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Trip of the First Lady to Senegal South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and Eritrea, March 15-29, 1997 (Shipley,Safrica, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Eritrea) [Binder][2]
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Trip of the First Lady to Senegal South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and Eritrea, March 15-29, 1997 (Shipley,Safrica, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Eritrea) [Binder][2]
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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. briefing
Background, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (4 pages)
03/11/1997
P1/b(1)
paper
002. reports
bios (8 pages)
c 03/1997
P1/b(1)
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Speechwriting (Noa Meyer Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 13006
FOLDER TITLE:
The Trip of the First Lady to Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and
Eritrea, March 15-29, 1997 (Shipley, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Eritrea)
[Binder] [2]
2012-0869-S
kc967
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
PI National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRAJ
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
h(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors (a)(5) of the PRA]
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA|
h(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
Spier Wine Estate
South Africa: Lunch at the Spier Wine Estate
Most of the scores of wine estates in the Cape have great
scenery, food, and local wine. But Spier Wine Estate is
noteworthy for expanding its business in partnership with
previously excluded groups and communities. The most progressive
wine estate in the area, Spier is also the only one to import and
promote American wines, partly because of wine master Jabulani
Ntshangase, a former Sowetan who spent two decades in the U.S.
wine industry and who now is training a cadre of black South
African winemakers.
Your visit to the estate provides an opportunity to view the
magnificent scenery for which Cape Town and its surrounds are
renowned.
AMERICAN CONSULATE
ID:2721214934
14 MAR '97
15:36 No.006 P.24
SPEIR WINE ESTATE LUNCHEON
DRAFT
Lynedoch Road
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Phone: (021) 881-3096
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 1997
12:30pm
Participants: HRC
Ambassador and Mrs. Joseph
Others TBD.
Press: ?
Attire: Casual
HRC and guests are greeted upon arrival by Craig Scaman, manager of Speir Wine Estate.
Luncheon Guests will be escorted to DIE OPSTAL (The Manor House) -- a South
African National Monument, which dates back to 1820 -- for an informal wine tasting.
Mrs. Clinton and the other luncheon guests will have the opportunity to change clothes
and freshen up prior to the wine tasting.
Upon the conclusion of the_wine tasting, HRC and guests will be escorted next door to the
JONKERSHUIS Restaurant for lunch. Seating will be outside in a canopied area within close
proximity to the estate's rose garden. The restaurant serves Dutch/East Indian/Malay cuisine
which is offered as a self-service buffet. These traditional South African dishes can be
accompanied by a variety of the cstate's vintages.
Following lunch, Mrs. Clinton and her guests will have the opportunity to visit the WINE
CENTRE. Bottles of Speir Wine - as well as wine from neighbouring cstates -- can be
purchased at that time.
Departure en route Cape Grace Hotel.
Staff Note: A set price of approximately R?/person will be collected in advance to pay
for lunch.
PAGE
2
1ST STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 Africa News Service, Inc.
Africa News
February 28, 1997
SECTION: NEWS, DOCUMENTS & COMMENTARY
LENGTH: 334 words
HEADLINE: South Africa;
From Waterfront to wine estate
BYLINE: Chene Blignaut, Staff Reporter, Cape Argus (Cape Town)
BODY:
Cape Town - A new railway station opposite Spier wine estate near
Stellenbosch, linking the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront to the Winelands, has
been officially opened.
The construction of the Cape Dutch-style station was commissioned by Spier,
using contractors from previously disadvantaged communities.
Intersite Property Management Services, the property arm of the SA Rail
Commuter Corporation, was approached by Spier, which wanted a station close to
the estate to enable people to catch the Spier steam train from the Waterfront.
A lease agreement for the land on the railway reserve opposite the Spier
estate was negotiated.
Intersite regional manager Kevin Roman said the link-up with Spier was in
e with the company's vision to transport people at any time - not just to and
from work.
Negotiations were underway to extend the platform to accommodate a 12-coach
commuter train.
"This will open up the wine farm to local tourists who rely on trains for
transport.
"It is also in line with our objective to facilitate maximum private sector
involvement in the portfolios we manage, said Mr Roman.
Opening the new station this week, Western Cape Economic Affairs Minister
Chris Nissen hailed it as an ideal illustration of the successful partnership
which needed to be created between the state and the private sector in the
development of the country's economy.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: March 12, 1997
PAGE
3
2ND STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 Newspaper Publishing PLC
The Independent
February 11, 1997, Tuesday
SECTION: INTERNATIONAL; Page 12
LENGTH: 948 words
HEADLINE: SA wine growers sip at last chance saloon liberal boycott; Racial
conflict: Calls for boycott by British liberals to support plight of black
workers on slave wages rejected for now
BYLINE: Mary Braid Cape Town
BODY:
After weeks of vicious debate about racism, slave labour and immorality in
the South African wine industry, the Cape wine fraternity finally agreed on
something yesterday - no one wants the British to interfere by mounting a
post-apartheid wine boycott.
The warning to liberal, well-meaning Britons is the latest twist in a saga
which began last month when John Platter, the celebrated South African wine
writer, lambasted the Cape's all-white winelands establishment on BBC Radio 4
over its plans to share out 2bn (about pounds 285m) to 5bn rand of assets,
accumulated during the apartheid years, among 4,700 white farmers. Mr Platter
exposed the industry's exploitation of tens of thousands of Cape Coloured
labourers and its barbaric use of political and criminal prisoners as slave
labour until the early 1980s. Yesterday, at his vineyard near Stellenbosch, he
taking nothing back. In a letter to the Afrikaans newspaper Die Burger last
K he suggested the industry's restructuring - or privatisation - amounted to
"looting" and denounced the move as out of step with attempts to redress the
injustices of the past.
But he was furious at Die Burger reports yesterday associating him with
suggestions in a British Sunday newspaper that a European boycott might be in
order. "A boycott would be completely counter-productive to producers and
labourers,' he said. Worse, the boycott call obscures the real issues and gives
white owners somewhere to hide.
At home, the KWV, the cooperative of vineyard owners which has proposed its
own privatisation, has condemned Mr Platter and his wife Erica as traitors.
Neighbours have burned copies of the couple's annual wine guide - the bible on
South African wine - and local farmers are promising to mount their own boycott
- of next year's Platter guide.
At the centre of the row are tens of thousands of Cape Coloureds who, three
years after the end of white minority rule, still toil in the vineyards for as
little as R100 a week - the price of two bottles of South African red or white
in a British supermarket - and a daily dop (drink) of half a litre of wine.
According to Grant Twigg, the general secretary of the Farm Food and Rural
Workers Union, also a Cape Coloured, the daily wine quota keeps the vineyard
workers docile and too dependent to leave the industry. Alcoholism, he claims,
is deliberately encouraged by many farmers. He, like the Platters, argues that
PAGE
4
The Independent, February 11, 1997
the workers have a right to share in the benefits accrued during the apartheid
years.
Since the early 1990s, he says, the industry has seen some improvements but
vast majority of workers are still appallingly exploited, despite 6 per cent
annual growth in the domestic market and a 38 per cent increase between 1995 and
1996 in overseas sales.
But he too rejects the idea of an overseas boycott. "During the years of
apartheid my union supported sanctions,' he said. "But in this case a growing
industry and particularly its workers would suffer.
The Platter camp is attempting to force KWV to hive off a significant
portion of the apartheid-era assets to transform an industry run by whites for
whites. They want to bring blacks and Coloureds into management and ownership.
So far they have succeeded in persuading Derek Hanekom, the Agriculture
Minister, to halt KWV's privatisation plans while an inquiry takes place. They
argue that this is a rare case when doing the right thing is also good for
business.
With blacks involved in the business, the pleasures of wine would be filter
though to the black community, and boost home sales. That is the dream of
Jubalane Nstangase, currently the only black manager in the Cape winelands and a
one-off in the South African wine trade.
Raised in Soweto, he learned the wine trade while in exile in New York.
He began importing South African wines to the US in 1992 and finally
irned to his native country in 1995, where he was hired by the white
repreneur Dick Enthoven, owner of the Spier Wine Estate.
Mr Nstangase was employed to create a few waves, but like some "token"
blacks taken on by big business, his mouth has proved bigger than his boss
probably anticipated.
This week the heat is on. The Afrikaans papers is crammed with criticism and
still Mr Nstangase cannot stop talking. On a Sunday - a big day for visitors -
on the Spier estate, Mr Nstangase sticks out; the only other blacks are serving
in the wine shop or trailing an endless stream of little blonde girls around a
large lawn on ponies.
The wine industry he describes is rotten with racism. He came back to
South Africa to realise a dream. "When I was importing, my American customers
always asked the same questions - how many blacks were employed in management of
estates, how many black owners were there, how many black exporters were there?"
Of course there were none. He came home to change that; to open the business
and the product up to blacks. Much is made of professional whites leaving
South Africa. Blacks who returned with skills, only to be hampered by white
intransigence and invested interests, are somehow invisible. "If you mention
black empowerment in the wine industry, everyone cringes, he says.
He is angry at recent comments by a KWV official that wine is always a
white-dominated sphere, in any country. "That's just the sort of thing they
PAGE
5
The Independent, February 11, 1997
used to say when I was growing up. It was the excuse they gave for not paying
whites and blacks the same wages. "Look around," he added, gazing across the
.
wn towards another smart restaurant devoid of black visitors. "If I didn't
C here as a black man I would never come in."
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 11, 1997
Withdrawal/Redaction Marker
Clinton Library
DOCUMENT NO.
SUBJECT/TITLE
DATE
RESTRICTION
AND TYPE
001. briefing
Background, Truth and Reconciliation Commission (4 pages)
03/11/1997
P1/b(1)
paper
COLLECTION:
Clinton Presidential Records
First Lady's Office
Speechwriting (Noa Meyer Subject Files)
OA/Box Number: 13006
FOLDER TITLE:
The Trip of the First Lady to Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and
Eritrea, March 15-29, 1997 (Shipley, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Eritrea)
[Binder] [2]
2012-0869-S
kc967
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)|
Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRA]
b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRAJ
h(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of
P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA
an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
h(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(h)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President
information |(b)(4) of the FOIA]
and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRAJ
b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of
personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA
b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed
b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
of gift.
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C.
b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
2201(3).
concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA]
RR. Document will be reviewed upon request.
AMERICAN CONSULATE
ID:2721214934
14 MAR'97
15:35 No.006 P.22
VISIT TO TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
Date:
Wednesday, March 19
4:30 pm
Location:
106 Adderly Street, Capetown
Tel. (021) 245-165
Participants:
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Dr. Alex Boraine, Commission Vice Chair
Ambassador Joseph
15 TRC commissioners
Press:
Pool
Scenario:
HRC is met curbside by Archbishop Tutu and Dr. Boraine. They proceed to
elevator and up to TRC's offices. [Note: Staff and press will follow on
subscquent elevators]. HRC, Tutu, Boraine and Ambassador Joseph enter the
commission room where Tutu will introduce HRC to the 15 other
commissioners. They will be seated at the head of the table. [Note: there will
be a few seats for staff]. Once the discussion begins, the press will be escorted
into the room in two shifts. At the conclusion of the discussion, HRC and
Tutu will proceed to motorcade for departure.
Note: All staff will remain in the lobby except for the following people who
will follow HRC into the commission room:
Maggie Williams
Melanne Vervecr
Geroge Moosc
Susan Rice
Attire:
Business
Cowley House
South Africa: Visit to Cowley House and Tree Planting
Context
apparls book Friday
Cowley House, originally an Anglican monastery housing a dozen
monks, was converted during the depths of the apartheid era into
a temporary lodging facility for family members visiting
political prisoners on Robben Island. Families of political
prisoners such as the Mandelas, Sisulus, and Mbekis stayed in
Cowley House when they traveled to Cape Town for visitation
purposes. With the ending of apartheid and the freeing of the
political prisoners, Cowley House served as a way station to help
orient freed prisoners into modern society.
The Garden of Remembrance (in the yard of Cowley House) features
Har any
tre
trees and shrubs planted by families from the nearby town of
fn
or mere
Paarl. During the apartheid era some 15 young people from Paarl way
been taked
went into exile and died under uncertain circumstances outside
the country. Their families never recovered the bodies or
life
cdr
TIR
received an accurate accounting of their deaths. The garden was
created in memory of those young people and for all victims of
violence in the apartheid era.
Cowley House is now being refurbished to house the Trauma Center,
which offers treatment and a haven for victims of abuse, trauma, continues
and torture. Currently in temporary facilities nearby, the
its with.
Trauma Center serves victims of domestic and other violence,
offers walk-in counseling, and provides shelter for those shunned
on Dry
elsewhere.
a
rtc place
Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is a strong supporter of Cowley
to have
House and its Trauma Center. The director of the Trauma Center
is Ms. Nomfundo Walaza, a clinical psychologist. Father Michael
Lapsley, an Anglican priest and anti-apartheid activist who lost
both hands to a government-instigated letter bomb, is also an
Repa the
active member of the Trauma Center management.
world.
Archbishop Emeritus Tutu and Ms. Walaza will officiate at the
dedication. A few former political prisoners and several of the
families from Paarl will attend. The renowned University Choir
for Africa will perform a musical number.
Objectives
O
To participate in the formal dedication of the Garden of
Remembrance by planting a tree and unveiling a plaque. This
will be a visible tribute to the victims of apartheid,
indicating that they will not be forgotten.
To acknowledge efforts by the Trauma Center and others
working in South Africa today to make whole those lives
shattered by violence.
- 2 -
Talking Points
-- It is well to remember that, although South Africa's
transition to democracy is recognized as a peaceful one, for
many of those at the forefront of the struggle it was
anything but peaceful.
-- The Garden of Remembrance brings home the anguish and
suffering not only of the victims of apartheid, but of their
families as well. It is a living symbol of the dedication of
families and the community to the values for which so many
paid the ultimate sacrifice.
-- I am honored to be able to participate with Archbishop
Emeritus Tutu in this ceremony, which in a small way
demonstrates remembrance by the United States of those who
suffered violence under apartheid, and support for those who
work every day to overcome the results of domestic and other
violence.
AMERICAN CONSULATE
ID:2721214934
14 MAR'97
15:36 No .006 P.25
VISIT TO COWLEY HOUSE
126 Chapel Street
Cape Town, South Africa
DRAFT
Phone: (021) 45-7373
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 1997
5:30pm
Participants: HRC
Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Ms. Nomfundo Walaza, Director of Cowley House & Clinical Psychologist.
XXX, deliverer of opening prayer
XXX, representative of families/victims who utilise Cowley House
Press: Open
Upon arrival, HRC and Archbishop Tutu are greeted by Dr. Walaza and escorted into the
courtyard for a short briefing on the history, focus. and operations of Cowley House.
The participants will then proceed to the Garden of Remembrance to deliver remarks to
an assemblage of Cowley House's client/patients, supporters. and guests. Approximately
150 people will be in attendance.
The University of Cape Town's Choir for Africa will sing traditional songs as the
participants enter the garden area.
Once positioned, XXX will offer an opening prayer.
Archbishop Tutu will then deliver brief remarks.
XXX will then deliver remarks on behalf of the families who utilise Cowley House.
Director Walaza will then deliver brief remarks and introduce Mrs. Clinton.
Mrs. Clinton delivers remarks.
Upon the Conclusion of Mrs. Clinton's remarks. the HRC and Archbishop Tutu will
proceed to an adjacent area for the planting of a commemorative trec in the Garden of
Remembrance.
Upon the conclusion of the tree planting, HRC works a ropeline from right to Icft and
departs.
(The Choir for Africa will sing during the ropeline movement.)
N.B. Invited guests and audience members will remain at Cowley House following
HRC's departure as refreshments will be served.
HEALTH& SECURITY
THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20201
USA
MAR I 3 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR MELANNE VERVEER
When I was in Cape Town for the meeting of the Gore-Mbeki Binational Commission, I
joined the South African Minister of Health, Dr. Nkosazana Zuma, in signing a Joint
Statement on Violence as a Public Health Problem. Because the First Lady will visit the
Cape Town Trauma Center for Victims of Violence and Torture, I thought you would be
interested in this violence prevention effort.
We will assist in the development in South Africa of a regional center for Africa that would
establish definitions, guidelines and methodologies for violence surveillance throughout the
continent. The regional center would play a very important role in carrying out the plan of
action for the World Health Organization's violence prevention project.
Collaborative efforts will include:
1. Development of health surveillance systems to measure, document, and monitor both
intentional and unintentional injuries.
2. Development, sharing, and application of models for addressing violence prevention from
a public health perspective to facilitate violence prevention efforts.
3. Identification of causal risk factors.
4. Development and testing of community-based violence prevention and control approaches
and interventions.
5. Research on such topics as the links between drug use and crime and the relationship
among violence, drug abuse, and health.
