Zuma sings Namibia's praises

South African President Jacob Zuma has praised Namibia’s interventions in issues affecting SADC, including its ongoing commitment to regional peace and stability. Zuma sang the country’s praises when he addressed the Namibian parliament last Thursday. “Consequently, as a region we commend Namibia for the manner in which she has led the SADC Elections Observer Mission to the Republic of Madagascar. Step by step, we continue to consolidate democracy in our region. We are very proud of Namibia in this regard,” Zuma said. He further congratulated Namibia on assuming the chairpersonship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security. “We know Namibia’s commitment to peace and stability in the region... In this regard, we wish to assure you of our continued support.” Zuma also called on Namibia and South Africa to have common positions on issues. “Namibia is an important player in the Southern African region. There is a need for our two countries to continue to forge a common understanding on regional, continental and international issues for the mutual benefit of our two countries and the continent at large.” With general elections in both countries due to take place next year, Zuma said: “South Africa and Namibia fully subscribe to the [SADC] guidelines defining the successful conduct of a free, fair and peaceful election.” He added: “Holding regular elections remains an indispensable marker of progress and the entrenchment of democracy in any country in the world.” Zuma said that both countries desire to further enhance close economic cooperation. This included the need to prioritise cross-border infrastructure to facilitate the easy flow of goods and services. He said it was the belief of both Namibia and South Africa that the establishment of a free trade area would greatly enhance the ability to trade within the region. “South Africa is currently prioritising infrastructure development more than ever before, from schools and hospitals to roads, dams, bridges, rail expansions and ports. We continue to promote infrastructure development in the continent and also in our region. We are encouraged by infrastructure development in Namibia as well. The completion of various infrastructure development projects such as the Walvis Bay port as well as the railway in the Caprivi [Zambezi] Region,” Zuma said. He said linking these projects with the Durban port could produce new, dependable export corridors in countries that dearly need the revenue and the commercial opportunities associated with such trade routes.