THURSDAY, 14 JUNE 2007 __

                    PROCEEDINGS AT JOINT SITTING
                                ____

Members of the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces assembled in the Chamber of the National Assembly at 14:03.

The Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces took the Chair. The Speaker requested members to observe a moment of silence for prayers or meditation.

VISIT TO PARLIAMENT BY PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

The SPEAKER: Hon members, Mr President, we are honoured to have amongst us today His Excellency Mr Joseph Kabila, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [Applause.] He has been invited to address this Joint Sitting of Parliament on the occasion of his visit to South Africa.

Your Excellency, may I take this opportunity to welcome you to Parliament. I now call the hon A N Luthuli to introduce His Excellency, President Kabila. [Applause.] WELCOMING OF HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT JOSEPH KABILA

Dr A N LUTHULI: Hon Mr President, Madam Speaker, Madam Deputy Speaker, hon Members of Parliament and fellow South Africans, do allow me, before I delve into the substance of my welcoming remarks, to share my remarkable experience during my short sojourn in the DRC.

I was part of the team that observed the elections of both 30 July 2006 and 29 October 2006 in the DRC. I was stationed in the town of Kikwit, Bandundu Province, where the Vice-President of the DRC, Mr Gizenga, comes from. What I observed during that short tenure were people who are hungry for peace and solutions to the problems affecting their country.

When I left Kikwit, I left with no doubts but an assurance that people in that province love not only the son of their soil, the honorary Vice- President, but also you, His Excellency, and they have put their faith in you. [Applause.]

Before I welcome you, Your Excellency, allow me to use this opportunity to enlighten you that your visit coincides with this, one of the most significant months in our calendar. This month continues to occupy a special place in our national consciousness, and in our hearts, as it is Youth Month. Thirty-one years ago the youth of South Africa marched in all parts of the country on a lonely journey for a better life, for education, health and transformation of this country. This month we remember and celebrate the colossal and heroic deeds of the youth of our country in our struggle for liberation.

Owing to the gallant sacrifices of our youth, today we live as a free people with the possibility to determine our destiny. As South Africans, we are also aware of the achievements by your country under your leadership and the challenges ahead. We, however, have confidence that you will be equal to the task.

Hon President, Madam Speaker, Madam Deputy Speaker, hon Members of Parliament and fellow South Africans, I am in awe by the confidence in and responsibility bestowed on me to welcome our visitor, His Excellency, President Joseph Kabila, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo … [Applause.] … someone of whom some of us – although from a distance – have the impression that he talks less and listens more. [Laughter.] Today we are greatly honoured, because he is going to talk more and listen less! [Laughter.]

Hon Members of Parliament and fellow South Africans, let’s welcome His Excellency President Joseph Kabila, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. [Applause.]

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY MR JOSEPH KABILA, THE PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO SON EXCELLENCE M. JOSEPH KABILA, PRÉSIDENT DU RÉPUBLIQUE DÉMOCRATIQUE DU CONGO: Madame la Présidente de l’Assembleé Nationale, Monsieur le Président du Conseil National des Provinces, Monsieur le Président de la République d’Afrique du Sud et chers frères, honorables membres du Parlement, excellences mesdames et messieurs, les ambassadeurs et chefs de missions diplomatiques, distinguées invitées, mesdames et messieurs, c’est pour moi un réel plaisir et un grand honneur de me retrouver parmi vous aujourd’hui a l’occasion de cette visite d’Etat que j’effectue dans votre magnifique pays et de parler au peuple d’Afrique du Sud à travers ces dignes représentants ici réunis.

Au seuil de mon propos, je voudrais tout d’abord remercier le Président Thabo Mbeki pour son aimable invitation. Mes remerciements vont aussi au gouvernement et au peuple d’Afrique du Sud, pour l’accueille chaleureux et fraternelle qui a été réservé à la délégation qui m’accompagne, à mon épouse et à moi-même, ainsi que pour toutes les marques de sympathie dont nous avons été l’objet depuis notre arrivée. Je suis heureux à mon tour de transmettre au gouvernement et au vaillant peuples frères et amis de la République d’Afrique du Sud des salutations amicales et fraternelles du peuple et du gouvernement de mon pays, la République Démocratique du Congo.

Madame la Présidente de l’Assemblée Nationale, Monsieur le Président du Conseil National des Provinces, Monsieur le Président de la République, mesdames et messieurs, me tenant ce jour dans cette salle et devant cette auguste Assemblée, je ne peux pas m’empêcher de penser à une date bien connue dans votre pays, la date du 27 avril, jour de la fête nationale sud africaine - elle est célébré chaque année sous le label de journée de la liberté.