Dr
Donna E. Shalala
Cape Town
Victoria Mxenge Housing Initiative
Spier Wine Estate
Truth and Reconciliation Commission Meeting
Cowley House
Dinner Hosted by Ambassador
Courtesy Call on President Mandela
Speech at University of Cape Town
Fundraiser/Dinner on Robben Island
Embassy Meet and Greet
BACKGROUND ON ZIMBABWE
-Map
-Background notes/Country profile
-U.S./Zimbabwe Relations
-Political Overview
-Economic Overview
-Women's Issues
-Children's Issues
-Education
-Involvement in the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women
-Population and Family Planning
-Health Issues
-Human Rights
-Environment
-U.S. Assistance
-U.S. Embassy
-Etiquette
-Arrival and Departure Statements
-Q&A
Bios
Peace Corps
EVENTS IN ZIMBABWE
Meeting with U.S. Mission Community
Harare
Courtesy Call on President Mugabe
Women's Roundtable
Kuwadzana Health Clinic
Zambuko Trust / Micro Credit
Victoria Falls
BACKGROUND ON TANZANIA
-Map
-Background notes/Country profile
-U.S./Tanzania Relations
-Political Overview
-Economic Overview
-Women's Issues
-Children's Issues
-Education
-Involvement in the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women
-Population and Family Planning
-Health Issues
-Human Rights
-Environment
-U.S. Assistance
-U.S. Embassy
-Etiquette
-Great Lakes Crisis
-Arrival and Departure Statements
-Q&A
Bios
Peace Corps
EVENTS IN TANZANIA
Dar Es Salaam
Courtesy Call on President Mkapa
Visit to ACG Systems
Women's Roundtable
Embassy Meet and Greet
Arusha
Kilimanjaro and Masai School Girls
U.N. War Crimes Tribunal
Masai Village
Reception Hosted by Government
OTR Dinner
Lake Manyara
Ngorongoro Crater
Serengeti National Park
Olduvai Gorge and Museum
BACKGROUND ON UGANDA
-Map
-Background notes/Country profile
-U.S./Uganda Relations
-Political Overview
-Economic Overview
-Great Lakes Crisis
-Women's Issues
-Children's Issues
-Education
-Involvement in the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women
-Population and Family Planning
-Health Issues
-Human Rights
-Environment
-U.S. Assistance
-U.S. Embassy
-Etiquette
-Arrival and Departure Statements
-Q&A
Bios
Peace Corps
EVENTS IN UGANDA
Meeting with U.S. Embassy Community
Kampala
Courtesy Call on President Museveni
Reception Hosted by Government
Seguko Primary School
AIDS Information Center
Speech
FINCA/UWESO
BACKGROUND ON ERITREA
-Map
-Background notes/Country profile
-U.S./Eritrean Relations
-Political Overview
-Economic Overview
-Women's Issues
-Children's Issues
-Education
-Involvement in the U.N. Fourth World Conference on Women
-Population and Family Planning
-Health Issues
-Human Rights
-Environment
-U.S. Assistance
-U.S. Embassy
-Etiquette
-Arrival and Departure Statements
-Q&A
Bios
Peace Corps
EVENTS IN ERITREA
Asmara
National Service Tree Planting
BANA Woodwork Training Center
Embadorho Health Station
American Community Event
Women's Roundtable
Meeting with Eritrean First Lady
Courtesy Call on President Afworki
BACKGROUND ON
SOUTH AFRICA
20
Maun
30
20
Bulawayo
Masvingo
South Africa
Plumtree
ZIMBABWE
Francistown
International boundary
Railroad
Makgadikgad
Rutenga
(salt pans)
Rio
save
Province boundary
Expressway
National capital
Road
Selebi-Pikwe
Beitbridge
Chicualacuala
Province capital
BOTSWANA
Messina
Mahalapye
MOZAMBIQUE
0
100
200
300 Kilometers
0
100
200
300 Miles
NORTHERN
adridtury
Lambert Conformal Conic Projection, SP 65:30S
PROVINCE
Pietersburg
Kalkrand
Gaborone
(Polokwane)
Nylstroom
Mariental
Chokwe
DC
25
Auob
NAMIBIA
Nosop
Mulops
Lobatse
Nelspruit
Xai-Xai
Rustenburg
Pretona
Tshabong.
Mmabatho
Witbank
Maputo
NORTH
Johannesburg
MPUMALANGA
Mbabane
GALTENG
Bethanien
Keetmanshoop
WEST
Verseniging
Klerksdorp
SWAZILAND
Vryburg
Seeheim
Hotazel
Standerton
Kroonstad
Sishen
Golela
Karasburg
KWAZULU-
Bethlehem
NATAL
Upington
FREE
Ulundi
STATE
Ladysmith
Orange
Kimberley,
Richards Bay
Bloemfontein
Maseru
Port Nolloth
Springbok
LESOTHO
Pietermiffitzburg
NORTHERN
Mafeteng
Durban
CAPE
De Aar
Kokstad
Port Shepstone
Calvinia
Victoria West
Middelburg
Umtata
Vanrhynsdorp)
Queenstown
EASTERN CAPE
Beaufort
West
Bisho
Saldanha
East London
WESTERN
Worcester
CAPE
Cape Town
Swellendam
Port Elizabeth
Mosselbaai
Cape of
Good Hope
Province boundaries are subject to change under
Cape Agulhas
provisions of the South African Constitution
. The KwaZulu-Natal provincial legislature has not
yer chosen its provincial capital Press reports
indicate that capital will De either Pietermaritzburg
or Ulundi, Final province capitals are to be
determined.
Base 802464 (R01345) 6.96
Fact Sheet - South Africa
Government
South Africa held its first all race elections in April of 1994 under an interim
constitution. In November 1996 the permanent Constitution was passed by the
bicameral National Assembly. President Mandela, after spending 27 years in prison
has proved to be a solid, forward leaning leader increasingly inclined to involve himself
in regional issues, such as SADC's Organ for Politics, Defense and Security, and
peacekeeping efforts. The close relationship developed between Vice President Gore
and Deputy Executive President Thabo Mbeki during the twice-annual Bi-National
Commission meetings has helped smooth remaining difficulties in the bilateral
relationship-largely caused by South Africa's continuing close relations with pariah
states-including recent questions on the possible sale of tank-firing systems to Syria.
NB: Discuss recent talks on Zaire.
The ANC, with 62% of the seats in Parliament dominates the local political scene. The
National Party, which gained only 20% of Parliament's seats under former-President de
Klerk, is trying to reform and attract black and colored voters, and may split into
factions. Tensions between the ANC and the Inkatha Freedom Party (with 10% of the
seats in Parliament) have eased since 1994, but sometimes boil over intra-Zulu fighting
in Kwazulu-Natal province. The government needs to continue and speed the pace of
economic, educational, and social sector reforms and aggressively promote
job-creation to meet expectations of the majority population and quell tensions caused
by continuing high unemployment and concentration of wealth in a small minority.
Economy
Since sanctions were lifted in July 1991 bilateral trade has grown to $5 billion annually.
South Africa is beginning to privatize parastatal industries including Telkom, for which
Southwestern Bell has a $1.5 billion joint tender with a Malaysian company pending.
Total U.S. investment in South Africa is $4.02 billion. Coke, Pepsi, Toys R Us,
McDonalds, and Chrysler are some of the big names present in South Africa.
Southwestern Bell, in partnership with Malaysia Telekom, just won (3/3) a strategic
equity partnership bid to buy approximately 30% of South Africa Telkom, an investment
of over $1 billion. In June 1996 the SAG unveiled a forward-looking, market driven
economic plan-Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR)-calling for a reduction
in tariffs and the deficit, budget reform, investor tax incentives, further privatization and
an end to export subsidies. It aims for 6% economic growth and creation of 400,000
new jobs by 2000. With a 3% growth rate In 1996 and unemployment estimated at 35%
South Africa has a long way to go, but is making progress. Reduction of the deficit to
5.1% of GDP (down from 8% in 1992), and maintaining inflation below 10% are good
indicators that the program is off to a strong start. The U.S. grants South Africa
Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) access, allowing duty free entry of 4,400
South African export products, totaling $357 million in 1995.
2
Geography
Land area of 1,219,912 sq. km. slightly less than twice the size of Texas.
People
Population: 45,095,459 (July 1995), with 40% under 14 and only 4% over 65
Population growth rate: 2.61% (1995), with 33.39 births/1,000 population (1995)
Infant mortality rate: 45.8 deaths/1,000 live births (1995)
Life expectancy: average = 65.4 years, male = 62.6 years, female = 68.2 years
Fertility rate: 4.35 children born/woman (1995 est.)
Ethnicities: black 75.2%, white 13.6%, Colored 8.6%, Indian 2.6%
Religions: Christian (most whites and Coloreds and about 60% of blacks), Hindu (60%
of Indians), Muslim 2%
Languages: eleven official languages, including Afrikaans, English, Ndebele, Pedi,
Sotho, Swazi, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, Zulu
Literacy: average = 76%, male = 78%, female 75%
Bilateral Assistance
USAID - FY94-96 $600 million, FY 97-05 $435 million
Peace Corps - 32 volunteers in country, 30 more due in October, $1.4 million budget.
Self-help Funds - FY96 $500,000, planning same for FY97
IMET - FY96 $500,000, planning $700,000 for FY97
USIA - $6.3 million total; $2 million educational exchanges, $1.3 million BNC support.
Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF) - $100 million to expand
indigenous business development with investment, loans, and loan guarantees.
OPIC - $75 million equity investment fund, venture capital for US-S.Af. joint ventures
EXIM - $255 million in loans and loan guarantees, mostly to purchase U.S. aircraft.
TDA - Trade Development Association - just opened office, creates "incentive"
programs to level the playing field for U.S. companies bidding on contracts.
USAID has provided a massive program in support of South Africa's transition over the
past three years focusing on consolidating democracy and reform of the civil service,
spurring economic growth and job creation and meeting the need for education,
housing and health care. AID will phase out in 2005. In the interim it will concentrate
on "sustainable transformation" with projects in democracy and governance, health,
economic policy capacity, private sector development, and housing and urban services.
Peace Corps' first ever group of 32 volunteers in South Africa arrived in February 1997.
30 more volunteers will arrive in October. They will all work on upgrading teaching
skills for classroom teachers, sharpening school management skills and strengthening
the severely weakened bonds between schools and the communities in which they are
located.
background
REFERENCE COPY: DO NOT CIRCULATE
notes
South Africa
November 1994
Languages: Afrikaans, English, Ndebele,
(Pretoria-Witwatersrand-Vereeniging).
North Sotho, South Sotho, Swati, Tsonga,
Orange Free State, Kwazulu/Natal.
Tswana, Venda, Xhosa and Zulu (all official
Political parties: African National
languages).
Congress (ANC), National Party (NP),
Religions: Predominantly Christian;
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP),
traditional African, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish.
Vryheidsfront/Freedom Front (FF),
Education: Years compulsory-7 yrs. for
Democratic Party (DP), Pan-African
all children but not currently enforced. An
Congress (PAC), African Christian
estimated 2 million school-age children do
Democratic Party (ACDP). Suffrage-
not attend school.
Citizens and permanent residents 18 and
Health: Infant mortality rate (per 1,000
older.
live births)-66. Life expectancy-65 yrs.,
women; 59 yrs., men.
Economy
Government
GDP (1993): $111.8 billion.
GDP growth rate (1993): 1.1%.
Type: Ezecutive-president; under the
GDP per capita (1993): $2,815.
1993 transitional constitution, bicameral
Unemployment (1993): 46% (is
Official Name:
Parliament.
heaviest among blacks).
Independence: The Union of South Africa
Natural resources: Almost all essential
Republic of South Africa
was created on May 31, 1910; became
commodities, except petroleum and bauxite.
sovereign state within British empire in
Manufacturing (1993): About 25% of GDP.
PROFILE
1934; became a Republic on May 31, 1961;
A world leader in the areas of railway
left the Commonwealth in October 1968.
rolling stock, synthetic fuels, and mining
Geography
Nonracial, democratic constitution came into
equipment and machinery.
effect April 27, 1994; rejoined the
Industry: Types-minerals, auto- mobiles
Area: 12 million sq. km. (470,462 sq. mi.).
Commonwealth in May 1994.
fabricated material, machinery, textiles,
Capitals: Administrative-Pretoria
Branches: Ezscutive-president
chemicals, fertilizer.
Legislative-Cape Town. Judicial-
(chief of state) elected to a five-year term
Trade: Exports (1993)-$6.7 billion: gold,
Bloemfontein.
by the Parliament. Legislative-bicameral
other minerals and metals, agricultural
Other cities: Johannesburg, Soweto,
Parliament consisting of 490 members
products. Major markets-U.S., Germany,
Durban.
in two chambers. National Assembly
Japan, United Kingdom, other Sub-Saharan
Terrain: Plateau, savanna, desert,
(400 members) elected by a system of
African countries. Imports (1993)-$5.2
mountains, coastal plains.
proportional representation for a maximum
billion: machinery, mining equipment,
Climate: moderate; similar to southern
five-year term. Senate consisting of 90
transportation equipment, automobiles,
California.
members elected by the Provincial
computers, aircraft parts, rice, and office
Legislatures (10 senators from each
machinery parts. Major suppliers-U.S.,
People
province). Judicial-Supreme Court
Germany, Japan, United Kingdom.
Nationality: Noun and adjective-
consisting of Appellate Division in
Finance and business services (1993):
South African(s).
Bloemfontein and nine provincial divisions.
About 16% of GDP. Mining (1993): 10%
Annual growth rate: 2.6%.
Constitutional Court with power to override
of GDP); world's largest producer and
Population: 42.7 million (1993 est.).
Parliament.
exporter of gold; also significant coal
Administrative subdivisions: Nine
Ethnic groups: African (black) 29.1 million;
production.
white 5.5 million; colored (mixed race) 3.3
provinces: Northern Cape, Western Cape,
Official exchange rate (1993 avg.):
million; Asian (Indian) 1 million.
Eastern Cape, North-West, Northern
Financial rand 4.30 rand=U.S.$1;
Transvaal, Eastern Transvaal, PVW
commercial rand 3.2 rand=U.S.$1.
United States Department of State
Vol. V, No. 12
Bureau of Public Affairs
Office of Public Communication
OPLE
The Portuguese were the first
in 1886 caused an influx of European
Europeans to reach the Cape of Good
(mainly British) immigration and
ontil 1991, South African law divided
Hope, arriving in 1488. However,
investment. Many blacks also moved
e population into four major racial
permanent white settlement did not
into the area to work in the mines.
Lategories: Africans (black), whites,
begin until 1652, when the Dutch
The construction by mine owners of
coloreds, and Asians. Although this law
East India Company established a
hostels to house and control their
has been abolished, many South
Africans still view themselves and each
provisioning station on the Cape.
workers set patterns that later extend-
In subsequent decades, French
ed throughout the region. Boer reac-
other according to these categories.
Huguenot refugees, the Dutch, and
tions to this influx and British political
Africans comprise about 75% of the
Germans began to settle in the Cape.
intrigues led to the Anglo-Boer Wars of
population and are divided into a
Collectively, they form the Afrikaner
1880-81 and 1899-1902. British forces
number of different ethnic groups.
segment of today's population.
prevailed in the conflict and the
Whites comprise about 14% of the
The establishment of these
republics were incorporated into the
population. They are primarily
settlements had far-reaching social and
British Empire. In May 1910, the two
descendants of Dutch, French, English,
political effects on the groups already
republics and the British colonies of the
and German settlers who began
settled in the area, leading to upheaval
Cape and Natal formed the Union of
arriving at the Cape in the late 17th
in these societies and the subjugation of
South Africa, a self-governing dominion
century.
their people. By 1779, European
of the British Empire. The Union's
Coloreds are mixed race people,
settlements extended throughout the
constitution kept all political power in
primarily descending from the earliest
southern part of the Cape and east
the hands of whites.
settlers and the indigenous peoples.
toward the Great Fish River. It was
In 1912, the South Africa Native
They comprise about 9% of the total
here that Dutch authorities and the
National Congress was formed in
population. Asians descend from
Xhosa fought the first frontier war.
Bloemfontein and eventually became
Indian workers brought to South Africa
The British gained control of the
known as the African National
in the mid-19th century to work on the
Cape of Good Hope at the end of the
Congress (ANC). Its goals were the
sugar estates in Natal. They constitute
18th century. Subsequent British
elimination of restrictions based on
about 2% of the population and are
concentrated in the Kwazulu-Natal
settlement and rule marked the begin-
color and the enfranchisement of and
movince. Education is in a state of
ning of a long conflict between the
parliamentary representation for
Under the apartheid system,
Afrikaners and the English. Beginning
blacks. Despite these efforts, the
in 1836, partly to escape British rule
government continued to pass laws
.100ls were segregated and the
and cultural hegemony and partly out
limiting the rights and freedoms of
quantity and quality of education
of resentment at the recent abolition of
blacks. In 1948, the National Party
varied significantly across racial
slavery, many Afrikaner farmers
(NP) won the all-white elections and
groups. Although the laws governing
(Boers) undertook a northern migration
this segregation have been abolished,
began passing legislation codifying and
which became known as the "Great
the long and arduous process of
enforcing an even stricter policy of
Trek." This movement brought them
white domination and racial separation
restructuring the country's educational
into contact and conflict with African
system is just beginning. The challenge
known as "apartheid" (separateness).
groups in the area, the most formidable
In the early 1960s, following a
is to create a single nondiscriminatory,
of which were the Zulus. Under their
nonracial system which offers the same
protest in Sharpville in which 69
standards of education to all people.
powerful leader, Shaka (1787-1828), the
protestors were killed by police and 180
Zulus conquered most of the territory
injured, the ANC and Pan-African
HISTORY
between the Drakensburg Mountains
Congress (PAC) were banned. Nelson
and the sea (now Kwazulu-Natal). In
Mandela and many other anti-apartheid
People have inhabited Southern Africa
1828, Shaka was assassinated and
leaders were convicted and imprisoned
for thousands of years. Members of the
replaced by his half-brother Dingane.
on charges of treason. The ANC and
Khoisan language groups are the oldest
In 1838, Dingane was defeated and
PAC were forced underground and
surviving inhabitants of the land;
deported by the Voortrekkers (people
fought apartheid through guerilla
however, only a few are left in South
of the great trek) at the battle of Blood
warfare and sabotage. In May 1961,
Africa today, and they are located in
River. The Zulus, nonetheless,
South Africa relinquished its dominion
the western sections. Most of today's
remained a potent force, defeating the
status and declared itself a republic.
black South Africans belong to the
British in the historic battle of
Later that year, it withdrew from the
Bantu language group, which migrated
Isandhlwana before themselves being
Commonwealth, in part because of
south from central Africa, settling in
finally conquered in 1879. In 1852 and
international protests against
the Transvaal region sometime before
1854, the independent Boer Republics
apartheid.
