“We have had fruitful discussions today with His Majesty the King (His Majesty King Letsie III); with Prime Minister (Pakalitha Mosisili) and members of his cabinet, as well as with leaders of the opposition parties here in Lesotho”.

“We presented the report of the Facilitation process here in Lesotho, the final report, to his Majesty the King”.

“Attached to the report was the recommendation that SADC is making to Lesotho in relation to Constitutional reforms as well as Security reforms. That has now been tabled before His Majesty the King and the government of Lesotho”. 

“These recommendations are recommendation which SADC recommended to the government of Lesotho to deal with, to find a way of handling them, because some of the problems that beset Lesotho have to do with constitutional matters as well as security reform matters”. 

“And it is our considered view and opinion that if stakeholders in Lesotho were to give consideration to the recommendation, much more stable and conducive atmosphere will be created in Lesotho so that greater and more lasting stability can be engendered in Lesotho”.

“But we have left all these in the hands of the government and the people of Lesotho. SADC would clearly like to see greater stability being restored in Lesotho”.

“We also dealt with the matters that have to do with the commission of inquiry that was set up by the Double Troika (SADC Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State and Government) as it met in Pretoria in July. We looked closely at the whole process of the commission”.

“We welcomed the Lesotho government’s initiative of setting up the machinery to support the work of the commission. They have prepared office space; they have prepared the full administrative logistical infrastructure that will support the work of the commission”.

“The commissioners are already on the ground, they are about to commence work, they are thirteen (13) of them, they are led by Judge of the High Court from Botswana”.

“We are certain they will commence their work with great earnest and we call on the people of Lesotho to participate in the work of the commission. The commission is meant to engage in its work and conclude within Sixty (60) days and there after report to the chairperson of the SADC Organ (South African President Jacob Zuma Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation)”.

“The issue of the Terms of Reference is another matter which we dealt with. Double Troika issued a set of Terms of Reference which are going to be a guide to the work of the commission”.

“We have agreed with the government that we should allow the commission to work guided by the SADC Terms of Reference”.

“The Lesotho government, and indeed members of the opposition parties including myself as facilitator, have also made certain proposals that could lead to the amendments of the Terms of Reference”.

“And we discussed this matter and we all agreed that we want to see the Terms of Reference being added to, when the Summit of the Troika meets again on the 16th of August, which is literally within a two week period”.

“So the commission will commence its work right now, proceed and we will them be, on a consensus basis, working on additional Terms of Reference to look at various other aspects which we believe needs to be looked at. And this by no means, means the commission should stop its work, it should commence and the people of Lesotho, through their various structures should participate in the work of the commission”.

“Now what it means is that as we proceed to move forward we will be able to add to the Terms of Reference but that will only be agreed to when the leaders meet on the 16th of August, because they are the ones who set up the commission; so further proposals will then be made”. 

“Everybody is open to that; everybody understands that, leaders of the opposition understand that, the government as well as myself as facilitator”. 

“So we are proceeding with great speed, with firmness, with determination to move forward, to make sure that the commission of inquiry executes its task and leaves no stone unturned and goes to the depth of what has been happening here in Lesotho, which recently led to the death of loved son of this country Lt –General Mahao.  So that is going to be all handled and I am sure the truth will come out”.

“So we call on everyone to cooperate, be they in government service; be they in the army; be they in the police; be they in the society; NGOs; to work with the commission and not to seek to impede the work of the commission, to make sure that the commission reaches a conclusion in a way where they will not be adversely influenced by anyone, be it a politician or whoever”.

“So it is an independent commission and we would like everyone in Lesotho to respect it for what it is, and there after the commission gives its report to SADC, to the Chairperson of the Organ (South African President Jacob Zuma) and its recommendation will be public to everyone and there after we will see what further action needs to be taken”.

