks, which commenced on Wednesday, are being hosted by Mozambique and bring together, for the first time, Mr Ravalomanana and the man who ousted him, Madagascar’s transitional leader Andry Rajoelina. Former Malagasy Presidents Didier Ratsiraka and Albert Zafy are also taking part in the talks. A member of the United Nations (UN) mediating team says the fact that the four Malagasy leaders have agreed to meet shows there is a political will to find a solution.
Former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano was appointed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC0 in June to mediate in the crisis after initiatives by the African Union (AU) and the UN failed. Upon his arrival in Maputo on Tuesday, Mr Rajoelina said he would seek consensus to end the crisis, telling reporters that the future of Madagascar was in their hands. Mr Rajoelina commented, ‘We have come here to Maputo to find a consensus by working with the three former heads of state in Madagascar. I have come here personally to tell them to their face how I see the future of Madagascar.”
Madagascar has been in crisis since the beginning of this year because of a stand-off between Mr Ravalomanana and Mr Rajoelina, then mayor of the capital city (Antananarivo) and opposition leader. After demonstrations which left more than 100 people dead, Mr Ravalomanana, deserted by the army, placed power in the hands of a military directorate which subsequently transferred power to Mr Rajoelina. Since then, the international community has demanded a return to constitutional order and suspended most of its aid to Madagascar, one of the poorest countries in the world.
Hope prevails at Malagasy talks in Mozambique
Hopes are high for a breakthrough in negotiations to end months of political unrest in Madagascar as the country’s interim leader, Andry Rajoelina and three former presidents met for a second day of landmark talks in Mozambique on Thursday.
Mr Rajoelina and his rival, Marc Ravalomanana met face-to-face in Maputo on Wednesday for the first time since Mr Rajoelina forced Mr Ravalomanana from office in March after weeks of military-backed demonstrations. They were joined from France by exiled ex-dictator, Didier Ratsiraka and from Madagascar by another former president, Albert Zafy. The chief mediator, former Mozambican President Joaquim Chissano commented, “The first day of negotiations went on very nicely. When you see people shaking hands and sharing a table that means they understand each other. What I sense is that they (the leaders) have narrowed their differences on the critical issues.”
Mr Chissano is hopeful that a breakthrough will be made by the end of talks on Friday. Former Malagasy President Didier Ratsiraka's daughter told the German Press Agency (DPA) that negotiations are going fairly well and that parties are hoping to clinch an agreement. The Maputo meeting is aimed at forging consensus between the parties on how to move beyond the impasse, including the formation of a new, inclusive transitional government and the drafting of a new constitution. Mr Rajoelina says he is open to a negotiated solution but refuses to allow Mr Ravalomanana (who was convicted in absentia of abuse of office and sentenced to four years in prison) to return to Madagascar.