AD 100. The Nguni, ancestors of the
of the Transvaal and Orange Free State
In 1984, a new constitution came
Zulu and Xhosa, occupied most of the
were created. Relations between the
into effect in which whites allowed
ern coast by 1500.
republics and the British Government
coloreds and Asians a limited role in the
were strained. The discovery of dia-
national government and control over
monds at Kimberley in 1870 and the
their own affairs in certain areas.
discovery of large gold deposits in the
Ultimately, however, all power re-
Witwatersrand region of the Transvaal
2
mained in white hands. Blacks
voters then cast their ballots for one
mines guilt or innocence. The new
emained effectively disenfranchised.
party. Seats in the Assembly were
constitution establishes a Constitu-
Popular uprisings in black and colored
allocated based on the percentage of
tional Court with interpreting, defend-
townships in 1976 and 1985 helped to
votes each party received. In the
ing, and enforcing the constitution. The
convince some NP members of the need
1994 elections, the ANC gained 252
court will consist of a president and 10
for change. Secret discussions between
seats in the Assembly, the NP 82, the
judges and will have the power to
those members and Nelson Mandela
Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) 43, the
overturn any law or executive act that
began in 1986. In February 1990, State
Vyheidsfront/Freedom Front (FF) 9,
it deems unconstitutional. Chapter
President F.W. de Klerk-who had
the Democratic Party (DP) 7, the PAC
three of the constitution delineates
come to power in September 1989-
5, and the African Christian Democratic
over 25 fundamental rights of a South
announced the unbanning of the ANC,
Party (ACDP) 2. The Assembly also
African citizen which the court is
the PAC, and all other anti-apartheid
has specific control over bills relating to
tasked with protecting. The Constitu-
groups. Two weeks, later Nelson
monetary matters.
tional Court must rule on whether the
Mandela was released from prison. In
The Senate consists of 90 members,
constitution adopted by the Constitu-
1991, the Group Areas Act, Land Acts,
10 from each of the nine provinces
tional Assembly or any of the provinces
and the Population Registration Act-
created under the new constitution.
are consistent with the current
the last of the so-called "pillars of
Voters received a separate ballot to
constitution's constitutional principles.
apartheid"-were abolished. A long
elect provincial legislators, again
series of negotiations ensued, resulting
utilizing the list proportional represen-
Challenges Ahead
in a new constitution promulgated into
tation system. Each of the Provincial
law in December 1993. The country's
Legislatures then chose the 10 senators
Some of the challenges facing the
first nonracial elections were held on
based on the distribution of seats
Government of South Africa include
April 26-29, 1994, resulting in the
among the competing parties. The
raising the living standards of the
installation of Nelson Mandela as
Senate has co-equal legislative powers
majority of the population and
President on May 10, 1994.
with the National Assembly, except for
restructuring the systems of
monetary bills. However, it is specifi-
government, education, and security
GOVERNMENT AND
cally responsible for those laws which
forces. Beginning in May 1994, the
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
deal with the powers of the provinces.
government embarked on the
The president is the executive head
Reconstruction and Development
outh Africa is under a transitional
of state. Following the April 1994
Program to begin addressing the
onstitution until 1999. The constitu-
elections, the National Assembly
inequities of apartheid.
tion provides for some executive
elected Nelson Mandela President. In
Prior to April 27, 1994, South Africa
power-sharing among political parties
addition, both the largest and second-
was divided into four provinces and 10
based on the proportion of the vote
largest parties-the ANC and NP-
black "homelands," four of which were
they received in the April 1994 elec-
chose one deputy president each. The
considered independent by the South
tions. Under the current constitution,
president's responsibilities include
African Government. The new
there is a bicameral Parliament, a
constitution abolished these distinc-
assigning cabinet portfolios, signing
president, and an independent judi-
bills into law, and serving as com-
tions and replaced the system with nine
ciary.
mander-in-chief of the military. The
provinces. Each province has an
The Parliament consists of two
president must work closely with the
elected legislature and chief execu-
houses-the National Assembly and
executive deputy presidents and the
tive-the provincial premier. While
the Senate-which are responsible for
cabinet. There are 27 seats on the
appearing to be a quasi-federal system,
drafting the laws of the republic.
Under the current constitution the
cabinet; any party holding at least 20 in
the nature of the relationship between
Parliament, when seated in joint
the Assembly is entitled to a propor-
the central and provincial governments
tionate share of cabinet seats.
has yet to be determined. During the
session, is called the Constitutional
The third arm of the central
apartheid era, the armed wings of the
Assembly. This Assembly is required,
government is an independent judi-
ANC and PAC waged an armed strug-
by April 1996, to draft and approve a
ciary. This judiciary is characterized
gle against the regime. The new
new constitution which is consistent
by a Supreme Court that consists of
govern-ment is now in the process of
with 34 constitutional principles. If this
two sections-the Appellate Division
integrating these two forces and those
fails, it will be dissolved and new
and the Constitutional Court.
of the now-defunct homelands into a
elections held. If successful, it will
The Appellate Division (Court of
single national defense force.
remain in office until 1999, when new
Appeals) consists of the Supreme Court
elections, under the new constitution,
will be held.
in Bloemfontein and nine regional
Human Rights
Supreme Courts. The Supreme Courts
The National Assembly is com-
The new constitution grants more than
hear cases involving serious crimes,
rised of 400 members elected by a
25 inalienable and fundamental rights
including capital offenses. There are a
stem of "list proportional representa-
to all South Africans. These rights
series magisterial courts that rule on
tion." Each of the 19 parties that
include universal suffrage; equal
lesser crimes. The jury system was
appeared on the ballot submitted a
protection under the law; and freedom
abolished in 1969 and, as a result, the
rank-ordered list of candidates. The
of assembly, movement, religion, and
presiding judge or magistrate deter-
3
pression. The constitution also
Trade, Industry and Tourism-Trevor
strong private sector, there has been
ncludes the right to a fair and public
Manuel (ANC)
substantial government intervention in
ial and freedom from political or
Foreign Affairs-Alfred Nzo (ANC)
the economy. There also are a
extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrest,
Labor-Tito Mboweni (ANC)
number of large government-owned
or detention. This constitution is the
Posts, Telecommunication and
corporations.
first in South Africa to guarantee these
Broadcasting-Pallo Jordan (ANC)
Economic policy has concentrated on
rights to all people, regardless of race
Health-Nkosazana Dlamini (ANC)
the formal sector, but since the mid-
or color.
Transport-Mac Maharaj (ANC)
1980s, the policy has sought to develop
In the final years of apartheid,
Provincial Affairs and Constitutional
the informal sector, focusing on
levels of political violence were
Development-Roelf Meyer (NP)
education and training, job creation,
extremely high in South Africa. The
Land Affaire-Derek Hanekom (ANC)
and small business assistance. The
Human Rights Commission (HRC)
Public Enterprises-Stella Sigcau
transition to a democratic, non-racial
reported that from July 1990 to March
(ANC)
government, begun in early 1990,
1994, 13,464 people died in political
Public Service and Administration-
stimulated a debate on future economic
violence. Of that number, 4,139 died
Zola Skweyiya (ANC)
policies to achieve sustained economic
between July 1993 and March 1994.
Housing-Joe Slovo (ANC)
growth, redress the socioeconomic
The often violent confrontations
Public Works-Jeff Radebe (ANC)
disparities created by apartheid, and
between supporters of the ANC and
Correctional Services-Sipho Mzimela
improve the standard of living for the
IFP and the apparent random violence
(IFP)
majority of the population.
by individuals or groups opposed to
Finance-Chris Liebenberg (no party
The government is pursuing market-
South Africa's transition to democracy
affiliation)
based policies, with the private sector
were thought to be major causes of this
Agriculture-Krasi Van Niekerk (NP)
as generator of wealth and the govern-
violence.
Sports and Recreation-Steve Tshwete
ment actively addressing the inequities
In most parts of the country,
(ANC)
in health, education, housing, and social
political violence dropped significantly
Home Affairs-Mangosuthu Buthelezi
services. It has embarked on a five-
following the April elections. This is
(IFP)
year, $10.5 billion Reconstruction and
attributed, in part, to the newfound
Water Affairs and Forestry-Kader
Development Program which would
edom to air and address political
Asmal (ANC)
implement programs to reduce unem-
evances. However, incidents of
Environmental Affairs-Dawie de
ployment, provide free medical care to
political violence remain high in
Villiers (NP)
pregnant mothers and children under
Kwazulu/Natal Province and in certain
Mineral and Energy Affairs-Roelf
age 6, electrify many homes in town-
areas around Johannesburg.
"Pik" Botha (NP)
ships, and build 1 million new homes.
In November 1993, the multi-party
Welfare and Population Development-
To accomplish its goals without under-
negotiating council agreed to repeal
Abe Williams (NP)
mining business confidence, the govern-
those sections of the Public Safety Act
Arts, Culture, Science and
ment's first-year budget calls for
and the Internal Security Act which
Technology-Ben Ngubane (IFP)
continued fiscal discipline and strict
detained individuals without charging
Minister Without Portfolio-Jay
monetary controls. South Africa
them with a crime. The Human Rights
Naidoo (ANC)
aims to establish and maintain a
Committee of South Africa reports that
in the first half of 1994, 270 detentions
The Republic of South Africa maintains
pro-business environment and is
encouraging both foreign and domestic
without trial were recorded. However,
an embassy in the United States at
investment.
as of late June 1994, no one was being
3051 Massachusetts Avenue NW,
held.
Washington, DC 20008; tel. (202) 232-
4400.
Financial Policy
South Africa has a sophisticated
Principal Government Officials
ECONOMY
financial structure with a large and
State President-Nelson Mandela
South Africa has a broad-based,
effective stock exchange. The South
(ANC)
Africa Reserve Bank performs all
industrialized economy that paradoxi-
First Executive Deputy President-
cally exhibits most of the characteris-
central banking functions. It is
Thabo Mbeki (ANC)
tics associated with developing econ-
independent but, in practice, works
Second Executive Deputy President-
omies: a division of labor between
closely with the Department of
Frederik W. de Klerk (NP)
formal and informal sectors, uneven
finance to formulate and implement
distribution of wealth and income, a
government policy.
Ministers
dependency on commodity exports, and
The Exchange Control Department
Justice-Dullah Omar (ANC)
a legacyof government intervention.
of the bank administers foreign
fense-Joe Modise (ANC)
ety and Security-Sydney
The formal sector, based on mining
exchange control regulations.
Exchange controls apply mainly to
Mufamadi (ANC)
and manufacturing, is well developed.
South African residents, but foreign
Education-Sibusisd Bengu (ANC)
A smaller, but important, agricultural
investors are affected by the dual-
and service sector exists. Despite a
exchange rate system for commercial
4
nd financial rand. All foreign
significant gains in the agricultural
which may now establish subsidiaries
investment must be completed in
sector. South Africa's economic future
or branches or acquire domestic banks.
financial rand (finrand) currency.
looks hopeful, with GDP expected
The Import-Export Bank may
The finrand is used for investment
to increase and the financial rand
provide assistance for U.S. exports to
and disinvestment purposes such as
expected to depreciate against the
South Africa. Such assistance can help
investing in South African securities
dollar. However, several factors
open many markets in housing,
and specified unit trusts, purchase of
could alter these forecasts, including
education, and health care to American
shares in new and existing companies,
economic policies of the new govern-
exporters and provide a trade promo-
and the purchase of commercial
ment, future commodity prices, and the
tion tool of the type already available to
property. The commercial rand is used
duration of the rebound in the global
firms from most of South Africa's other
for all other business transactions in
economy.
major trading partners. In November
South Africa. Although assets must be
Exports and imports account for
1993, the Overseas Private Investment
purchased in finrand, all dividends,
more than 38% of the GDP. With the
Corporation signed a bilateral invest-
interest, and income are freely remitted
lifting of sanctions in 1993, the United
ment encouragement agreement with
through the commercial rand.
States regained its position as South
South Africa. It can now assist U.S.
Although there was press specula-
Africa's principal trading partner.
investors in that market with services
tion that the finrand would be abolished
South Africa is the largest export
such as political risk insurance and
and a unitary system adopted, govern-
market for U.S. goods and services in
identification of investment opportun-
ment and bank officials set certain
Sub-Saharan Africa In 1993, U.S.
ities. The Trade and Development
conditions for abolition of the dual-
exports to South Africa totaled $2.4
Program also is actively exploring
currency system, stating that the
billion, representing about 14% of
opportunities to fund feasibility studies.
system would remain in effect until the
South Africa's total imports. Other
conditions were met.
major trading partners are Germany,
FOREIGN RELATIONS
Japan, and the United Kingdom.
Trade and Investment
Trade with other Sub-Saharan
South African forces fought on the
Allied side in World Wars I and II and
South Africa has rich mineral
African countries, which represents
a considerable portion of South Africa's
participated in the post-war UN force
resources; the only major mineral
trade, has continued to increase
in Korea. South Africa was a founding
oducts not found in South Africa are
substantially despite the sanctions era.
member of the League of Nations and
:troleum and bauxite. It is the
South Africa's protective import
in 1927 established a Department of
world's largest producer and exporter
External Affairs with diplomatic
of gold and also exports a significant
policies present barriers to foreign
amount of coal. The value-added
goods. Importers must apply for
missions in the main West European
countries and in the United States. At
import permits for goods. Tariff rates
processing of minerals to produce
range from 5% to 50%, with luxury
the founding of the League of Nations,
ferroalloys, stainless steels, and similar
goods as high as 60% and automobiles
South Africa was given the mandate to
products is a major industry and an
important potential growth area. The
at 100%. Any South African producer
govern South-West Africa, now
may petition for tariff protection;
Namibia, which had been a German
country's diverse manufacturing
industry is a world leader in several
approval is more likely where the
colony before World War I. In 1990,
producer has a major share of the
South Africa granted independence to
specialized sectors, including railway
domestic market and can show that
Namibia with the exception of the
rolling stock, synthetic fuels, and
mining equipment and machinery.
foreign competition is eroding the
enclave of Walvis Bay, which was
Agriculture accounts for about 6% of
company's market dominance. In 1993,
reintegrated into Namibia in March
the South Africans submitted a
1994. After South Africa held its first
the gross domestic product, including
citrus fruits, corn, dairy products,
Uruguay Round offer to rationalize
non-racial election in April 1994, most
their tariff structure and to lower
sanctions imposed by the international
sugarcane, tobacco, wine, and wool.
However, because of inadequate and
existing tariffs that the United States
community were lifted. On June 1,
has agreed to accept. In the short to
1994, South Africa rejoined the
erratic rainfall, only about 15% of the
land is suitable for arable farming.
medium term, there may be continuing
Commonwealth, and on June 23, 1994,
its credentials to the UN General
South Africa has many developed
market access problems with some
products, but the overall trend should
Assembly were accepted. South Africa
irrigation schemes and generally is a
be toward trade liberalization.
also joined the Organization of African
net exporter of food.
The transportation infrastructure
Foreign investors generally receive
Unity (OAU) and is beginning to
national treatment, but they are
play a leading role. Following the
is well developed, supporting both
subject to certain lending limits.
elections, many countries established
domestic and regional needs. The
Local content rules apply in certain
diplomatic missions in South Africa. It
*elecommunications and electrical
industries. In 1990, South Africa
now enjoys diplomatic relations with
rastructure provide "first-world"
488 service to white urban areas.
eliminated legal restrictions against
more than 80% of UN member states.
foreign-owned financial institutions,
South Africa's principal foreign policy
The economy is recovering from a
objective is to develop good relations
five-year recession primarily due to
with all countries, especially its
5
ghbors. In an effort to focus on
Principal U.S. Officials
mestic problems, South Africa is
Travel Notes
arefully considering to what degree it
Ambassador-Princeton Lyman
Customs: A passport valid for at least
ill participate in world affairs.
Deputy Chief of Mission and Minister-
six months is required, but a visa is not
required for regular passport holders on
Counselor-Priscilla Clapp
bona fide holiday, business visits, or in
Economic Counselor-Michael
U.S.-SOUTH AFRICAN RELATIONS
transit. However, visas are required for
Cleverley
The United States has maintained an
extended stays, employment, study,
Political Counselor-John Campbell
official presence in South Africa since
and diplomatic and official passport
Administrative Counselor-
1799, when an American consulate
holders. Evidence of a yellow fever
John Collins
was opened in Cape Town. The U.S.
vaccination is necessary if arriving from
Public Affairs Officer-John Burns
an infected area.
Embassy is located in Pretoria
Defense Attache-Kim Henningsen
and consulates general are in
Health: The standard of commun-ity
USAID Director-Leslie "Cap" Dean
Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape
health is high, and city water is potable.
Medical facilities, good in urban areas
Agricultural Attache-James Benson
Town. Americans and South African
and In the vicinity of game parks and
Consul General, Cape Town-
also have many non-governmental ties;
beaches, may be limited elsewhere.
Bismark Myrick
for example, black and white American
Avoid swimming In fresh water, as It
Consul General, Durban-
missionaries have a long history of
may be infested with disease-causing
Pamela Bridgewater
activity in South Africa.
organisms.
Consul General, Johannesburg-
From the 1970s through the early
Telecommunications: Calls to the
Alan McKee
1990s, U.S.-South African relations
U.S. can be dialed directly, and
were severely affected by South
connections are usually good. South
Africa is six hours ahead of eastern
Published by the U.S. Department of State
Africa's racial policies. However, since
standard time.
Bureau of Public Affairs Office of Public
the establishment of the Government
Communication Washington, DC
of National Unity in May 1994, the
Transportation: South Africa has a
Managing Editor: Peter A. Knecht
United States has enjoyed an excellent
modern transportation network.