“So I leave after a fairly successful trip, and thank the government, members of the opposition as well as His Majesty the King for once again having received me and having worked with me so that we can advance the interest of the people of Lesotho, I thank you”, concluded Deputy President Ramaphosa.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Your Excellency the Deputy Prime Minster of Vietnam Mr Hoang Trung Hai

Your excellencies Ambassadors who are here

Your honourable Ministers and Deputy Ministers

It is a real pleasure and joy to have received the Vice Prime Minister of Vietnam and his honourable delegation on an official visit to South Africa.

It is a real joy and pleasure for us as South Africa to receive them because the relationship between Vietnam and South Africa has its roots many decades sago.

We first started relating to Vietnam 60 years ago when the two peoples met in Indonesia at the Bandung conference. This is the year when we celebrate 60 years of the Bandung conference when many leaders in the world got together to agree to work together to bring an end to colonialism in the world and unleash the forces of freedom in their various countries.

That it is when the delegation that was led by some of our leaders met with leaders of Vietnam in Bandung and that started a relationship between the two countries and the two peoples.

Over time our relationship has been strengthen on a number of occasions.

We recall very fondly how former President of the African National Congress Mr Oliver Regional Tambo visited Vietnam in 1978 and that time Vietnam placed their support, to supporting the struggle of the people of South Africa to rid ourselves of apartheid oppression. That was the key moment in the history of the African National Congress.

Throughout the years of our struggle, we as South Africans were greatly inspired by leaders such as Ho Chi Minh who is an icon of the Vietnamese people and the inspiration that we drew from Ho Chi Minh was such that it propelled our people to strengthen their resolve to defeat the apartheid system.

South Africa attaches a great deal of importance to the relationship between Vietnam and South Africa. We see Vietnam as a staunch friend and an ally. Over the 22 years since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations, the relationship between South Africa and Vietnam has grown and it has solidified in a number of multifaceted relationships with growing cooperation in a number of fields and a number of areas.

During our meeting today at bilateral level we reviewed the status of our trade relations. We also reviewed investment cooperation between our two countries.

We also touched on a number of other areas that have to do with Science and Technology, that have to do with Wild life protection. We also discussed a number of other regional and international issues.

On bilateral trade, we welcome the continuing increase in bilateral trade, which has now reached R13.4 billion in 2014 having come up from R3.7 billion in 2011 and agreed that substantial potential still exist to broaden and to deepen trade between the two countries.

We also noted the considerable trade deficit that South Africa has and agreed that we should focus on increasing our economic interaction with Vietnam and that it should be more balanced as we find a number of areas where South Africa can increase its export goods to Vietnam and also Vietnam will start looking closer at South Africa to increase its own investment activities in South Africa.

The relationship between South Africa and Vietnam can be characterized as an active, participative, and mutually beneficial relationship between two countries that relate at a number of levels.

We heard how Vietnam is actively involved in pursuing our mutual interest when it comes to wild life protection, particularly the protection of our Rhino which we have stopped being extinct.

Vietnam through the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in 2012 and renewed in 2013, has joined us actively in raising the levels of awareness in Vietnam, amongst Vietnamese about the importance of saving and securing the Rhino; has also embarked on a number of measures where they are helping to protect the Rhino by making sure that they increase their own watching mechanism; they are also arresting people who are getting involved in illicit trade of the Rhino horn; and we also heard how their activities have led to people getting arrested and Rhino horns being broad back to South Africa.

We were also very pleased to hear of the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed between our Minister of Science and Technology and Vietnam. The areas of cooperation are broadening and we have a relationship that, is alive with great progress and great potential and this is what the two countries want to pursue and make sure that we do all these in the interest of ensuring that our people prosper and we grow both economies.

As I conclude we also were particularly pleased on both sides that our relationship is also going to revolve around areas such as defence, such as agriculture – where we are going to be selling possibly exporting agricultural products such as fruits and beef. We were also very pleased to hear that they can teach as quite a lot of things as we can teach them.