Pour le peuple sud africain ce jour de la liberté possède d’un double devoir. Pour le peuple d’Afrique il justifie et symbolise l’espoir. Devoir de mémoire d’abord, ce jour est en effet un témoignage pour la postérité que pour peu qui ne baissent les bras et n’abandonnent le combat, le peuple finit toujours par se libérer de la tyrannie et la force du droit par prévaloir sur le droit de la force. C`est à partir du 27 avril 1994, en effet, que furent organisées les premières élections multipartites et multiraciales et que donc furent élues les représentants du peuple d’Afrique du Sud au Parlement national et dans le conseil provinciaux. C’est à partir de cette date, qui marque la fin effective de l’apartheid, que dans ce grand pays, la démocratie a cessé d’être un concept vague pour devenir une réalité vivante.

Devoir de mémoire donc, mais aussi devoir d’hommage. Hommage à tous les héros et martyrs anonymes, sans lesquels cette assemblée n’aurait pas la richesse que lui confère son caractère multiracial et multiculturel. Hommage aussi à tous les artisans de l’Afrique du Sud d’aujourd’hui, modèles de réconciliation nationale et de cohabitation pacifique entre communautés.

A ce sujet, permettez que, de manière particulière, je salue l’un de ces artisans les plus célèbres et les plus emblématiques. J’ai cité l’inoxydable Président Nelson Mandela. Il mérite un vibrant hommage pour l’innommable service que par son humilité, sa clairvoyance et sa sagesse il a rendu à l’Afrique du Sud et à l’humanité.

Madame la Présidente de l’Assemblée Nationale, Monsieur le Président du Conseil National des Provinces, Monsieur le Président de la République, mesdames et messieurs, aujourd’hui la République d’Afrique du Sud est un pays en bonne santé politique, économique, sociale et culturelle. Elle est une source d’inspiration pour tous les pays en crise, un facteur d’émulation pour tous les peuples victimes du déniement de liberté et des atteintes répétées à la dignité humaine. Un exemple de ce qui, en moins d’une génération, peut être accompli de beau, de grand et d’efforts, si issue d’intérêts général et réhabiliter la valeur travaille. En tant qu’africain et en tant que citoyen du monde, nous sommes fiers de l’Afrique du Sud et nous présentons à son président et à son peuple nos chaleureuses et sincères félicitations. Mieux que n’importe quel autre pays, la République d’Afrique du Sud justifie et symbolise aussi la foi en l’Afrique. Elle est un modèle d’intégration raciale, de croissance économique soutenue, de réussite dans la génération d’un secteur privée nationale et de la mise en œuvre d’une politique volontariste de coopération régionale et de solidarité africaine.

Un témoigne l’engagement sans réserve ni retenu du gouvernement et du peuple frère d’Afrique du Sud dans la recherche des solutions à la longue crise que a récemment déchiré mon pays et mise en danger son existence en tant que état et en tant que nation. A titre de rappelle, c`est ici en Afrique du Sud, précisément à Sun City, que le dialogue inter congolais a été organisé plusieurs mois durant, puis ce pour tous ces la, comme pour la pu soutenue aux institution de la transition, au processus électorale, à la reforme de l’armée, et à celle de l’administration publique, le Président Thabo Mbeki, le peuple frère et le gouvernement de la République d’Afrique du Sud, trouvez ici l’expression de notre profonde reconnaissance.

Madame la Vice Présidente de l’Assemblée, Madame la Présidente de l’Assemblée, Monsieur le Président du Conseil National des Provinces, Monsieur le Président de la République, honorables membres du Parlement, mesdames et messieurs, nos deux pays évoluent dans le même espace économique, la SADC. Ils sont donc appelés à coopérer tant dans le cadre bilatérale que dans la mise en œuvre du plan stratégique indicatif de développement régional, outre les différents accords bilatéraux déjà signés, notamment dans le secteur de la fonction publique et l’intégration de l’armée et de la police. Je souhaite voir s’intensifier et se diversifier notre coopération.

A ce sujet, je signale qu’après avoir réussi à réunifier le Congo, n`a guère divisé et a donné au peuple congolais ses premières dirigeants élus au suffrage universel direct, ce sont la bonne gouvernance et les cinq chantiers de reconstruction nationale qui constituent les domaines prioritaires de l’action gouvernementale. Dans cet ordre d’idées l’accent est particulièrement mis sur la relance agricole et l’exploitation minière, la réhabilitation des infrastructures de bases, notamment les routes, les chemins de fer, les voies navigables, les ports et les aéroports. Il est aussi sur l’accès à l’emploi, à l’eau potable, à l’électricité, au logement, au soin de santé et à l’éducation. Il est enfin sur la lutte contre la corruption, l’impunité et toutes les formes de criminalité.

Face à cet ambitieux programme couvrant un territoire de 2 345 000 kilomètres carrés, habité par près de 60 millions de personnes, l’Etat congolais doit mobiliser d’importantes ressources financières et nouer des partenariats stratégiques. Nous sommes attachés à la libre entreprise, pratiquant l’économie sociale de marché.