November 1994
Department of State Publica-
bilateral relationship with South Africa.
tion 8021 Background Notes Series This
In May 1994, the United States
is focusing on responding to specific
material is in the public domain and may be
mitted to South Africa almost
reprinted without permission; citation of this
requests from South African and non-
source is appreciated.
) million in aid to be distributed
governmental organizations.
er three years. The U.S. aid program
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
DC 20402
6
South Africa: U.S.-South Africa Relations
The United States and South Africa both have diverse and open
societies, an attachment to democratic principles, and a shared
vision of a peaceful and prospering international community.
Since apartheid ended, we have moved quickly, and with
considerable success, to put in place an entirely new
architecture to our relationship, one defined between two
sophisticated, independent, democratic partners. Sound working
relationships at the senior-most levels of government, as well as
burgeoning government, business, and personal links between our
two countries, underscore the rapidity with which U.S.-South
African relations have grown in less than three years.
Within this excellent relationship, there are some frictions.
South Africa's leaders realize the only way to increase jobs,
housing, and education for the masses is to foster a climate
which supports private enterprise and attracts foreign
investment. Yet some in South Africa retain a wariness and
skepticism of the United States' immense economic and political
power and its evolving foreign policy interests in Africa.
Additionally, Afrikaner technocrats continue to dominate the
civil service, and a number of them still harbor resentment over
U.S. policy toward the former regime. South Africa's leaders
also retain close ties to many pariah states, including Libya,
Iran and Cuban, which aided the liberation movement during the
apartheid era. These relations continue to be of concern to U.S.
policymakers, especially in the area of potential weapons sales
and technology transfers.
The establishment of the U.S.-South Africa Binational
Commission (BNC) in 1994 and a number of high-level visits by
U.S. Government officials have underscored the strong bonds
between the two countries. South Africa continues to regard
official and private sector support from the United States as
crucial to the success of its efforts to redress the
socioeconomic legacy of apartheid. Accordingly, South African
expectations of U.S. support are high. With aid levels set to
zero out by the year 2005, the U.S. and South Africa must
solidify a friendship not defined by developmental aid.
The BNC has encouraged both governments to give high-level
attention to critical trade, development and commercial issues
and has provided concrete demonstration of the breadth and depth
of the U.S. commitment to Africa's most advanced economic power.
Such widespread engagement will continue to be crucial to the
relationship as the need to replace conventional aid programs
increases.
South Africa: Political Overview
Almost three years into the rule of the Government of
National Unity, euphoria over democracy and liberation has
subsided faster than the new government has been able to replace
it with delivery of jobs, housing, and education. Unfulfilled
expectations are not yet a major problem but could become so in
the near future. Nelson Mandela's place in history is assured.
He is increasingly revered as a living legend by all elements of
South African society. Until Mandela retires at this end of his
term, there will be no meaningful challenge to the political
status quo. Mandela have begun paving the way for a coordinated
and gradual transfer of power, and will not stand for re-election
as ANC president at the next party congress in December 1997.
While clearly grooming Thabo Mbeki to be his successor, he
stresses that the selection of the next president will be through
a democratic process.
Domestically, three major political issues have taken
positive turns during the past year. First, in KwaZulu/Natal
Province, factional violence between the ANC and Mangosuthu
Buthelezi's Inkatha Freedom Party, which controls the provincial
government, has subsided remarkably since last June's local
elections were carried out peacefully and fairly.
Second, South Africa's permanent constitution was adopted in
December, with most opposition parties (including the National
Party) joining with the ANC to provide an overwhelming margin of
Parliamentary support. The widespread, multilateral support for
the constitution bodes well for the preservation of democracy.
Finally, South Africa is weathering well the stress of
exposing and resolving the cases of persons who perpetrated
atrocities in an effort either to defend the apartheid government
or to destroy it. The independent Truth and Reconciliation
Commission, which the United States has supported with a grant,
has demonstrated fairness and good judgment.
A somewhat troubling feature within the ANC is its tendency
to deal harshly with those within its own ranks who challenge the
party's authority. The central ANC authority puts a premium on
unwavering party loyalty. The ANC controls seven of nine
provincial councils and has the authority as the majority party
in these regions to appoint provincial premiers. Thus, the ANC
was legally able to replace three provincial premiers in recent
months, when their actions reflected badly on the ANC, without
ever calling an election.
South Africa: Economic Overview
The United States and South Africa have made great progress in
establishing a normal bilateral trade relationship, with annual trade
of approximately $5 billion. Our overall trade policy dialogue is
frank and has focused on resolving issues of mutual concern. In the
past twelve months, we have concluded a new bilateral tax treaty and
a civil aviation treaty. During the February 1997 Binational
Commission meetings in Cape Town, South African Government (SAG)
officials expressed interest in commencing Bilateral Investment
Treaty negotiations.
South Africa has been increasingly responsive to U.S. concerns on
a variety of bilateral and multilateral trade issues including
Intellectual Property Rights protection, competition policy, and
telecommunications policy. The SAG's February 1997 offer during the
World Trade Organization telecom negotiations to conditionally open
telecommunications markets created an impetus for other emerging
markets to follow suit. At home, South Africa is privatizing Telkom,
the telecommunications parastatal. In early March, the SAG awarded
an approximately 30% strategic equity partnership, worth $1.5
billion, in Telkom to a U.S.-Malaysian consortium led by Southwestern
Bell. Many firms view this as positive indication of South African
interest in U.S. investment, and believe it will facilitate related
investments in South Africa and the region.
The direction of economic policy has become one of the most
divisive issues for ANC leadership. The SAG wants to move away from
its heavily statist inheritance, show positive economic results
quickly, and deliver long-awaited social services. In June 1996, the
SAG unveiled a forward-looking, market-driven economic plan, "Growth,
Employment and Redistribution: A Macroeconomic Strategy" (GEAR).
The GEAR policy attempts to balance labor and business interests.
While business interests supported the policy, labor leaders charged
that the policy leaned too heavily in favor of business, and
complained that tariff cuts and increased labor market flexibility
would cost jobs in vulnerable industries and erode labor rights.
The GEAR calls for a reduction of tariffs and export subsidies,
deficit reduction, budget reform, privatization of state assets,
labor market flexibility, tax incentives for investors, and gradual
exchange control relaxation. The plan aims for 6 percent economic
growth and creation of 400,000 new jobs annually by the year 2000.
(South Africa's 1996 GDP growth was 3 percent, and unemployment is
estimated to be 35%.)
In late 1996, financial analysts reported that South Africa's
economic growth rate was slowing. Since that time, trade statistics
and other economic indicators have been positive, and analysts are
now adopting a cautiously optimistic tone. Government borrowing has
dropped, and it appears the SAG will meet its GEAR target of reducing
the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP this year. (It was close to 8% in
1992.) Inflation remained below 10%, and a three-year upward trend
in domestic investment has continued.
South Africa: Women's Issues
Since taking office in 1994, the post-apartheid government
has made significant progress in raising the status of women.
Before 1994, women faced discriminatory laws and regulations in
health care, child care, tax legislation, land ownership and
crimes of violence. During the 1994 elections, the African
National Congress (ANC) pledged that 33 percent of its elected
positions in government would go to women. With the ANC
dominating the government, the percentage of women in elected
office is even greater. On the national level, over a quarter of
the seats in the National Parliament are held by women and both
the Speaker and Deputy Speaker are women. Four of 26 Ministers
are women, as are eight of the deputy minister positions. On the
provincial and local levels women are well represented, with one
female Provincial Premier (equivalent to a U.S. state governor)
and several female mayors.
The South African government has aggressively enacted
legislation to benefit women. In 1996, the government
established an Office on the Status of Women in the Deputy
President's Office to develop strategies for integrating gender
concerns in policy and planning. The Commission on Gender
Equality Bill, passed by Parliament in June 1996, established a
government body to promote gender equality and to advise
Parliament on any legislation affecting women. The government
has worked hard to implement the goals of the UN Fourth
Conference on Women and ratified in 1996 the UN Convention on the
Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.
The equality and rights of women are enshrined in the South
African constitution. Tax legislation has been passed which
removes previous discriminatory regulations against married
women. A domestic violence act was passed in 1993 and is being
strengthened, following consultations with NGO's and the
Department of Justice. The Termination of Pregnancy Act which
was passed in February 1997 made legal the provision of abortion
services for up to 14 weeks of pregnancy and, for certain cases,
up to 24 weeks. Legislation is under consideration to strengthen
women's land rights and amendments have been added to a farm
workers' rights bill which includes domestic workers.
Despite legal advances and government efforts, discrimination
against women remains a serious problem. Girls account for about
50 percent of primary and secondary school populations but their
graduation rate is lower than that of boys because of domestic
responsibilities, sexual harassment, and pregnancy. More women
than men reside in rural areas where illiteracy rates equal 50
percent. Although over 45 percent of university students are
women, they lag far behind in the sciences, business and
engineering fields. Nearly 40 percent of law students are women,
but less than 20 percent of advocates and less than 10 percent of
judges are women. Traditional law, especially in the rural
areas, continues to confine women and is in direct confrontation
with the rights guaranteed women in the South African
2
constitution. The government has yet to work out the conflict
between the two.
Violence toward women is a major problem. Although the
absence of comprehensive statistics makes a definitive statement
on the prevalence of violence against women difficult, it is
generally accepted that it occurs across all socioeconomic and
racial groups and is widespread and on the increase. South
Africa has one of the highest per capita rates of rape in the
world; several recent high-profile rapes have been covered in the
international press and have increased pressure for action. The
government's domestic violence legislation provides for "one stop
shops" for victims of domestic violence or rape. The South
African Police Service reportedly proposed the one-stop shop
concept for victims of domestic violence. The concept is not
finalized and funding sources have not yet been identified.
Working with NGO's, the government hopes to create in identified
police stations services for reporting domestic violence or rape,
an emergency counseling and health center, social assistance for
long-term counseling, and possibly a shelter. The one-stop shop
concept is being discussed by the coordinating body of the
National Crime Prevention Strategy.
On the economic front, women have a lower rate of employment
in the formal sector than men. There are few women owners of
business and there is only one female head of a major corporation
(Transnet). Women earn less than their male counterparts in
every sector of the economy, and workplace issues such as sexual
harassment and maternity leave are inadequately addressed.
Within all race groups, woman-headed households are significantly
poorer than the average household. The female labor force
remains concentrated in low-paid, poorly organized sectors of the
economy, such as clerical, sales, and service sectors, which
include domestic services and the informal sector.
Facts About Violence Against Women in South Africa
-- Reported cases of child rape have increased from 7,559 in
1994, to 10,037 in 1995, to 13,859 in 1996.
Child rapes reportedly account for 38% of South Africa's
total rape caseload.
Statistics for the first eight months of 1996 (last
available) indicate that South Africa's rate of 141 reported
rapes per 100,000 females is almost double the U.S. rate for
1995 (last available) of 72 reported rapes per 100,000
females.
-- It has been estimated that only one in every 20 rapes is
reported in South Africa. Poor record keeping and
bureaucratic disarray in the transition are at least
partially to blame.
South Africa: Involvement in UN Fourth
World Conference on Women
Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Minister of Health, led the 46-
member South African delegation. There was strong unity among
the members and with the other delegates from the southern
African region. South Africa received high marks at the
conference for its commitment to equality in its new constitution
and the visibility of women in public life (e.g., nearly one
third of MPs, including the speaker of the Parliament, are
women).
South Africa formed part of the African leadership at the
conference which focused on the girl child and pushed for the
equal right to inherit, regardless of sex. The Beijing Platform
contains three such references. South Africa was an active
participant during the debate over "sexual orientation, Chapter
IV of the Platform. Canada, New Zealand, South Africa and others
supported the reference, stating that discrimination on any
grounds should be prohibited. The South African delegation made
clear that it did not want to be associated with any form of
discrimination.
South Africa's commitments at Beijing included:
Ratification of the UN Convention on the Elimination of all
Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).
Creation of a national consciousness regarding violence
against women.
Increasing the provision of shelters for battered women.
*
Improving women's access to land and credit.
Helping assure that single mothers have adequate support and
that fathers are financially responsible for their children.
The South African Parliament ratified CEDAW and passed the
Commission on Gender Equality Act. The Act promotes gender
equality and establishes a commission to advise and make
recommendations to Parliament on any legislation affecting women.
Other steps taken by the government include: (i) the
establishment of the Office on the Status of Women in the Deputy
President's Office; (ii) the adoption of a new constitution which
includes an equality clause that prohibits discrimination on the
grounds of gender, sex, pregnancy, marital status and sexual
orientation; and, (iii) the official ending of tax discrimination
against married women. The government's pledge to establish more
centers for battered women, one of the most significant
commitments given the high rate of domestic violence in South
Africa, has not been fully implemented. By the end of 1996, few
centers had been opened and women's advocacy groups have called
on the Government to speed implementation of its Beijing pledge.
South Africa: Children's Issues
Young people in South Africa face a wide range of problems,
including abandonment, substance abuse, prostitution, domestic
and other serious forms of violence, homelessness, and labor
exploitation. The constitution stipulates that children have the
right "to security, education, basic nutrition, and basic health
and social services, and the government remains firm in its
commitment to provide these services. While it has made some
progress toward developing mechanisms for delivering services,
the demand far outstrips available resources.
As a result of the apartheid legacy, South African children
have serious problems resulting from poverty and poor living
conditions. In 1995, the infant mortality rate averaged 50
deaths per 1,000 live births, but mortalities rates varied by
province and race from 3.9-10.9 per 1,000 for whites to 37.2-74.5
for blacks. More than 9 million children, or a quarter of South
Africa's population, lived in poor households (below the poverty
line). About 96% (8.7 million) of the children living in poor
households were black, 3.4% were colored, 0.4% were Indian and
0.5% were white. Of the 8.7 million black children living in
poverty, more than 75% lived in rural areas.
A 1994 survey to assess the extent and location of
malnutrition among schoolchildren found that, although acute
malnutrition was not a major problem, over one million children
were either underweight or stunted. The government offers free
health care to pregnant women and to children under 6 years of
age, and provides nutritious meals for primary school children.
Public assistance for primary school nutrition currently reaches
approximately 5.5 million children in 15,800 schools, 80 percent
of the identified target children. Child care provision is still
poor and racially divided; 33 out of 100 white children attend
mostly high-quality centers, while only 6 out of 100 black
children attend child care centers, which are usually simple
backyard arrangements.
Violence against children remains widespread. Crimes
committed against children are currently rising at an annual rate
of 29%; reported cases have increased 65% between 1993 and 1995.
The increase in reported cases can be attributed to the creation
of special units to deal with these crimes, a growing emphasis on
children's rights, and increased public and media attention to
the problem. However, a lack of coordinated and comprehensive
strategies to deal with such crimes impedes the delivery of
needed services to young victims.
Child prostitution is on the rise, primarily in Cape Town,
but it is prevalent in Durban and Johannesburg as well. An
increase in the number of children living on the streets has
contributed to a rise in child prostitution. Female genital
mutilation is traditionally practiced in some remote areas,
although it is not thought to be widespread. Traditional
circumcision of teenage boys results in the hospitalization,
mutilation, or even death of several youths each year.
South Africa: Education
Education in South Africa was severely warped by apartheid
policies. Separate education systems for each race and each region
resulted in 19 Ministries of Education and huge disparities in
resources and services. The quality of education was high for the
privileged white 20% of the population and very poor for the
disadvantaged majority. In 1990-91, for example, per student
spending for white students was 4-6 times greater than for black
students. Reconstruction and development efforts focus on attaining
equality of educational resources and opportunities, but will take
decades to achieve. Still, inequities persist in spending per pupil.
The challenge is to maintain and enhance the quality developed for
privileged communities, while expanding education services to all.
The 19 ministries have been reorganized into one National
Ministry of Education and new provincial departments of education in
the nine provinces are being created. The new provincial
administrations are responsible for the delivery of education
services. Their handling of the daunting task of getting organized,
assessing and allocating teaching and other resources, registering
students and starting classes has been a mixed success.
At the school level, there are serious inequalities in education
resources among ethnic groups, and the extensive efforts to mitigate
the disparities will take some time. The education budget is being
revised to equalize funding distributions, but the inequities built
up under apartheid are enormous. Disadvantaged communities lack
school rooms and qualified teachers at all levels of education.
Policy reforms focus on equalizing the student/teacher ratios in all
communities, and government programs are being developed to educate
new teachers and provide in-service training for current teachers and
administrators. New curricula are also being developed to eliminate
past apartheid biases and incorporate modern content and teaching
practices.
In higher education, the problems are similar to those in the
rest of the system. South Africa's 15 historically disadvantaged
institutions share many problems the historically black colleges and
universities in the U.S. once had. They suffer from inadequate
physical facilities and overcrowding, insufficient funding, and
under-qualified teaching and administrative staff. They are the
focal point for large numbers of under-prepared students who are the
products of a flawed primary and secondary education system.
The "advantaged" higher education institutions which were largely
(although not exclusively) segregated under apartheid are now
integrating. Most have 50% or more of their enrollment from black
students, but have the resources to provide tutorial or bridging
programs.
In response to President Mandela's request for teacher training
assistance, President Clinton agreed to provide $19 million through
USAID for the Ministry of Education. USAID and USIA programs,
covering pre-school through university support, make the United
States the largest bilateral donor in education.
South Africa: Population and Family Planning
Estimates put the population of South Africa between 40 and
43.5 million in 1995. UN projections indicate that the
population may increase to 46.3 million by the year 2000, and to
56.4 million by the year 2010. At the current rate of growth
the population will double in the next 32 years.