Infrastructure is another area where we are going to be hoping to cooperate. There is a lot that Vietnam and South Africa will be cooperating on as we are cooperating in a number of areas.

As we welcome Vietnam here, we welcome Vietnam as a friend; and Vice Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai we welcome you.

We are very pleased that you are going to see President Zuma in a few minutes to pay a courtesy call. Please feel warmly welcome here in South Africa.

South Africa is your home and we are very pleased that you are here.

Thank you

Please click here to download the Remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai, and his Question and Answer session

Kensington - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will tomorrow, 07 August 2015, chair the meeting of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) at the Pick n Pay Office Park, Kensington, Johannesburg. The Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) is a national, multi- stakeholder advisory body under the leadership and stewardship of the Deputy President. The council provides a platform for stakeholders to review progress achieved in the implementation of the Human Resource Development Strategy for South Africa 2010-2030.

In this regard, Deputy President Ramaphosa together with council members will have an opportunity to interact with the management of Pick n Pay stores, to learn more on how retail business in particular, contributes to human resource development. In the last five years since its inception, the HRDC agreed to focus on the following areas; The strengthening and support of Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges to increase access, Production of intermediate skills (artisans in particular) and professionals; Production of academics and strengthening partnerships between industry and higher education and training institutions in research and development; Worker Education; and Foundational Learning

Media is invited to cover as follows:

Arrival time: 14H00

Time: 14h30 (tour of Pick and Pay confectionary bakers)

      16h00 Closing comments by Deputy President Ramaphosa

Venue: Pick n Pay Office Park, No 2 Allum Road, Kensington, Johannesburg

Date: Friday, 07 August 2015

For accreditation and enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.

For comments please contact, Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Ndwedwe - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Saturday, 8 August 2015 lead a delegation of Ministers and non-governmental stakeholders at a youth development and career expo at Ndwedwe Local Municipality, iLembe District, KwaZulu-Natal. The Youth Expo led by Deputy President Ramaphosa is aimed at the following: Showcasing youth empowerment initiatives and career choices, including relevant post-   school training opportunities; Promoting young people’s access to further education and training, Encouraging healthy lifestyles among young  people, with reference to responsibility around the use and abuse of substances and HIV prevention, among other factors and Promoting entrepreneurial activity among young people by advising them on how to start or sustain small businesses.

The expo supports the National Development Plan’s objectives for youth development and is a platform for young people to obtain detailed information about opportunities developed for them by government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

The Youth Expo also seeks to provide assistance to existing Small Medium Enterprises run by young people in the area, working together with the private sector and civil society organisations. Government is investing in youth through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), and in this regard, the NYDA will also provide information and the necessary assistance to young people through exhibitions at the event. Deputy President Ramaphosa will be supported by Ministers, Deputy Ministers, the Premier of KwaZulu-Natal Senzo Mchunu, Members of the Executive Council, mayors and councillors, as well as representatives of various public and private institutions.

Media is invited as follows:

Date: Saturday, 08 August 2015

Venue: Nombika Sportfield, Ndwedwe, Ilembe District, KwaZulu-Natal

Time: 08h30

For accreditation and enquiries please contact Sam Matome Bopape on 082 318 5251.

For comments please contact, Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853.

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Cape Town - Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa will once more field questions from members of parliament in the National Assembly, scheduled for Wednesday 12 August 2015 in Cape Town.

The questions which Deputy President Ramaphosa will provide oral answers to relate to human resource development strategy, immigration issues, his recent visit to the People’s Republic of China and lastly his SADC facilitation efforts in the Kingdom of Lesotho. 

In this regard questions that Deputy President Ramaphosa will respond to include among others:

Human Resource Development

With reference to the National Development Plan’s emphasis that the need for a strong relationship between the technical and vocational education and training colleges and industry, to what measures are in place to ensure that these partnerships materialise and are sustained?

Immigration

Whether, the Deputy President has been briefed on the progress of the current deliberations on and reviews of the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs?

