President Cyril Ramaphosa closing remarks at the 4th South Africa - Namibia Bi-National Commission

Your Excellency, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah,
Ministers,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we conclude the Fourth Session of the South Africa–Namibia Bi-National Commission, allow me once again to express our heartfelt appreciation to Your Excellency and your delegation for your visit to South Africa.

Your presence has reaffirmed the exceptional friendship between our two countries and our shared commitment to building a more prosperous Southern Africa.

The report presented to us confirms that this Commission has achieved significant progress.

Our deliberations have not only reviewed implementation of previous commitments but have also identified a new generation of strategic initiatives that will deepen cooperation across many sectors.

The task before us now is clear.

We must move decisively from agreement to implementation.

The Action Plans adopted today should become practical instruments for delivery, accountability and measurable progress.

The success of this Commission will not ultimately be judged by today’s communiqués.

It will be judged by the factories that are built.

The infrastructure that is completed.

The investments that are realised.

The jobs that are created.

The opportunities that reach our young people.

And the improvements in the lives of ordinary South Africans and Namibians.

Our discussions today have reinforced our determination to strengthen cooperation in trade, investment, industrialisation, energy, mining, agriculture, transport, logistics, education, health, science and technology, defence and security.

We also look forward to concluding important areas of cooperation, including our work in nuclear energy, geology and mining, and emerging energy industries.

The opportunities before our two countries are immense.

Together, we possess the natural resources, institutional capacity, skilled people and political will to build globally competitive industries that serve not only our own countries but the wider African continent.

As South Africa prepares to assume the Chairship of SADC, we look forward to working closely with Namibia to accelerate regional integration, improve infrastructure connectivity, strengthen food and energy security, and advance implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

Together, we will continue to champion peace, democracy, constitutional governance and international cooperation.

We remain convinced that lasting peace, sustainable development and inclusive growth are mutually reinforcing objectives.

Excellency,

The relationship between South Africa and Namibia has matured from one founded on political solidarity into one increasingly driven by economic transformation, innovation and shared prosperity.

It remains one of the finest examples of African partnership.

May we continue to honour the legacy of those who fought for our freedom by building societies characterised by opportunity, equality and dignity for all.

South Africa remains steadfast in walking this journey with Namibia—as neighbours, as partners, as sisters and brothers, and as fellow builders of Africa’s future.

I look forward to being welcomed by Your Excellency to the Fifth Session of our Bi-National Commission.

Until then, let us remain united in purpose and unwavering in our commitment to improving the lives of our people.

Thank you