The South African Government (SAG) is in the process of
developing the National Population Policy, a comprehensive policy
to reduce past inequities while enhancing the quality of life of
all South Africans. Past population policies and programs,
especially with regard to fertility, mortality and migration,
were anchored in apartheid ideology. They focused on the forced
and/or restricted movement and resettlement of South Africans,
especially blacks. The apartheid government tried to reduce
population growth by reducing fertility through the provision of
contraceptive services, often by coercive means, and by
restricting the access of blacks to educational and employment
opportunities.
South Africa's current fertility and population growth rates
are high, but are on the decline. And while overall mortality
rates are low, they are unusually high for infants and mothers.
South Africa's age structure is relatively young, with over a
third of the population under the age of 15. High unemployment
in neighboring countries and porous borders have resulted in a
large influx of illegal immigrants. Infrastucture and services
in urban areas are overburdened by a crush of job seekers, while
there is an unusually high rural population in areas without a
productive base, infrastructure or services.
The quality and effectiveness of reproductive health services
are poorest for South Africa's historically disadvantaged
population. At least 30 percent of women in rural areas give
birth at home, and a significant proportion of these births are
unassisted by trained persons. Evidence indicates that illegal
abortions are a significant contributor to high maternal
mortality rates. While the passage of the Termination of
Pregnancy Bill in February 1997 has made most abortions legal,
the capacity of the country to provide safe abortions is woefully
inadequate. In addition, two of the main contributors of
morbidity and mortality among adolescents are pregnancy and
sexually-transmitted diseases, yet health programs specifically
targeting youth are virtually non-existent.
It is generally accepted that contraceptive usage among
married women is at least 60 percent. While women in South
Africa bear an average of 4.3 children, surveys show that this
figure is far higher than women's preferred family size. This is
likely due to an unmet need for contraceptive services and the
necessity for the SAG to develop maternal and child health care
and women's services, and to provide for more accessible family
planning services.
South Africa: Health Care Issues
The major health care challenge for the new South Africa is
to provide equity in basic health care to all South Africans to
rectify the inequities in health services provision created and
supported by apartheid. South Africa has a population of over 40
million people, growing at a rate of 2.08%, 73% of. whom are women
and children. The majority of South Africa's people -- the
historically disadvantaged population -- have inadequate access
to basic services, including health, clean water and basic
sanitation. An estimated 35 to 55 percent live in poverty; most
are concentrated in rural areas.
South Africa's apartheid public health system consisted of a
three-tier, 14-ministry "system" designed to serve the different
population groups separately. Health care resource allocations
neglected large proportions of the black and rural populations,
and favored high-technology, curative health care for the
minority white population. The result was an inequitable system,
with the majority of South Africans deprived of basic primary
health care. Other legacies of the apartheid health care system
include centralized health planning and management, fragmented
information systems, and ineffective human resource development.
The health and survival statistics for white children in
South Africa differ greatly for their black and colored
counterparts. The infant mortality rate for black South African
children is nearly 10 times higher than the national rate of 48
per 1,000. At birth, the life expectancy of black and colored
children is 60 years, 10 years less than white children. While
diarrheal disease is the major cause of death among 1-4 year old
black and colored children, it accounts for only four percent of
deaths of white children. In 1990, 74,283 cases of tuberculosis
were identified for children ages 1-4; of these, black and
colored children accounted for 98 percent. Early weaning of
babies and low birth weight are both serious child survival
problems.
In the past decade, the HIV epidemic has continued to
progress rapidly, with the infection rate doubling every 13-15
months. Approximately 2 million South Africans are currently
infected with HIV. The current number of AIDS cases is estimated
at 43,000, of whom 10,000 are children. It is projected that 8
million South Africans will be infected by the year 2000. By the
year 2010 about 25 percent of all economically active people
could be HIV positive, resulting in decreases in life expectancy
by approximately 15 years. HIV/AIDS in South Africa is spread
primarily through heterosexual contact. The housing of large
populations of young men in urban hostels far from their families
exacerbates this trend through contacts with sex workers and
multiple partners. The interrelationship between HIV/AIDS and
sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) has been well-documented
- 2 -
internationally, and the aggressiveness of the African HIV
epidemic has apparently been due largely to the high prevalence
of STDs. In South Africa, STDs have been a neglected area of
health care. Furthermore, according to calculations from the
national Department of Health, approximately one out of every
twelve people in South Africa will be infected with at least one
STD within the next year.
South Africa: Human Rights
South Africa's governing institutions and civil society
continue to consolidate the democratic transformation initiated
by the historic 1994 national elections. The government
generally respects the human rights of its citizens. The
country's laws and newly independent judiciary protect these
rights, and provide an effective means of dealing with instances
of individual abuses.
The South African Police Service has primary responsibility
for internal security. It is undergoing major restructuring and
transformation from a primarily public order security force
largely dedicated to enforcing apartheid laws to a more
accountable, community service-oriented police force.
Resignations and retirements of senior police officials have
permitted the infusion of new personnel at senior levels; these
appointments have furthered affirmative action within the police.
Civilian authorities maintain effective control of the
security forces. However, some members of these forces have
committed human rights abuses, including excessive use of force
during arrest, torture, and other physical abuse. Deaths in
police custody remain a problem. The government has taken action
to investigate and punish some of those involved. Prison
conditions meet minimum international standards, and the
government permits independent monitoring of prisons, including
visits by human rights organizations.
Although there are still many political and extrajudicial
killings, political violence has continued to decrease, not only
countrywide but in the province of KwaZulu Natal, where the most
political violence has taken place. In Cape Town, vigilante
justice and mob justice have been problems, particularly under
the organization PAGAD, People Against Gangsterism and Drugs, a
community-based largely Islamic organization calling for stronger
action by the Government. The Government and the U.S. have
condemned PAGAD's activities of intimidation and violence.
Violence against women and children throughout South Africa
remains a serious problem.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission, created to
investigate apartheid-era human rights abuses, compensate
victims, and grant amnesty for full disclosure of politically-
motivated crimes, began intensive rounds of hearings in April
1996, which continue. The government-created Human Rights
Commission is tasked with promoting the observance of fundamental
human rights at all levels of government and throughout the
general population. It also has the power to conduct
investigations, issue subpoenas, and hear testimony under oath.
The constitution prohibits discrimination on the grounds of
race, gender, ethnic or social origin, color, sexual orientation,
age, disability, religion, conscience, belief, culture, language,
sex, pregnancy, marital status, or birth. Legal recourse is
available to those who believe they have been discriminated
2
against. Parliament continues to repeal and revise
discriminatory legislation. Such reform actions include passage
of the divorce amendment bill and the interim protection of
informal land rights act.
South Africa: Environment
The environmental debate in South Africa combines the problems
and concerns of both a wealthy, industrialized country and a poor,
developing one. The advent of democracy has accelerated the
development of a broad-based environmental movement that insists on
transparency and citizen participation in governmental decision
making.
Since the 1920's, the South African Government (SAG) has been
active in the "green" issues of wildlife and habitat conservation.
South Africans only recently focused on the "brown" issues of
pollution prevention and remedies. This was partly due to a
reluctance to address the environmental costs of industrial
production, but apartheid-era racism slowed government's reaction
to pollution problems which did not generally affect the minority
white population.
The ANC government has learned to react quickly when
environmental problems arise. Heightened public awareness has
focused attention on environmental problems ranging from the
illegal release in May 1995 of nuclear waste from a facility near
Pretoria to the health problems associated with the continuing
discharge of raw sewage in the Eastern Cape Province. In each case
the government announced actions it would take once the public
complained to the press.
For the majority of citizens, basic sanitation, in particular
clean water, is the most immediate environmental problem. The
importance of mining and heavy industry to the South African
economy means that water and air pollution and solid waste
management will continue to pose widespread challenges. Issues
related to pesticides and other agricultural pollution in rural
areas directly affect half of South Africa's population.
Uncontrolled urbanization without sufficient infrastructure and a
steady influx of illegal immigrants are also significant
environmental concerns.
Despite the increasing environmental awareness in the country,
some domestic interests have resisted the SAG's engagement in the
international arena. As a result, the ANC Government has been
reluctant to embrace actively many international environmental
treaties. For example, the SAG has not acceded to UN Fish Stocks
Agreement since local coastal communities, most of whom are from
historically disadvantaged groups, oppose the agreement because it
will exclude them from exploiting resources they have long been
denied. While South Africa was signatory to the Convention to
Combat Desertification, as well as the Climate Convention, the SAG
has yet to ratify either. (South Africa is among the top ten
emitters of carbon dioxide worldwide.)
2
The SAG is also under domestic pressure to reconsider its
support of the ban on trade in ivory and elephant products.
South Africa's game authorities are grappling with how to manage
unnaturally large and destructive herds of elephants. Locals
expect to benefit from the operation of game reserves, and
increasingly call for a controlled cull of "excess" elephants with
the sale of elephant products on the international market.
South Africa: U.S. Assistance
The political situation in apartheid-era South Africa
prompted most countries of the world to impose economic sanctions
on the government in the mid-1980s. U.S. sanctions were
accompanied by an expansion of USAID assistance to non-
governmental organizations in South Africa. Our assistance,
which was focused on strengthening the capacity of the majority
population to eventually assume leadership roles, grew from $7
million in FY 1985 to $80 million in FY 1993.
In April 1994, South Africa entered a new stage of nonracial
democracy with the election of Nelson Mandela as President. To
support that change and help redress the social and economic
legacies of apartheid, President Clinton announced a three-year,
nearly $600 million assistance package. This initial assistance
package was superseded in 1996 by a new ten-year, $435 million
program.
USAID's strategy for South Africa was developed in close
cooperation with the South African Government, civil society,
university and private sector communities, and other
international donors. USAID's strategy broadly supports the
three main objectives of the South African Government's
Reconstruction and Development Program: 1) consolidate democracy
and reform the civil service; 2) spur economic growth and job
creation; 3) meet the needs of the majority population in
education, health and housing.
USAID's South Africa program will continue through 2005. The
overall goal is "sustainable transformation" -- assisting South
Africa to the point where democracy is sufficiently consolidated,
and the basic system and policies for social services delivery
are in place. This includes the development of management and
technical capacity in the majority population, as well as
institutional change. This focus is designed to increase the
participation and empowerment of the majority population. With
USAID assistance scheduled to end in 2005, our bilateral
relationship must move steadily onto other terrain. The USAID
program is designed to prepare South Africa for this transition.
USAID assistance focuses on six strategic objectives:
Democracy and Governance, Education, Health, Economic Policy
Capacity, Private Sector Development, and Housing and Urban
Services. USAID's program in South Africa features technical
assistance and training that will transfer necessary skills to a
wide range of South Africans including education and health care
professionals, government officials, non-governmental
organizations, and small business owners.
USAID's programs also support the U.S.-South Africa
Binational Commission (BNC), co-chaired by Vice President Gore
and Deputy President Mbeki. USAID's Administrator co-chairs the
Human Resource Development and Education Committee, one of six
BNC committees.
FACT SHEET
U.S. ASSISTANCE TO THE NEW SOUTH AFRICA
USAID Strategic Objectives and Projected Funding Levels
Funding Years: FY 1996 - FY 2003 (program closes in 2005)
1) Democracy and Governance
$125.1 million
2) Education
$137.1 million
3) Health
$ 54.3 million
4) Economic Policy Capacity
$ 32.3 million
5) Private Sector Development*
$ 69.0 million
6) Housing and Urban Services
$ 90.6 million
*includes some SAEDF funds (see below)
GSP: The U.S. grants South Africa Generalized System of
Preferences (GSP) access that allows duty free entry for 4,400
products. In 1995, $357 million worth of South Africa's exports
to the U.S. benefited from this concession.
Peace Corps: The first group of 32 Peace Corps volunteers
arrived in South Africa in February 1997, and 30 more will follow
in October. Volunteers will help to upgrade the teaching skills
of classroom teachers, to sharpen school management skills, and
to strengthen the links between schools and their communities.
USIA: USIA's total budget for South Africa is approximately $6.3
million which includes about $2 million in USIA resources for
educational and professional exchanges. USIS in South Africa
also administers the $1.3 million BNC support fund which enables
South Africans to participate more fully in the BNC (i.e., funds
travel for expert exchanges associated with BNC projects).
USIA's program emphasizes conflict resolution, civic education,
federalism, economics and rule of law.
Southern Africa Enterprise Development Fund (SAEDF) : In October
1994, the $100 million SAEDF was established at the initiative of
the President and the U.S. Congress to expand indigenous business
development and ownership through equity investment, loans, loan
guarantees and technical assistance. Approximately half of SAEDF
resources are targeted at South Africa; the remainder is for
other countries in the region.
OPIC: OPIC recently launched a $75 million equity investment
fund, the "Africa Growth Fund II," to provide venture capital for
U.S.-South African joint ventures.
Trade Development Administration (TDA) : TDA has been active in
South Africa's transportation, telecommunications, natural
resource, agribusiness and manufacturing sectors. The agency
provides feasibility study grants, technical assistance and other
support for projects that benefit both South Africa and U.S.
exporters.
2
EXIM: EXIM Bank has extended $255 million to South Africa,
predominantly for the purchase of aircraft. These loans,
guarantees, and insurance are all current and being serviced.
South Africa: U.S. Embassy
The United States Embassy is located in Pretoria, South
Africa, and is headed by Ambassador James Joseph and Deputy Chief
of Mission Robert Pringle. The U.S. Mission is comprised of 203
Americans and 252 South African employees. There are eleven
agencies (USIA, USAID, Agriculture, Commerce, DEA, FBI, U.S.
Customs, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Defense and
Peace Corps in addition to the State Department) represented in
the country with the majority assigned to Pretoria. The
Commercial Service and a newly-authorized Immigration and
Naturalization Service office are located at the Consulates
General in Cape Town and Durban. The Embassy is co-located in
Cape Town where the Ambassador resides when Parliament is in
session. There is also a Consulate General in Johannesburg.
U.S. goals in South Africa include: 1) supporting South
Africa's transition to an inclusive, pluralistic, market-oriented
democracy, including promotion of a strong civil society; 2)
encouraging restructuring towards a sustainable, market-based
economy which rectifies the socio-economic legacies of apartheid;
3) promoting broader access to South African markets for U.S.
trade and investment; and 4) bringing to fruition initiatives
arising out of the Binational Commission (BNC) process. The
recent BNC meeting in Cape Town saw the signing of a Fulbright
exchange agreement and a tax treaty between South Africa and the
United States.
South Africa: Etiquette
Normal American standards of etiquette and dress are
applicable in South Africa.
The climate in both Cape Town and the Pretoria/Johannesburg
area in March (late summer/early fall in South Africa) can
range from cool (chilly in the evenings) to warm (low
eighties). Fog and rain are always possible in Cape Town,
along with high, gusty winds, so both a raincoat and sweater
are recommended.
South Africa: U.S.-South Africa Binational Commission
President Clinton and President Mandela created the U.S. -South
Africa Binational Commission during Mr. Mandela's October 1994
state visit to Washington, designating Vice President Gore and
Deputy President Thabo Mbeki as co-chairs. Formally launched
during Deputy President Mbeki's March 1995 visit to Washington,
the BNC is modeled after the Gore-Chernomyrdin Binational
Commission. It is designed to: 1) revitalize a relationship which
had lain largely dormant for nearly two decades; 2) cut
bureaucratic "red tape" by focusing high-level attention on
problems and opportunities in the bilateral relationship; 3)
facilitate cooperation in areas key to South Africa's development;
and 4) provide a concrete demonstration of the breadth and depth
of the U.S. commitment to South Africa.
The BNC is composed of six committees: Trade and Investment,
Agriculture, Human Resource Development and Education,
Conservation and Environment, Sustainable Energy, and Science and
Technology. Since the initial meeting in March 1995, the BNC has
met three times, twice in South Africa (December 1995 and February
1997) and once in Washington (July 1996).
Already a core element of our relationship with South Africa,
the BNC has an impressive list of accomplishments to its credit,
and Deputy President Mbeki has made it clear that South Africa
deeply appreciates the attention the U.S. has bestowed on the BNC.
Each of the BNC's six committees has sponsored numerous individual
projects intended to support South Africa's transformation to non-
racial democracy, spur economic growth and development, and
improve the everyday life of average South Africans.
Moreover, the BNC has provided the impetus for more
fundamental developments in normalizing the relationship. These
include conclusion of a new Civil Aviation Agreement, signature of
a Bilateral Tax Treaty, establishment of a U.S.-South African
Fulbright Commission, development of a cooperative effort to
combat crime and violence in South Africa, and agreement on a
framework to resolve the U.S. case against the South African
armaments parastatal ARMSCOR.
South Africa: Reconstruction and Development Program
The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP), the South
African Government's (SAG) master plan to redress the inequities
created during forty years of apartheid, was the center of the
ANC's electoral campaign. The RDP is by definition highly
ambitious, and popular expectations run high. The principal
goals of the RDP are to provide housing, education, and health
care to the previously disadvantaged community in South Africa.
Electricity, telephone and sanitation also are considered
essential services to be addressed by government policy. To
varying degrees, these services are beginning to be provided,
albeit slowly in many cases.
In June 1996, the SAG attempted to streamline RDP
implementation by transferring most of the "RDP Ministry"
operational functions to Deputy President Mbeki's office, and
financial controls to the Finance Ministry. Regardless of which
ministry is at the helm of the RDP, South Africa's voters will
judge the RDP's success on whether it delivers a visible and
sustained improvement in living standards for South Africa's
black majority.
A certain amount of criticism has been leveled at the
government for inattention to RDP goals. Critics argue the SAG's
new economic policy, "Growth, Employment and Redistribution: A
Macroeconomic Strategy" (GEAR), is overshadowing the RDP and
diminishing the emphasis on delivering social benefits. In
reality, it seems the main hindrances to RDP implementation have
been inadequate human resources capacity and disorganization
within the relevant ministries.