Visit to the Peoples Republic of China                                            

Which aspects of the 5-10 Year Strategic Programme on co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa were discussed during the Deputy President's official visit to China and what the key outcomes of the bilateral discussions were.

SADC facilitation efforts in Lesotho

What recommendations the Deputy President made to the SADC Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State held on 3 July 2015, regarding the political impasse in the Kingdom of Lesotho; what are the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry established by the specified Summit regarding the death of Brigadier Mahao of the Kingdom of Lesotho; and whether  any preliminary details been given regarding the approved oversight committee that will be established as an early warning system about events that signal potential instability in the region.

Enquiries: Ronnie Mamoepa on 082 990 4853

Issued by: The Presidency

Pretoria

Technical vocational education and training colleges are critical to the growth of businesses and the further development of the economy, Deputy   President Cyril Ramaphosa said in Parliament today (12 August 2015).

In replying to a question in the National Assembly, the Deputy President called on companies to see TVET colleges as a source of well-trained   graduates.

“These are the institutions that will produce the employees of tomorrow.”

“It is essential therefore that we work together – government, business and other stakeholders – to improve the scale, quality and relevance of our TVET college system,” he said.

The Deputy President briefed MPs on a TVET college adoption programme being piloted by the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC).

This programme encourages companies and industry bodies to form adoption partnerships with TVET colleges to assist colleges to improve their training programmes. 

These adoption partnerships will assist in addressing challenges of poor administration, management, governance and infrastructure.

He said: “We expect that companies that adopt TVET colleges in areas near their operations will provide students with practical learning opportunities. They will also help to develop teaching-learning material and build the institutional management capacity of TVET colleges. These colleges will then have a greater chance of producing graduates that have the relevant skills that the labour market will be able to absorb.”

“Providing our people with skills that are relevant and meaningful is a national priority. This we do to enable them to find employment and expand their opportunities,” concluded Deputy President Ramaphosa.

The Minister of Energy, Mr Jeff Radebe, has been appointed the Acting President of the Republic of South Africa until President Cyril Ramaphosa returns from his Working Visit to the Republic of Mozambique.

President Ramaphosa has arrived in Maputo, in the Republic of Mozambique, where he will meet his counterpart President Filipe Nyusi to discuss bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual concern. The President, who is accompanied by the Ministers of Defence, Police and State Security, is   expected to South Africa this afternoon.

Deputy President David Mabuza has travelled to the Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan, to strengthen the   ongoing political efforts towards finding lasting peace and development for the people of South Sudan.


Media enquiries: Khusela Diko, Spokesperson to the President on 072 854 5707 

Issued by: The Presidency
Pretoria

Government will address concerns about new visa regulations in a methodical, rational and balanced manner, Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said in Parliament today, Wednesday 12 August 2015.

Deputy President Ramaphosa was replying to a question in the National Assembly on the consequences of the implementation of the new regulations.

Deputy President Ramaphosa briefed MPs on the establishment by President Jacob Zuma of an Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) to examine and remedy any potential unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the immigration regulations.

“As a country, we cannot compromise on our sovereignty or our security. Nor can we ignore the economic and social effects of any measures we adopt,” he said.

He said the IMC therefore needs to examine all available evidence on the impact of the introduction of these new regulations and take steps to mitigate any negative consequences. 

“It should be noted that alongside the implementation of the new regulations, government is introducing several measures to improve the efficiency, security and accessibility of our immigration processes,” said Deputy President Ramaphosa.