For example, while the SAG has made progress in establishing
sound housing policies over the past two years, the government
has been slow in reaching its RDP target of building 1 million
housing units by 1999. Estimates indicate that thus far, 200,000
to 300,000 units have been constructed. Reasons for the
relatively slow pace include: high interest rates; banks'
reluctance to extend loans in poor communities with high
unemployment and a history of "rent boycotts"; a construction
industry reluctant to put resources into the low-cost housing
market; and difficulty finding improved land upon which to build
low-income housing.
Nonetheless, there are some bright spots in the RDP
portfolio. Eskom, the electricity parastatal, is currently ahead
of its annual target to provide power to 300,000 homes in poor
and rural areas. Small, medium and micro-enterprise development
has made tremendous advances in bringing the previously
disadvantaged into the economic mainstream. This past year saw a
new national education bill that makes more resources available
to the poorest communities. USAID and other USG agencies
strongly support several RDP programs, including housing and
electrification projects.
South Africa: New Constitution -- Key Features
President Nelson Mandela signed South Africa's new constitution
into law on December 10, 1996. The constitution entered into
effect on February 3, 1997, beginning a phasing-in period which
will be largely completed by July, with the exception of elements
of the 1993 interim constitution (e.g., provision for a
Government of National Unity) which will continue in effect until
1999.
The drafters of the new constitution were faced with the
difficulty of bringing together political parties with very
different platforms to prepare a text which addressed not only
traditional constitutional matters like the president and the
national executive (the cabinet), the parliament, the judiciary,
the provinces, and local governments, but also matters unique to
South Africa such as the role of traditional leaders (tribal
chiefs) and of the post-apartheid security services (military and
police). To resolve this dilemma, the drafters opted for a
lengthy (140-page) text which spells out in great detail rights
and obligations, rather than adopting broader statements of
principles.
The first significant change under the new constitution was the
inauguration of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on
February 6. The NCOP replaced the old senate, and is intended to
give the nine provinces a more direct say at the national
parliamentary level. Each province is entitled to 10 delegates
in the NCOP.
Described by international constitutional experts during the
drafting process as one of the world's most liberal documents,
the constitution prohibits discrimination on any basis. Its bill
of rights establishes an extensive number of rights, including
the right to life, equal protection before the law, human
dignity, freedom and security of the person, privacy, religion,
expression, assembly, association, a safe environment, access to
adequate housing, and access to health care, food, water, and
social security. The bill of rights also addresses matters
concerning children's rights, education, language and culture,
and access to information.
The new constitution also creates six autonomous bodies to
protect and support constitutional democracy. These bodies
include: 1) the Public Protector (empowered to investigate any
conduct in state affairs alleged to be improper or prejudicial) ;
2) the Human Rights Commission (empowered to investigate and
secure appropriate redress where human rights have been
violated) ; 3) the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of
the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities
(empowered to monitor, investigate and report on issues
concerning the rights of these communities) ; 4) the Commission
for Gender Equality (empowered to monitor, investigate and report
on issues concerning gender equality) ;
- 2 -
5) the Auditor General (empowered to audit and report on
financial management of all national, provincial and municipal
departments) ; and 6) the Electoral Commission (empowered to
manage national, provincial and municipal elections in accordance
with national legislation in a manner which ensures they are free
and fair).
The new constitution, while attaining broad, multi-party support
in the South African Parliament, is not without controversial
items likely to produce continued parliamentary debate. These
include a prohibition of capital punishment (engendered in the
"right to life" provision), guaranteed trade union rights, and a
property clause which allows the state to redress the pattern of
land ownership created by apartheid.
In addition, the constitution contains some rights and provisions
which are more detailed than those normally set out at the
constitutional level (e.g., right to an environment not harmful
to health or well-being, right of access to adequate housing,
right of access to health care, food and water, etc). Some of
these rights (adequate housing and health care, for example) are
presently beyond the capacity of the government to deliver,
although the South African government has established as national
policy the objective of providing adequate housing and health
care for all citizens.
March 17-21 has been designated "Constitution Week" in South
Africa, and will culminate in Human Rights Day on March 21.
During that week, Parliament will be technically out of session,
so that members may be in their respective constituencies
promoting and distributing millions of copies of the new
constitution.
South Africa: Arrival Statement
It is a great pleasure and honor to return to the "Rainbow
Nation. " I am reminded that the Zulu name for Johannesburg
is "Egoli" (eh-GO-lee), the "place of gold, and that the new
name of this province, Gauteng (how-TENG), which also means
"place of gold, is a Sotho (SOO-too) word with Afrikaans
roots.
I am pleased to greet you with "Hello," "Molweni" (mol-WAY-
nee - Xhosa), Sawubona" (sah-woo-BOH-nah - Zulu), "Goie
Middag" (WHEE-ah mid-DAGH - Afrikaans), "Salaam" (sah-
LAHM), and "Lekae" (leh-kiy - Sotho).
My apologies if I've mispronounced any of those greetings,
but the remarkable richness of your cultural, linguistic and
ethnic diversity demands recognition, even if poorly
pronounced by a well-meaning American.
When I was last here, for the inauguration of President
Mandela, this was a nation riding high on the euphoria of
that remarkable moment and at the very center of
international attention and admiration. Now, nearly three
years later, South Africa's continuing achievements, your
remarkably peaceful and rapid transformation to a non-racial
democracy, are even more strongly a beacon of hope for
nations grappling with democratic and economic reform.
Of course, South Africa still faces many challenges --
pressing needs for housing, education, health care, job
creation and fighting the scourge of crime -- and I want you
to know that the United States remains firmly committed to
being your partner. We share so much -- philosophical
ideals, our people's hopes, and concrete challenges -- that
it is only natural that we continue to work together to
realize our common goals.
I look forward to spending a few days here reacquainting
myself with South Africa and seeing some of the progress your
people have made and are continuing to make in building a
non-racial, multi-ethnic and inclusive society.
South Africa: Departure Statement
I would like to thank everyone who has helped to make our
visit to South Africa so enriching and rewarding.
I will carry home with me a new admiration for the people of
South Africa and the remarkable achievements you have made in
just three years.
I have also learned how blessed this country is with ideas,
energy and commitment to a better future.
The South African people display an astounding depth of
talent in government, business, science, the environment,
education and culture.
To come to know the people of South Africa is to confirm
optimism about this country's future.
We look forward to broadening and deepening our partnership
with South Africa.
There is still a great deal we can learn from each other and
many ways we can work together to solve common problems and
reach common goals
SOUTH AFRICA: BILATERAL RELATIONS
Question:
What is your reaction to those who accuse the U.S. of trying to
dictate foreign policy to South Africa?
Answer:
It is a normal practice of diplomacy to make our partners,
including South Africa, aware of our concerns, and to urge their
cooperation on issues of mutual interest. This is true in all
areas -- political, economic/commercial, developmental and
security -- of a normal relationship. U.S. officials enjoy
excellent communication with their South African counterparts,
and I think it is a sign of the mature partnership we enjoy that
we can and do occassionally disagree -- amiably -- on some
issues.
SOUTH AFRICA: CONTINUED ASSISTANCE
Question:
When will our assistance to South Africa end?
Answer:
The current assistance package, a $435 million ten-year program,
will continue through 2005.
Our assistance program is playing a critical role in the
consolidation of a multi-party, free market democracy where all
South Africans have a stake in the future of their country and
their continent.
SOUTH AFRICA: USAID ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Question:
What has our assistance to South Africa accomplished?
Answer:
Since 1982, USAID's program in South Africa has focused on
helping to dismantle apartheid and preparing the disadvantaged
population for a leadership role in post-apartheid South Africa.
USAID has taken a leading role in creating jobs and opening
opportunities for black South Africans.
Since 1983, USAID has provided masters-level training for over
1,200 black South Africans in the U.S. and nearly 1,000
undergraduates in South Africa. In addition, 900 South Africans
have benefited from short-term training. Many of those who
received training are now playing key leadership roles in South
Africa.
Our election assistance program reached an estimated 3.6 million
previously disenfranchised voters for the historic, democratic
1994 elections.
Our prsent programs focus on supporting education, literacy,
housing, economic empowerment and institution building programs.
SOUTH AFRICA: PEACE CORPS
Question:
When does the Peace Corps intend to start operating in South
Africa? What are its goals?
Answer:
The first 32 Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in South Africa on
February 15. An additional 30 volunteers will arrive in October.
Education is a priority of the South African Government, and an
area where the Peace Corps has extensive experience. Thus, Peace
Corps volunteers will serve as a teaching-skills resource to
South African primary school teachers and principals in the
Northern Province. Our volunteers will also work to assist
individuals engaged in a range of community development
activities.
SOUTH AFRICA: PEACE CORPS
Question:
Why is Peace Corps opening a new program in South Africa while
closing programs elsewhere in southern Africa?
Answer:
Peace Corps volunteers will serve in South Africa for the first
time at the invitation of the South African Government. Vice
President Gore had the honor of signing the country agreement
establishing the Peace Corps program with Deputy President Mbeki
in December 1995. The volunteers will work side-by-side with
South African teachers to improve the quality of education for
South Africa's youth. The Peace Corps' presence in South Africa
is also an important opportunity for Americans to build personal
ties at the grassroots level with the people of South Africa.
In recent years, the Peace Corps has had to make tough choices to
reduce its expenditures, including leaving some countries. We
are proud of the tremendous contributions that Peace Corps
volunteers have made in many of these countries. In addition,
most of the countries where the Peace Corps will be leaving have
progressed economically and are better able to address their own
development needs. We hope that our Peace Corps volunteers in
South Africa will have the same positive impact as their
colleagues have had throughout southern Africa.
SOUTH AFRICA: BINATIONAL COMMISSION
Question:
What is the purpose of the U.S.-South Africa Binational
Commission (BNC) and how does it work?
Answer:
The Binational Commission -- like the one the Vice President
established with Russian Premier Chernomyrdin -- is already
improving U.S. South African cooperation, cutting red tape to
expedite cooperation in areas of mutual concern, and encouraging
a bilateral dialogue on a range of issues, especially relating to
technology.
The Commission, which meets twice a year, enjoys the active
participation of cabinet officials from both countries, under the
leadership of Vice President Gore and South Africa's Deputy
President Mbeki.
The Commission is composed of six committees: Agriculture;
Conservation and Environment; Sustainable Energy Development;
Human Resource Development and Education; Science and Technology;
and Trade and Investment.
SOUTH AFRICA: ROLE IN PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS/CONFLICT
RESOLUTION
Question:
With South Africa's professional armed forces and political
influence in Africa, why haven't the South Africans moved to take
a more active role in conflict resolution or peacekeeping
operations?
Answer:
South Africa has contributed equipment and logistical support to
the UN operation in Angola and medical support to the UN efforts
in Rwanda.
South Africa has also been active diplomatically in helping to
resolve a number of internal African conflicts, particularly in
Lesotho, Angola, Burundi, and Nigeria, contributions which have
helped contribute to stability in the region.
SOUTH AFRICA: ANTI-CRIME ASSISTANCE
Question:
Is the U.S. doing anything to help South Africa combat its
growing crime problem?
Answer:
In July 1996, Vice President Gore and Deputy President Mbeki
signed a Declaration on Mutual Anti-Crime Cooperation outlining
the ways our countries can work together to reduce organized
crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and international
terrorism.
Steps we are already taking in cooperation with South Africa
include opening regional offices in Pretoria of our Drug
Enforcement Administration (DEA), Federal Bureau of Investigation
(FBI), and U.S. customs Service to maintain liaison with South
African law enforcement authorities.
We have also allotted $1 million this year to provide criminal
justice expertise and training for South African officials, as
well as additional funds for a professional study of drug use in
South Africa.
SOUTH AFRICA: TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION COMMISSION
Question:
Hasn't the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, in raking up the
embers of the past, made reconciliation more difficult? Why did
President Mandela extend the life of the Commission?
Answer:
South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission was
established in 1995 to investigate apartheid-era, politically-
motivated crimes. The Commission conducts hearings through its
three Committees on Human Rights Abuses, Amnesty for
Perpetrators, and Reparations for Victims.
The Commission provides a means for all South Africans to deal
with their past, to establish the truth of the events that took
place during apartheid, and to lay the basis for genuine
reconciliation. In acknowledging that abuses took place on both
sides, it has given all people and parties in South Africa a
unique opportunity to understand what happened to the country and
to individuals and to move ahead.
Both the head of the TRC, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and President
Nelson Mandela believed that the time for applications for
amnesty and for testimony to the Commission should be extended, a
decision that attests to the Commission's importance in South
Africa.
We believe the Commission continues to play an important role in
South Africa's ongoing transition.
SOUTH AFRICA: NEW CONSTITUTION
Question:
What is the United States' position on the adoption of a new
constitution in South Africa?
Answer:
The process by which South Africa finalized its constitution is
in the finest democratic tradition. After the Constitutional
Court rejected eight provisions in the draft document, they were
revised in a timely and orderly manner, and adopted with broad,
multiparty support.
With this permanent constitution, characterized by its drafters
as "one law for one people, South Africa has yet again confirmed
its membership in the growing international family of nations in
Africa and around the world devoted to democracy and to the
protection of human rights. The commitment shown by South
Africans to reject the legacy of violence and factionalism that
all too often dominates such a fundamental change in government
is an inspiring example to all nations.
We congratulate South Africa's Government of National Unity and
all South Africans on this outstanding achievement.
SOUTH AFRICA: RECONSTRUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Question:
Are we helping South Africa raise funds for the Reconstruction
and Development Program (RDP) ?
Answer:
The United States focuses our assistance program on development
priorities identified by the Reconstruction and Development
Program (RDP). Our assistance goes to individual proejcts which
support the broad goals outlined by the RDP, but not to any
general fund.
The South African Government has reorganized its administration
of the RDP. The Deputy President's office now oversees the
implementation of the RDP's goals, and the Finance Ministry
controls the expenditure of South Africanfunds.
SOUTH AFRICA: ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
Question:
Why is the U.S. providing so much money to a country that is so
rich and has so many resources? Wouldn't the money be better
spent in other countries of Africa that are so much poorer?
Answer:
South Africa has undergone a tremendous political transformation
in the past four years. As we all know, it still faces many
economic and developmental challenges. The United States
strongly supports South Africa's development and economic goals.
Its potential to become an engine for the entire region is great,
and we think it critical to support its efforts during these
early years of transition.
South Africa has a vast income gap between the haves and have
nots. The newly-enfranchised majority needs jobs, adequate
housing, better education, and accessible health care. Our
assistance is designed to help jump-start the economy. A strong
South African economy will ultimately act as a regional catalyst
of benefit to all of the economies of southern Africa.
FYI:
1996 STATISTICS
POPULATION
42.7 MILLION
GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT
$119 BILLION
GDP GROWTH RATE
3.3%
PER CAPITA GDP
$3,081
INFLATION RATE
8.7%
SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE, COUNTRY COMMERCIAL GUIDE
1995
SOUTH AFRICA: ASSISTANCE
Question:
With the advent of democracy and the tremendous needs in South
Africa, why aren't we giving the Government of South Africa more
assistance?
Answer:
South Africa has one of the largest USAID programs in sub-Saharan
Africa. In May 1994 the President more than doubled FY-94 USAID
assistance levels to $212 million and announced a three-year,
government-wide program of nearly $600 million.
This initial assistance package was superseded in October 1996,
by a new ten-year, $435 million program. USAID's South Africa
program will continue through 2005.
These programs are both specifically designed in partnership with
South Africa to support its most critical development goals.
We are the largest bilateral donor to South Africa.
Furthermore, our enhanced assistance package is designed to
leverage funds from the private sector through several types of
loan guaranty programs. For example, one of our housing guaranty
programs has been matched with twice as much money from the South
African private sector to provide a significant pool of funds for
construction of desperately needed housing for the disadvantaged
community.
SOUTH AFRICA: AID TO BLACK BUSINESSES
Question:
Are there any specific programs to assist black businesses in
South Africa? Is the U.S. government giving special
encouragement to minority-owned firms in the United States?
Answer:
The ongoing Private Enterprise Development Project is an $83
million, fourteen-year effort to overcome the harsh legacies of
apartheid. It focuses on developing business skills and
financing systems for black South Africans.
USAID does not have a specific program to give special
encouragement to minority-owned firms in the United States.
USAID, however, does assure that U.S. minority businesses are
given full consideration and opportunity in competition for
contracts in South Africa.
state visit with Mandela, this one to Asia.
Reflecting the new frontiers to which this re-
lationship has pushed protocol, "her official
THE WASHINGTON POST
capacity is "companion," said Mandela's
spokesman, Parks Mankahlana, who strug-
SATURDAY, MARCH 1, 1997
gles with how to handle the status of a wom-
an who is not quite the first lady.
The heightened public profile of Mandela
and Machel has fueled speculation of nuptials
soon to come. But the couple do not plan to
wed, Mandela's aides say. They live together
South Africa routinely sponsored raids
part-time, with Machel spending about two
the South African anti-apartheid guerril
By Lynne Duke
weeks a month in South Africa with Mande-
groups hiding in Mozambique and also fun
Washington Post Foreign Service
la-in Pretoria, Johannesburg, Cape Town
ed a Mozambican opposition movement th
or wherever his shuttling presidency takes
plagued that country's black governme
JOHANNESBURG. Feb. 28
him. Retired Anglican Archbishop Desmond
from the time of independence in 1975.
resident Nelson Mandela is a former
P
Tutu and others have suggested it would
That pressure prompted Samora Mach
freedom fighter. So is the woman he
perhaps be better if the two were to set a
to sign an accord with white-ruled South A
Is Significant in Her Own Right
loves. He has a law degree. She does
moral example through marriage.
rica in 1984 that committed Mozambique
too. Mandela is a towering figure on the na-
But Machel has said she remains deeply
cut back on its support for the ANC in e
tional scene, viewed by many South Africans
committed to the life and development of
change for Pretoria's pledge of noninterfe
as indispensable. Graca Machel holds iconic
Mozambique, an Indian Ocean country that is
ence.
status of her own back home in Mozambique,
among the world's poorest, where she holds
In 1990, shortly after Mandela's relea:
and not only because she is a former first la-
a unique political and symbolic status.
from 27 years of political imprisonment,
dy.
On a more emotional level, she has said
met Graca Machel for the first time when 1
She has fought in the trenches of guerrilla
became godfather of her children, assumir
warfare and helped liberate her country. She
served as a minister in Mozambique's post-
she will always be Mrs. Samora Machel, the
the role previously held by the late AN
widow of independent Mozambique's first
president Oliver Tambo.
independence government, when she mar-
ried Mozambique's first president and then
president, who died in a mysterious plane
They met again in 1992 when Machel W.
became his widow, but moved on from the
crash over South African territory in 1986.
receiving an honorary degree from the Ur
tragedy to become an internationally known
Mandela recently called for a new inquiry in-
versity of the Western Cape in Cape Tow
to Machel's death.
It was during this second meeting that Ma
children's advocate.
"She is a modern woman," said a Mozam-
"She went through very tough times," said
dela reportedly became intrigued. Just who
bican who is a close friend of Machel's fami-
the family friend. Some reports say that she
the romance developed is unknown.
ly.
remained in mourning for five years. But in
That same year, Mandela's 38-year ma
"She is a person of achievement in her
recent years she has emerged as a public fig-
riage to Winnie Mandela ended in separ
own right," said Shirley Mabusela, deputy
ure, her humanitarian works earning her a
tion. The Mandelas, whose marriage preda
chair of South Africa's Human Rights Com-
stature in Mozambique that transcends that
ed his imprisonment, had become icons
mission, who has worked with Machel on
of presidential widow. "It would be a bit of a
the liberation movement, a couple that son
children's rights projects. "She's not coming
pity for Mozambique if she did get married,"
viewed as the mother and father of th
the friend said.
movement.
into the country to find her place in the sun."
Machel, already well known here because
Mozambique's minister of education for
While Mandela was in prison, his wife BL
of her political credentials in one of southern
11 years until 1986, Machel has become a
fered intense personal trauma at the han
Africa's several struggles against colonialism
kind of roving international ambassador for
of apartheid security officials, including in
and white-minority rule, can add yet another
children's rights and development. She is
prisonment and banishment to a remote a
distinction to her long list: She is the woman
known for her intense commitment and pas-
ea, as she tried to keep Mandela's nan
who has brought happiness to a once solitary
sion, as well as her command of children's is-
alive. But when he was released in 199
sues, friends say.
figure with the weight of a nation on his
times had changed, and so had they.
shoulders.
She runs a community development pro-
Last March, they divorced after public ar
gram in Mozambique and maintains an office
Mandela, 78, the political prisoner turned
poignant courtroom appearances that he
in the capital, Maputo. She chairs the Mo-
president, and Machel, 51, became the hot-
such an emotional attraction for their follow
test item in southern Africa last year when,
ers that crowds gathered outside the cour
after months of furtive kisses and interna-
zambican National Commission for UNES-
house to follow the proceedings. Mandela a
tional rendezvous, they told the world what
CO, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cul-
cused his wife of "brazen infidelity." N
they mean to each other.
tural Organization. Last year, she submitted
known to wax emotional, he stunned the n.
Though only a few months after his di-
a report to the U.N. General Assembly that
tion with his deeply personal admission th:
vorce from Winnie Mandela, Mandela's new-
it had commissioned on the impact of armed
Winnie never entered his bedroom while I
An Atrican Icon,
ly public romance with Machel captured the
conflict on children. This week, she hosted
was awake. He called himself "the Jonelie
heart of South Africa. "President Nelson
an international conference in Maputo on
man."
Mandela is in love," blared a leading Sunday
controlling the use of land mines.
But Winnie Mandela remains a politic
newspaper, starting a week of giddy news
Here in South Africa, she has helped the
force here. She is a member of Parliamen
coverage in which everyone had something
Truth and Reconciliation Commission devel-
She leads the ANC Women's League. A
to say about the well-being of their leader.
op mechanisms for dealing with the trauma
such, she appears frequently in public.
The official revelation was made only after
suffered by children during the years of
The paths of the ex-wife and the new con
Mandela's
private discussions with Mandela's political
apartheid. That commission is investigating
panion were bound to cross, and they d
party, the African National Congress, and
the human rights abuses of the apartheid
quite publicly one recent day when Mande
Machel's family and colleagues in Mozam-
era, when oppression's reach crossed from
South Africa to its neighboring countries as
and Machel found themselves sharing a pod
bique.
this country's white-minority governments
um with Winnie-she at one end, they at the
After those first tentative steps into the
sought to bend those newly independent na-
other, in an awkward moment that probab
public domain, Machel, whose office said she
won't be the last.
tions to its will.
was too busy to be interviewed for this arti-
cle, departed South Africa today on her first
Though of different generations and dif-
ferent countries, Machel and Mandela share
the experience of having struggled against
oppression-she against Portuguese colo-
nialism, he against apartheid. Some of Mach-
el's struggle was against apartheid too, since
Bios
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OA/Box Number: 13006
FOLDER TITLE:
The Trip of the First Lady to Senegal, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, and
Eritrea, March 15-29, 1997 (Shipley, S Africa, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Uganda, Eritrea)
[Binder] [2]
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United States Department of State
Washington, D.C. 20520
JAMES A. JOSEPH
UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR TO REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
Mr. James A. Joseph was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador to the
Republic of South Africa on January 3, 1996. He succeeds
Princeton Lyman.
Prior to assuming his current duties, Mr. Joseph was
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Council on
Foundations. He joined the Council in 1982, after a
distinguished career in government, business and education. He
was the Under Secretary of the Interior from 1977-81, and a
Vice President of Cummins Engine Company and President of the
Cummins Engine Foundation from 1972-77.
Mr. Joseph has served four U.S. presidents. He was
appointed Under Secretary of the Interior by President Jimmy
Carter and also served as Chairman of the
Presidentially-appointed Commission on the Northern Mariana
Islands. Mr. Joseph was a member of the Advisory Committee to
the Agency for International Development under President
Reagan, and was appointed an incorporating director of the
Points of Light Foundation and a member of the Presidential
Commission on Historically Black Colleges by President Bush.
President Clinton appointed him Chairman of the Board of the
Corporation for National Service. Mr. Joseph often represents
the United States abroad, and has served as the Chairman of
official U.S. government delegations to Mexico, Micronesia,
Canada and a United Nations conference in Kenya; and as a
member of specially-invited, citizen delegations to the former
Soviet Union, Japan, Ethiopia, Israel, Costa Rica and Southern
Africa.
He first visited South Africa in 1973 and since then has
been involved in a wide variety of initiatives in support of
South Africans working for political, economic ans social
change. As President of the Council on Foundations, he
consulted with leaders of the African National Congress on the
involvement of foundations in South Africa, and was a founder
of the Affinity Group on Southern Africa to encourage grants to
the region. He has met many of the new leaders of South
Africa, including President Mandela, whom he first met in 1992.
Born in Opelousas, Louisiana on March 12, 1925, he is a
graduate of Southern University and Yale Divinity School. He
has taught at Yale University and The Claremont Colleges, and
has served as a Visiting Fellow at Nuffield College at Oxford
University. Mr. Joseph also taught at Stillman College in
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he awas a leader in the local Civil
Rights Movement. An ordained minister, he was also Chaplain of
The Claremont Colleges, and a member of the Faculty of the
School of Theology.
Peace Corps
South Africa
31 Peace Corps Trainees
Peace Corps Country Overview
The Peace Corps had been interested in working in South Africa since the
country held democratic elections in April, 1994. In October 1994, Presidents
Clinton and Mandela met to seal a friendship and make a promise to the
future: to work together in the transformation of South Africa from a nation
divided to one united by its commitment to the building of a democratic,
multi-racial society. They agreed that Peace Corps Volunteers would
comprise part of that effort. Vice President Gore joined Deputy President
Mbeki in signing the Peace Corps country agreement in Pretoria the following
year.
In February 1997, the first group of Peace Corps Volunteers arrived in South
Africa. The Volunteers were welcomed to South Africa by Vice President
Gore and Deputy President Mbeki in Cape Town during the recent U.S. South
Africa binational commission meetings there (a copy of the Vice President's
remarks are attached). The 31 Volunteers, who fully reflect the age and ethnic
diversity of our country, are currently undergoing a 12 week training
program. Upon completion of their training, they will work side-by-side with
South African teachers in the country's Northern Province, to improve the
quality of education in primary schools.
Education
31 Trainees
South Africa's educational system exemplifies the country's recent history.
Teachers, students and parents are transforming the culture of resistance
against the former regime into a culture of cooperation. South African
educators speak of a widespread commitment to minimize the damage done
by apartheid by developing assertiveness, leadership, self-confidence, a sense
of pride in partnership, and security among teachers, learners and parents.
Volunteers will work with teachers to assist in the development of human
and material resources in the primary schools situated in traditionally
underserved areas, such as the former homelands. Once Volunteers have
established community ties, they will continue to work in the schools, while
at the same time assisting communities in developing solutions to locally
identified problems.
Peace Corps Staff
Country Director
Earl Yates
APCD Education.
Judith Oki
APCD/Administration
John Peterson
Training Coordinator
Simanga Ntando
Area Medical Officer
Dr. Michael Silvers
PC Medical Officer
Kiki Jackson
Country Director Biography
Earl Yates has served as Peace Corps Director in South Africa since July, 1996.
He has nineteen years of program development and management
experience. Since 1987, he has been with the Academy for Educational
Development (AED). As Vice President and Directory of Basic Services and
Training Services from 1987-1991, he was responsible for overseeing the
implementation of ten USAID-funded basic education and training projects
throughout Southern Africa and Central America.
Since 1991, he has been Senior Vice President and Director of the Human
Resources and Institutional Development Division in AED. This involved
the management of twenty technical assistance and training projects with
total budgets of $236 million dollars. He was responsible for supervising four
Department Directors who oversaw daily operations of twenty projects
throughout Africa, Asia, Central/Eastern Europe, Latin America and North
America.
Prior to working with AED he was:
the Managing Director of the Consulting Group Inc., where he
directed an education project in South Africa for two years,
the Program Management Officer for the Africa Bureau, USAID
where he developed training programs for disadvantaged students,
the Research Assistant for the World Bank in which he assisted in the
preparation of a commodity study and
the Research Intern for the House of Representative's Subcommittee
on Africa.
Mr. Yates earned a bachelor's degree in Spanish and French from Howard
University and a master's degree in International Relations from the
University of Southern California.
Current Peace Corps Volunteers and Trainees serving in
South Africa
Last Name
First Name
Project Title
Hometown
State
1
Alvarez
Lorena
Schools and Communities
Anaheim
CA
2
Aquino
Christopher
Schools and Communities
Anchorage
AK
3
Bright
Anita
Schools and Communities
Albuquerque
NM
4
Chen
Michelle
Schools and Communities
San Francisco
CA
5
Christensen
Carl
Schools and Communities
Evanston
IL
6
Cleland_Jr.
Gary
Schools and Communities
Covington
LA
7
Delatorre
Jose
Schools and Communities
Willcox
AZ
8
Dennard
Eric
Schools and Communities
Rancho Cucamong
CA
9
Dorsey
Aaron
Schools and Communities
Oakland
CA
10
Douglas
Steven
Schools and Communities
Towson
MD
11
Durand
Sabrina
Schools and Communities
Lakeland
FL
12
Fenlason
Clay
Schools and Communities
Broomfield
CO
13
Galup
Guillermo
Schools and Communities
Ft.Lauderdale
FL
14
Glin
C.D.
Schools and Communities
New Orleans
LA
15
Harley
Norma
Schools and Communities
Sacramento
CA
16
Hernandez
Denise
Schools and Communities
North Bergen
NJ
17
Keith
John
Schools and Communities
Champaign
IL
18
Kubit
Jennifer
Schools and Communities
Brecksville
OH
19
Law
Lincoln
Schools and Communites
Los Angeles
CA
20
Lee
Mike
Schools and Communities
Boston
MA
21
McCluskey
Patrick
Schools and Communities
Glen Ellyn
IL
22
McGovern
Michael
Schools and Communities
Stuart
FL
23
McNutt
Enid
Schools and Communities
Lebanon
IL
24
Nelson
Britt
Schools and Communities
Lakeland
MN
25
Odenthal
Kristin
Schools and Communities
Coeur D'Alene
ID
26
Perry
Marcenia
Schools and Communities
Cleveland
OH
27
Soper
Sharon
Schools and Communities
Savannah
MO
28
Strong
Kathleen
Schools and Communities
Euclid
OH
29
Watson
Marcus
Schools and Communities
Buffalo
NY
30
Wietecha
Ronald
Schools and Communities
Park Ridge
IL
31
Wilson
Ernestine
Schools and Communities
Stone Mountain
GA
March 10, 1997
TOLIP INN C.T.
FAX NO. 021 242720
U.ANNICL
P.
1
VICE PRESIDENT GORE'S REMARKS
091 2026063110
CROSSROADS
FEBRUARY 16, 1997
May 1 say, first of all, thank you to this beautiful choir. Weren't they wonderful? Thank you to
much for your fantastic performance. I want to thank Neomi Boye (phonetic) for his wonderful
introduction and for his guided tour. Ladies and gentlemen, it's & great privilege for me to come
here to Crossroads with my friend Deputy President Thabo Mbeki. Thabo has told me about
Crossroads on many occasions. He has obviously 4 special place in his heart for this community
because in the thice meetings that we have had of our commission, overy time in our private
discussions he has told me, At, you have to come to Crossroads: you have to visit this place you
have to see for yourselves. In addition to this choir. may I say I can't help noticing that there are
some very beautiful dresses and outfits out there. I've been watching very carefully. May I also
acknowledge some of the other distinguished guests who are here - Counselor Ellis Dupark
(phonetic); Counselor G.Y. Melford: the Ambassador of my country, James Joseph and his wife
Mary. I believe that the Ambassador of South Africa to the United States, Franklin Sonn, is here.
Your Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiru Bengu and from the Foreign Affairs Ministry Aziz
Pahad; Rev. Franklin Chikane, who has played such a key role in making our Commission
successful and the country director of the Peace Corps, Earl Yales.
Ladies and gentlemen, ] am convinced, along with Thabe Mbeki, that the future of any country
ties in the education of its people. Walking through Crossroads, you can see in the faces of the
children, the potential of the future of humankind. If that potential is reached. it will be because
this nation, South Africa, and my nation, the United States. has the wisdom to invest in education
and to make is possible for their minds to develop and to have access to all the knowledge that
is available in our world. Governments can play an important role, but civic organizations that
support the society at large also have a key role. And here today we see the proof of this The
Thabo Mbeki Crossroads Education Fund, a private trust, has begun the process of giving
educational opportunity to the students of Crossroads.
Knowing Thabo Mbeki's keen recognition of the importance of math and science education, I
am especially proud to announce today the arrival in South Africa of the vary first group of
American Peace Corps volunteers to work in South Africa. We are happy that you are here and
1 would like to ask the Peace Corps Volunteers to stand and be recognized
Thank you. Thank you very much. Many years ago in 1961, the Peace Corps was begun under
President John Kennedy. I'm very proud that my late sister, Nancy Gore Ungar, was the very
first volunteer to the Peace Corps back in 1961. And, the Peace Corps has always had a special
place in the hearts of Americans because it embodies our desire as a people to reach out in
partnership and friendship in peace to work together with the people of other countries to lift the
prospects of all human kind. We believe that the arrival of this Peace Corps contingent in South
Africa is a very bright moreant, not only in the history of our bilateral relationship, but in the
history of our nation's relationship to the rest of the world.
During my last visit I announced the establishment of our Peace Corps program in South Africa.
Now we 500 the tangible follow through. And in developing the Peace Corps program, we
followed the suggestion of Deputy President Mbeki, expressed through our binational commission
MAR 10 '97 02:19PM PEACE CORPS SF 415 744 2681
P.4
BY
ASSOCIATED
Retired South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu chatted with
Vice President AI Gore during Gore's visit to Cape Town
Gore Leads Peace Corps
Into South Africa
Associated Preas
Tutu is on leave from his
Cape Town
post as chairman of South Afri-
Vice President Al Gore saw
ca's Truth and Reconciliation
the prison where Nelson Man-
Commission while be recovers
dela was incarcerated, intro-
from surgery for prostate can-
duced the country's first Peace
cer. "We began with a prayer,"
Corps volunteers and discussed
Gore said of the meeting with
"everything under the sun"
Tutu. "We laughed a lot."
with Deamond Tutu on the sec-
and day of his South African
Gore also visited Robben Is
visit yesterday.
land prison, where former polit-
Gore met separately with
ical prisoners, including Mande-
President Mandela and retired
la, were incarcerated. "What
Archbishop Tutu, both Nobel
they lived through is unbeliev-
Peace Prize winners.
able," be said.
The close relationship be-
Gore also visited an educa-
tween the United States and
tion fund that sponsors stu-
South Africa has come under
dents from one of Cape Town's
strain recently because of a pos-
poorest black townships, Cross
sible South African arms sale to
Roads, where he introduced the
Syria. If the sale goes through,
first group of U.S. Peace Corps
the United States has said it
volunteers to be stationed in
would suspend certain econom-
South Africa in the organiss-
ic aid packages.
tion's 36-year history.