1. At the invitation of His Excellency Filipe Jacinto Nyusi, President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa,   President of the Republic of South Africa paid a working visit to the Republic of Mozambique on the 14th January 2019
 
2. The visit is aimed at consolidating bilateral, political, economic and social cooperation between the two countries

3. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa was accompanied by a ministerial delegation and government officials

4. On bilateral issues, the two Presidents acknowledged the historical and fraternal bonds between the two countries dating back to the period of the   liberation struggle against colonialism and apartheid

5. The two Heads of State expressed satisfaction at the excellent and ever growing bilateral cooperation between the two countries which is managed under the framework of the Bi-National Commission

6. The two Presidents noted the existence of over 70 bilateral Agreements and Memoranda of Understanding covering a wide range of areas including energy, agriculture, arts and culture, defence and security, education and environment, science and technology, immigration, tourism, trade and investment, amongst others

7. The two Presidents underscored the need to ensure the full implementation of these legal instruments for the benefit of their respective countries and peoples

8. On regional issues, the two Presidents noted that the SADC region was politically stable notwithstanding a few exceptions

9. The two Presidents congratulated President-elect, Mr Rajoelina on his election as President of Madagascar; commended Former President Ravalomanana for graciously accepting the results and commended the people of Madagascar for conducting peaceful elections

10. Within the context of maintaining peace and security on the continent, the two Heads of State condemned the attempted coup in the Republic of Gabon

11. The two Presidents commended the Democratic Republic of Congo for conducting peaceful elections and noted the release of the provisional presidential results and the subsequent lodging of a complaint by one of the candidates

12. The two Heads of State re-iterated the need for SADC regional economic integration through the implementation of the SADC industrialisation strategy and its action plan, to promote regional value chains and creating industrial capacity

13. On the continent, the two Heads of State expressed their satisfaction with the growing number of countries on the continent signing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement. In this regard, they urged those fellow African countries who have not signed to do so and ratify this important agreement

14. The two Presidents re-iterated the need to reform the UN system in particular the UN Security Council to better represent the interests of developing countries

15. His Excellency, President Nyusi congratulated South Africa for being elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the next two years

16. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended an invitation to His Excellency, President Nyusi to the next session of the Bi-national commission to be held on a date to be mutually agreed through diplomatic channels

17. His Excellency, President Ramaphosa extended his gratitude for the warm reception and excellent hospitality extended to him and his delegation during their visit to Mozambique


DONE IN MAPUTO
14 January 2019

Question 1

With reference to the National Development Plan’s emphasis that the need for a strong relationship between the technical and vocational education and training colleges and industry to (a) improve the quality of training, (b) ensure faster absorption of graduates in the job market   and (c) assist with determining the skills demands that exist in the labour market, what measures are in place to ensure that these partnerships   materialise and are sustained?

Reply by Deputy President Ramaphosa:

Honourable Members,

Government has prioritised the expansion and development of TVET colleges as a cornerstone of the national effort to meet our human resource needs. Providing our people with skills that are relevant and meaningful is a national priority. This we do to enable them to find employment and expand their opportunities.

There is a strong link between the quality of teaching in TVET colleges and the development of skills suitable for the demands of the job market. Many of our universities are developing qualifications for TVET lecturers.

The Department of Higher Education and Training is focusing more on improving performance management and professional development of TVET lecturers. To ensure lecturers are kept abreast with latest trends in industry, a project has been launched through the Education, Training and Development Practices SETA to place lecturers in industry.

This project was initiated in five TVET colleges and is expanding on an annual basis. The Department of Higher Education and Training has been running a campaign to encourage the recruitment by industry of TVET college graduates.

Students are assisted to obtain internships through Work Integrated Learning, which is done in collaboration with a number of SETAs. To align the work of TVET colleges with the needs of industry more directly – and to ensure that industry expertise and resources are being used in colleges – the Human Resource Development Council is piloting a TVET adoption programme.

This programme encourages companies and industry bodies to form adoption partnerships with TVET colleges to assist colleges to improve their training programmes. These adoption partnerships will assist in addressing challenges of poor administration, management, governance and infrastructure.

We expect that companies that adopt TVET colleges in areas near their operations will provide students with practical learning opportunities.  They will also help to develop teaching-learning material and build the institutional management capacity of TVET colleges.