NEWS
CAPE ARGUS, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1997
5
US Peace Corps volunteers on way to help rebuild SA
RICH MICHONDO
they arrived in Cape Town tomorrow.
ture, education, rural health care,
tions between the two countries, and
WASHINGTON BUREAU
Mr Gore is in South Africa for the
nutrition, the environment and small
said: "Never before has an American
third summit of the US-South Africa
business development.
government effort like this worked so
Washington - The first group of
Binational Commission, a body
The volunteers will focus particu-
comprehensively at the grassroots
33 Peace Corps volunteers to be
formed three years ago to strengthen
larly on smaller communities of fewer
level of South Africa.
sent to South Africa in the
the two countries' relations in many
than 5 000 people. Some will live with
"Given the progress made by South
organisation's 36-year history,
areas, including trade and industry.
local families, others will rent houses
Africans, and given how quickly they
arrive this weekend for a two-year
After three months of training in
and live in small groups.
have been able to move forward, the
assignment.
local languages, cross-cultural com-
Thirty-three other recruits will
Peace Corps probably won't remain
Peace Corps officials said yester-
munications and technical skills
arrive in South Africa in October, to
there for more than 10 years," he said.
day members, whose ages range from
inside South Africa, they will be sent
be sent to other parts of the country.
At least 6 500 Peace Corps volun-
23 to 65 years, would meet Deputy
to Mpumalanga and Northern
Peace Corps director Mark Gearan
teers serve in 93 countries. There are
President Thabo Mbeki and United
Province to concentrate on the
called the deployment an historic
2 400 volunteers in 31 other African
States Vice President Al Gore when
improvement of sanitation, agricul-
move that would help strengthen rela-
countries.
CAPE Argus, MON. Feb. 17, 97
LEON MÜLLER
Peace power: peace corps members Sabrina Durand, left, and Michelle Chen with Muriel Tulwana in Crossroads
FEB 13 '97 14:47 FR USATODAY INT'L
703 247 3282 TO 912026063110
P.02/02
Tomba "These are obviously
good time for me," she ob-
serves, "but do you realize ne's
Next stop: South Africa
winning every time you
\ all the major events:
he's been doing il for
.0 years?"
Peace Corps
Tomba now has 48
victories, behind Sweden's
group to help
peerless Ingemar Stenmark,
who triumphed 86 times in-
cluding 14 giant slaloms in a
rural youths
row before retiring The two
By Evelyn Tan Powers
men are the Babe Ruth and
USA TODAY
Hank Aaron of alpine skiing.
There have been other
Shunned for decades as an
greats, including Jean-Claude
international pariah, South AI-
Killy of France, Tony Sailer
rica had to make its long walk
and Karl Schranz of Austria,
to freedom alone.
and Thoeni himself.
What a difference the last
But not even Killy. who
few years have made.
thrilled home fans at the 1968
Nelson Mandela became
Winter Olympics in Grenoble
president in 1994 after the de-
by winning gold medals in all
mise of apartheid, and this
By M. Darr Better, USA TODAY
three disciplines stalom, gi-
month - Black History Month
Pioneers all: The first Peace Corps volunteers in South Africa
ant sialom and downhill has
in the USA the Peace Corps
from left, Clemenceau Williams, Michael Johnson, Lorena Alvarez,
Tomba's engagingly abrasive
will send volunteers to South
C.D. Glin Jr. and Ronald Wietecha will focus their efforts in
charisma.
Africa for the first time ever.
improving the teaching of math, science and other subjects to
The Italian's legions of fans
"Sending volunteers to South
under-served youths in the country's Northern Province.
refuse to back away from him
Africa is a momentous step,"
even as be shows the telitale
says Peace Corps director Mark
signs of decline. "You can call
Gearan. "By living and working
if virility. macho, you can dis-
at the grass-roots level, Peace
How to join Peace Corps
parage It any way you want,
Corps volunteers can further
but he's a champion and he
strengthen the personal tie be-
Peace Corps Volunteers
quarters in Washington, D.C.
loves us," says Heidi Marien-
tween our two countries."
have been fighting hunger.
1990 K Street, N.W., Washing-
badder. a 36-year-old Tomba
The Peace Corps was created
disease, Illiteracy, poverty
ton, D.C. 20526. Tel: (800) 424-
fan who trekked to Sestriere
35 years ago by President John
and lack of opportunity
8580 or (703) 235-9191. Fax:
from her native Vienna.
F. Kennedy, who hoped to pro-
around the world since 1961.
(703) 235-9189. E-mail: dein-
Others have arrived from
mote global peace and under-
So far, 147,000 volunteers
[email protected].
Japan, Spain, Israel and South
standing by sending Americans
and trainees have served in
Prospective applicants
to serve communities abroad.
131 countries.
who live outside the USA also
be turning 30 on Dec. 19,
Today, about 6,500 volunteers
U.S. citizens over 18 are eli-
can contact a Peace Corps re-
remba has increasingly sound-
are in more than 90 countries in
gible to join. Of about 6,500
cruiting office directly:
ed as if he's on the wrong side
Asia, Africa, Latin America. Cen-
current volunteers:
Requests from Europe,
of a rite of passage. On Mon-
tral and Eastern Europe and the
Average age: 29.
Africa or the Americas.
day, when often-injured rival
former Soviet Union South Afri-
Gender: 57% female.
Peace Corps Recruiting Office,
Marc Girardelli of Luxem-
CA will be the 132nd country the
Marital status: 91% are
5 World Trade Center, Room
bourg announced his retire-
Peace Corps has entered.
single
611. New York, NY 10042-0900.
ment at 33. Tomba waxed wist-
The 33 volunteers who are
Minorities: 13%
Phone: (212) 466-2477. Fax:
ful: "Tm sad, really, because
headed for South Africa after
Volunteers over 50:7%.
(212) 466-2473. E-mail: nyinfo-
without Marc I'll just feel more
a jubilant sendoff Thursday at.
Education: 98% have
@peacecorps.gov.
alone and older."
Howard University in Washing
bachelor's degrees, 16% have.
Requests from the Asia-
In many respects, Tomba is
ton featuring a keynote speech
graduate degrees.
Pacific region. Peace Corps
a classic prisoner of his own
by the Rev. Jesse Jackson - in-
Information on the applica-
Recruiting Office, 333 Market
success. Earlier this year,
cludes 12 African Americans,
tion process can be found on
St, No. 600, San Francisco,
Swedish ace Pernilla Wiberg.
the largest percentage of African
the Internet site of the Peace
CA 94105. Phone: (415) 977-
who leads this year's women's
Americans ever in a Peace
Corps, at http://www.peace-
8800. Fax: (415) 977-8803. E-
World Cup standings, called
Corps class, says Peace Corps
corps.gov. Peace Corps head-
mail: [email protected].
him a "liar, who should keep
spokesman Brendan Daly. The
his mouth shut"
group also includes four Hispan-
Why the venom? "Tomba
ics and three Asian Americans.
fense schools in Korea, Japan,
Agency fellowship. "(This trip) is
claims that be never trains," in-
After three months' orienta-
Turkey, Germany and Ethiopia
a culmination of all that," he
tones Wiberg, "that he just
tion and language training in
- came out of retirement to be-
says. "Now we're going to go
drinks wine and hangs out ru
Pretoria, the volunteers will
come part of this group. "Tive
there to create peace."
tell you what, be trains twice as
spend two years in South Afri-
been a product of a segregated
Lorena Alvarez, 29, of Ana-
hard as any of us."
ca's Northern Province, along
system back in the early years of
heim, Callf, who has an M.A. a
Adds Merio: "There's no
the border with Botswana,
my life." Williams says. 7 can
bilingual education from Co-
sure thing on retirement. The
Zimbabwe and Mozambique,
relate to their problems."
lumbia Teacher's College. is
Idea my. of going to a fourth
where they will help improve
For Ronald Wietecha, 26,
untared by the thought of living
Olympics, to enter legend and
the teaching of math, science
who has a master's degree in
in a rural area for two years
the history books like Carl
and other subjects to tradition-
secondary education, this trip
"Sometimes in the United
Lewis, that's the kind of thing
ally underserved youth.
will have special meaning be-
States we just forget how fortu-
that might attract him."
"Tm personally interested in
cause his mother was a Peace
nate we are," Alvarez says.
To which Tomba reacts with
knowing what the land of my
Corps volunteer in Ethiopia 30
"I've been describing this expe-
a wink "Nagano? Ir's a long
ancestors was like." says Mi-
years ago. "My mom always
rience as walking through a
away, it's close. Who
chael Johnson, 24, a volunteer
talked fondly about It as a great
history book," she adds.
It could be my fourth
from Denver. Johnson says his
experience," he says.
"TII be able to bring that
is and a chance to say
family is "elated, nervous, anx-
Howard University graduate
back and share."
ye It could also be a
ious and proud" of what he is
C.D. Glin, Jr_ 24. used to write
chance to say, 'Hey. IT make
about to do.
political rap about South Africa
USA Abroad appears
to 2000; I'll see you in 2002'
Clemenceau Williams, 65 - a
while in high school in Azores,
Wednesdays and Fridays in
Tuskegee University graduate
Portugal In 1995, be went to
USA TODAY's overseas
Windy slopes, 18
who taught at U.S. Dept. of De
Ghana on a U.S. Information
editions
FF
**
TOTAL
PAGE
Sit
Page 9
17TH STORY of Level 1 printed in FULL format.
Copyright 1997 Chicago Tribune Company
Chicago Tribune
February 17, 1997 Monday, NORTHWEST SPORTS FINAL EDITION
SECTION: METRO NORTHWEST; Pg. 3; ZONE: NW
LENGTH: 98 words
HEADLINE: MAYOR'S SON JOINS PEACE CORPS CAMPAIGN
DATELINE: PARK RIDGE
BODY:
Ronald O. Wietecha, son of Park Ridge Mayor Ron Wietecha, will be part of the
first group of Peace Corps volunteers to serve in South Africa, according to his
family.
Ronald O. Wietecha, a high school science teacher, was accepted to the
Peace Corps recently.
A graduate of Stanford University, Ronald O. Wietecha taught high school
science in Burlingame and Sunnyvale, Calif., before entering the corps.
He will be among 33 volunteers in the northern part of South Africa to
improve teaching in math and science, and other projects that were neglected
under apartheid.
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH
LOAD-DATE: February 17, 1997
Date:
Sunday, February 16, 1997 12:57:36 PM
From:
[email protected]
Subj:
Peace Corps Arrives in S. Africa
c The Associated Press
By ALEXANDRA ZAVIS
Associated Press Writer
CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -- Lorena Alvarez was the first
person in her family to earn a college degree. The 28-year-old
Californian is now among the first U.S. Peace Corps volunteers to
help poor South African blacks improve their lives through
education.
"It is like walking into a history book," Alvarez, of Anaheim,
Calif., said after landing at Cape Town International Airport on
Saturday.
Alvarez and 31 others are taking part in the Peace Corps' first
mission to South Africa in the organization's 36-year history.
The Peace Corps moved in after a new constitution guaranteeing
equal rights for all took effect Feb. 1. The volunteers hope to
help South Africa's fledgling democracy recover from decades of
apartheid.
The group is diverse, socially, economically, ethnically and
culturally. The Peace Corps director for South Africa, Earl Yates,
said that was no accident. "It was very important that this be
a diverse group," he said.
"Part of the message that we are trying to deliver here is that
people of different culture and different ethnicity can live and
work together for the common good," said Denise Hernandez, 25, a
primary school teacher from North Bergen, N.J.
Retired math teacher Lincoln Law, 59, lived through segregation
in Los Angeles.
The experience I have had in America is very similar to the
experience black people have had in South Africa," Law said. ``|
think I can bring that experience to bear here."
The volunteers, ranging in age from 23 to 65, will receive three
months of training before spending the rest of their two years
working to improve primary education in the predominantly rural
Northern Province.
The Peace Corps plans to bring in 30 more volunteers every year
for the next two years, spreading into other parts of the country.
The next group of volunteers is scheduled to arrive in October.
Mandela's government has achieved moderate, steady economic
growth since coming into power in 1994's all-race election that
ended apartheid. It has also started to bring electricity, water
and other basic services to the impoverished black majority.
Given South Africa's steady progress, the Peace Corps is
unlikely to stay in the country more than 10 years, Peace Corps
Director Mark Gearan said recently in Washington.
South Africa is the 132nd country the Peace Corps has entered.
About 6,500 Peace Corps volunteers serve in 93 countries.
THE WASHINGTON POST
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13. 1997 D3
Howard Grad
Bazing a Trail
To South Africa
24- Year-Old Is Among 33 Volunteers
On Country's 1st Peace Corps Team
By Valerie Strauss
Washington Post Staff Writer
Until recently, it never occurred to C.D. Glin Jr. that
life would lead him to South Africa-not during the
years he studied it in school, not when he wrote anti-
apartheid rap songs and not on the day he shook Nelson
Mandela's hand at a Washington reception.
Now the 24-year-old Howard University graduate is
among the first group of Peace Corps volunteers to be
dispatched to South Africa. Glin and 32 other men and
women from across the United States leave tonight for a
two-year assignment.
"I don't want to say it was destiny, but
Glin said
this week as fellow volunteers, their faces alive with ex-
citement, greeted one another at a downtown hotel.
6
CAROL
GUZY
THE
POST
Shaking his head and laughing, he recalled how a Peace
Howard graduate C.D. Glin Jr., left, and Steven Douglas join other Peace Corps volunteers in an assimilation exercise.
Corps recruiter brought up the mission:
"He said, "There is something for you.'
schools struggle with classes of more than 50 students
wanted to give them a piece of America, and that's what
"I said, 'What?'
and virtually no resources.
I'll do in South Africa. Give them a piece of my country
"He said, 'South Africa.'
Some will live with local families; others will stay in
and get a piece of theirs."
zht, "Wow. I mean, high school, college, Mande-
modest homes of their own, said Yates, who has been in
Glin applied to the Peace Corps in 1995 and was as-
I
aid I'd wait as long as I had to."
South Africa for more than seven months getting ready
signed to go to the West African country of Guinea in Ju-
are about 6,500 Peace Corps volunteers serv-
for the volunteers. Though most recruits complete their
ly 1996. But financial problems prevented him from leav-
ing in 90 countries. They provide assistance in educa-
two-year tour of duty, Yates said a few typically have
ing then. and that's when his recruiter told him about the
tion. health, nutrition, agriculture, the environment and
trouble adjusting and drop out for personal reasons.
South African assignment.
small business development. The new team of recruits
Glin said he has no intention of cutting out early. espe-
As Glin was explaining how his personal history had
for South Africa was formed after South African Presi-
cially since he has been waiting so long to go. The New
been affected by South Africa's, Douglas walked up, and
dent Mandela requested volunteers in 1995 to help his
York native grew up in a family of five children; his
the two men. who had become pals over the telephone,
nation cast off apartheid's painful legacies.
mother held a degree in social work and his father was in
embraced. "Great to meet you in person," Glin said.
"This is historic for us," said agency director Mark
the Air Force. The family traveled. and Glin lived in Brit-
Douglas initially had hoped to go to West Africa,
Gearan. "It reflects my view that the Peace Corps must
ain, Italy and Portugal's Azore Islands. where he attend-
where he believes his ancestors are from. But that didn't
always stay on the cutting edge. We are serving in coun-
ed high school and began studying South Africa.
last long.
tries today that didn't exist 35 years ago or where we
"I'd sit with my friends." he recalled. "and we'd do rap
"My recruiter put a bug in my ear [about South Africa
couldn't get a passport to 35 years ago."
lyrics" about how apartheid disenfranchised the coun-
but that wasn't what I was interested in-until I
Glin (the C.D. is a family tradition and doesn't stand
try's majority-black population: "It's 1990 and they still
really thought about the implications, the fact that I've
for any name) is one of two members of the team from
aren't free/Can even vote in their own country."
watched the South African struggle my entire life. that I
the mid-Atlantic region. The other is Steven Douglas.
He later attended Howard University, where he pur-
am an African American, that I went to see Nelson Man-
27, a Baltimore resident and Morehouse College gradu-
sued political science and African studies. In 1993. while
dela [in Atlanta when he made his [1990] tour of the
ate who began working with teenagers in foster care af-
interning at the TransAfrica advocacy organization. he
United States," Douglas said.
ter the Peace Corps initially told him he needed experi-
attended a reception for Mandela.
"I left (the recruiter's office telling him I would think
ence in the work world before going overseas.
"It was almost spiritual." Glin said, "like meeting
about it." Douglas said. "By the time I got in my car and
Glin, Douglas and their compatriots will be in North-
George Washington." He also volunteered in Arlington,
was driving up [Interstate] 95, I realized what a monu-
ern Province, one of South Africa's poorest and most ru-
teaching English to immigrants. and he supervised sum-
mental opportunity it would be and I turned the car
ral areas. They will concentrate on helping teachers im-
mer camp for youngsters at the D.C. Department of
around and rushed back and asked him to nominate me.
prove their skills, particularly in math and science, and
Recreation and Parks.
And I was accepted. I was overjoyed. because it means
on strengthening principals' management skills.
Glin decided to join the U.S. Foreign Service and in-
SO much to me to go to a place that I have watched
For the next three months, the group will train inten-
terned for three months in 1995 at the U.S. Embassy in
change and grow."
sively in local languages. cross-cultural communications
Ghana.
and technical skills. according to Earl Yates. the agency's
"That's when I decided to put off graduate school. to
FOR MORE INFORMATION
country director in South Africa and a 1967 Howard Uni-
put off the Foreign Service and do the Peace Corps." he
To find out what Peace Corps colunteers are doing
versity graduate.
said. "It was the kids there
They asked me about
around the world. click on the above symbol on the front
Then the volunteers will work in different communi-
America. they asked about Michael Jordan. They wanted
Duge of The Post's site on the World Wide Web at
ties, mostly towns of less than 5.000 people. where
to know if the streets were paved with gold in America. I
http://www.wasiningtonpost.com