These colleges will then have a greater chance of producing graduates that have the relevant skills that the labour market will be able to absorb.  We call on companies across all sectors of the economy to see TVET colleges as a source of well-trained graduates. TVET colleges are the institutions that will produce the employees of tomorrow.

They are critical to the growth of businesses and the further development of key sectors of the economy. It is essential therefore that we work together – government, business and other stakeholders – to improve the scale, quality and relevance of our TVET college system.

I thank you.

Question 2

Whether, with regard to his statement that South Africa is at the cutting edge of immigration and visa regulations (details furnished), he has been briefed on the progress of the current deliberations on and reviews of the visa regulations of the Department of Home Affairs?

Reply by Deputy President Ramaphosa:

Honourable Members,

Yes, I have been briefed.

As President Jacob Zuma indicated yesterday, government has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to examine and remedy any potential unintended consequences resulting from the implementation of the immigration regulations.

The Immigration Act and its regulations are aimed at striking a balance between the need to protect our sovereignty and national security, to advance the national development agenda and to honour our international obligations.

As a country, we cannot compromise on our sovereignty or our security.  Nor can we ignore the economic and social effects of any measures we adopt. The Inter-Ministerial Committee therefore needs to examine all available evidence on the impact of the introduction of these new regulations and take steps to mitigate any negative consequences.

It should be noted that alongside the implementation of the new regulations, government is introducing several measures to improve the efficiency, security and accessibility of our immigration processes.

The Minister of Home Affairs will be able to provide further information on this.  Government is aware of the concerns that have been raised about some of the new regulations.  The process being led by the Inter-Ministerial Committee aims to address these and any other related concerns in a methodical, rational and balanced manner.

I thank you.

Question 3

(1) Which aspects of the 5-10 Year Strategic Programme on co-operation between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of South Africa were discussed during his official visit to China;

(2) what were the key outcomes of the bilateral discussions with the People’s Republic of China that would be given priority by the Government during the remainder of 2015;

(3) since his reply to oral question 12 on 10 June 2015, what key lessons did he learn during his meeting with the Chairperson of the Chinese State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission in respect of how South Africa can enhance the performance of its state-owned companies?

Reply for Deputy President Ramaphosa:

Honourable Members,

The main purpose of our visit to China was to review progress made in the implementation of the Five-to-Ten Year Strategic Programme for Cooperation signed by President Jacob Zuma and President Xi Jinping, with specific focus on China’s experience in the management of state-owned companies.

The following aspects of the Strategic Programme were discussed:

- Alignment of industries to accelerate South Africa’s industrialisation process

- Enhancement of cooperation in special economic zones

- Enhancement of Ocean Economy cooperation

- Infrastructure development

- Human resource and skills cooperation

- Concessionary finance

Among the key outcomes from bilateral discussions was a commitment from China to cooperate with South Africa in promoting industrialisation and improving our economic capacity and ability to create jobs.

China has agreed and committed to share its experience and expertise on special economic zones. It has agreed to encourage its companies to invest in South Africa’s special economic zones and science and technology parks.

China has also agreed to share its experience and assist South Africa in expediting the implementation of our ocean economy programme. An important area of cooperation is in the development of the skills needed for South Africa’s economic growth and development.

The area of vocational training was highlighted as important for the implementation of our industrialisation programme.  China has offered thousands of training opportunities over the next 5 years. We also spent time talking to the Chinese Academy of Governance.

They agreed to place South African government officials and SOE executives on leadership training programmes. Initiatives are already underway to finalise relevant training programmes for public service managers.

The delegation met with China’s State Asset Supervision and Administration Commission – known as SASAC – which oversees 111 national state-owned entities.

Some aspects of China’s approach to SOEs are worth noting.

There is, for example, a standard approach to governance processes and structure across all SOEs supervised by SASAC. The Commission also oversees performance assessment, training and remuneration of SOE executive management.

The success of many of China’s SOEs is due in part to the reform of their shareholding system. In some cases, this has included the introduction of strategic investors and the listing of some SOEs in capital markets.

We will continue engagements with the Commission to deepen our understanding of the Chinese SOE model. This aims to enhance the capacity of the state to position SOEs to drive industrialisation and unlock private sector investment between the two countries.

I thank you.

Question 4

(1) What recommendations did he make to the SADC Double Troika Summit of the Heads of State held on 3 July 2015, regarding the political impasse in the Kingdom of Lesotho;

(2) what are the terms of reference of the commission of inquiry established by the specified Summit regarding the death of Brigadier Mahao of the Kingdom of Lesotho;

(3) have any preliminary details been given regarding the approved oversight committee that will be established as an early warning system about events that signal potential instability in the region? NO3214E

Reply by Deputy President Ramaphosa:

Honourable Members,

The SADC Observer Mission made recommendations for the Kingdom of Lesotho to consider effecting constitutional and security reforms. Many stakeholders with whom the Mission interacted during its tenure, such as the churches, traditional leaders, business and NGOS, consistently expressed the need for such reforms to be effected.

In his inauguration speech, Prime Minister Pakalitha Mosisili asserted the Lesotho government’s commitment to pursuing such reforms. The former Prime Minister, Dr Tom Thabane, has also supported the proposal for constitutional and security reforms.

The recommendations made by the facilitation team were informed by the experience of the SADC Mission on the ground and in fulfilment of the mandate of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security and Cooperation to promote long term political and security stability.

The recommendations included:

- refining the respective roles of the Lesotho Defence Force and Lesotho Mounted Police Service to remove any overlap between the two forces’ mandates,

- reforms to Parliamentary rules as they affect coalition governments, motions of no confidence, the prorogation of Parliament and the issue of floor crossing,

- judicial, civil service and media reforms,

- processes that could be followed in ensuring an inclusive process for the formulation and adoption of the reforms.

These recommendations were accepted by the SADC Double Troika Summit, who urged the Kingdom of Lesotho to implement them as soon as possible. This process is in the hands of the Basotho, and SADC will assist wherever possible.

The Summit decided on the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry to investigate the death of Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao, former Lt. Gen., and matters relating to the broader security environment.

The terms of reference for the Commission, adopted on a provisional basis to allow for their expansion and modification once the Commission was established, were to:

- review the investigations conducted by the Lesotho Defence Force into the alleged mutiny plot, covering also the alleged kidnapping of former members of the LDF and alleged killings of members of the opposition;

- investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Brigadier Maaparankoe Mahao;

- investigate the legality and the manner of the appointment of Brigadier Mahao in 2014 and his demotion and removal as head of the Lesotho Defence Force in 2015;

- investigate the legality and the manner of the removal of Lt. Gen. Kamoli as head of the Lesotho Defence Force in 2014, and his reappointment in 2015; and

- investigate the allegations by opposition parties and civil society that Lt. Gen. Kamoli’s reappointment has resulted in divisions in the Lesotho Defence Force, and has led to political and security instability.

There have been proposals from government and opposition parties that the terms of reference be fine-tuned. This will be considered by the SADC Double Troika Summit scheduled for 16 August.

The Commission has started its work. It is headed by Botswana High Court Judge Mpaphi Phumaphi, and includes experts from Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Malawi and South Africa in fields such as law, criminal investigation and forensic science. 

An Oversight Committee was also established by the Extraordinary Summit held on 3 July 2015. It is meant to act as an early warning mechanism in the event of instability and intervene as appropriate in consultation with the SADC Facilitator.

It will be led by a political appointee and include political, intelligence, police and military components. It will assist in ensuring SADC is able to respond timeously to any signs of political and security instability.

It will further work on pushing forward the recommendations approved by the Summit for constitutional reforms in Lesotho.  These two mechanisms combined will allow SADC to support Lesotho in ensuring long term political and security stability by being alert to developments and addressing the root causes of recent political and security challenges.

I thank you.