Nous avons aussi conscience que la mondialisation commande le renforcement de l’interdépendance. Nous faisons donc nôtres toutes les recommandations visant à renforcer l’intégration économique régionale. Les opportunités d’épanouissement réciproque qui s’offrent à nous sont donc énormes. Puissions-nous les saisir, les effectuer, nos deux pays respectifs ayant une vocation à jouer le rôle du moteur, du dynamisme économique et du développement de la région, et pourquoi pas de l’Afrique?

Madame la Présidente de l’Assemblée Nationale, Monsieur le Président du Conseil National des Provinces, Monsieur le Président de la République, mesdames et messieurs, La République Démocratique du Congo est ouverte au monde. Elle attend à cet effet développer des relations internationales enrichissantes dans l’indépendance et dans le respect du principe de non- ingérence dans les affaires intérieures des autres états, tout en ayant pour dénominateur commun la construction d’une Afrique, et plus globalement d’un monde meilleure.

Je me représente un monde constamment mobilisé, en vue de réduire à néant le terrorisme et où la créativité et la solidarité responsable s’expriment promptement en cas de catastrophes naturelles. Je veux un monde qui ne ménage aucun effort pour éviter les conflits armés et qui, en cas de survenance de ces derniers, privilégie toujours les règlements pacifiques des différents. Je rêve d’un monde qui se force de réduire les inégalités socio-économiques et d’éradiquer le virus SIDA, la tuberculose et le paludisme, aujourd’hui endémiques singulièrement en Afrique.

Pour la République Démocratique du Congo la recherche de solutions durables a ces préoccupations d’intérêts africains et mondiales, s’inscrit nécessairement dans une perspective de réhabilitation consciente de valeurs universelles tel que le respect de la vie, les droits de l’homme, la liberté, la justice et l’équité. C’est pourquoi nous nous réjouissons de voir que la paix revient et que les traditions démocratiques s’enracinent lentement mais sûrement dans le monde autant que sur notre continent. C’est pourquoi aussi nous nous émouvons face aux menaces écologiques qui pèsent sur la planète terre.

Aujourd’hui le réchauffement climatique n’est plus une simple vue exprès. Il est temps que l’Afrique consacre à ce phénomène autant d’attention qu’à l’épineuse question de la réduction de la dette, aux effets pervers de la mondialisation ou à la fracture numérique. Mon pays se tient prêt à prendre une part active à tous les débats et à toutes réflexions sur ces sujets, car l’avenir de l’humanité et le bonheur des générations futures en dépend. (Translation of French speech follows.)

[HIS EXCELLENCY MR JOSEPH KABILA: Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr President of the Republic of South Africa and dear brothers, hon Members of Parliament, your excellencies ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it is a real pleasure and a great honour for me to find myself among you today on the occasion of this state visit that I am paying to your magnificent country, and to speak to the people of South Africa through these dignified representatives gathered here.

At the beginning of my speech, I should like to start off by thanking President Thabo Mbeki for his kind invitation. My thanks also go to the government and the people of South Africa for the warm and fraternal welcome that has been reserved for the delegation accompanying me, for my wife and for me, as well as for all the marks of sympathy of which we have been the object since our arrival. I am happy, in turn, to transmit to the government and to the courageous peoples, brothers and friends of the Republic of South Africa the friendly and fraternal greetings of the people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr President of the Republic, ladies and gentlemen, finding myself today in this Chamber and before this august Assembly, I cannot fail to think of a well-known date in your country, the date 27 April, a South African public holiday - which is celebrated each year under the banner of Freedom Day.

For the South African people this Freedom Day entails a double duty. For the people of Africa it justifies and symbolises hope. Initially a duty of memory, this day is, in effect, a testimony for posterity that for those few who do not fold their arms and abandon the fight, the people always end up liberating themselves from tyranny and the force of law by prevailing against the right of force. It was, in effect, as from 27 April 1994 that the first multiparty and multiracial elections were organised and that the representatives of the South African people were elected to the national Parliament and to the provincial council. It was as from that date, which effectively marks the end of apartheid, that democracy ceased to be a vague concept and became a living reality in this great country.

A duty of memory, then, but also a duty of tribute, a tribute to all of the anonymous heroes and martyrs, without whom this Assembly would not have had the richness that confers upon it its multiracial and multicultural character, a tribute also to all of the artisans of the South Africa of today, models of national reconciliation and of peaceful cohabitation among communities.

On this subject, allow me, in a particular manner to salute one of the most famous and most emblematic of those artisans. I have mentioned by name the impeccable President Nelson Mandela. He merits a glowing tribute for the inestimable service that he has rendered to South Africa and to humanity through his humility, his perceptiveness and his wisdom.

Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr President of the Republic, ladies and gentlemen, today the Republic of South Africa is a country in good health politically, economically, socially and culturally. It is a source of inspiration to all countries in crisis, a factor worthy of emulation by all peoples that fall victim to the denial of liberty and to repeated attacks on human dignity. It is an example of what, in less than a generation, can be accomplished that is beautiful, that is great, and by effort, if it arises from general interests and rehabilitates the value of work. As Africans and as citizens of the world, we are proud of South Africa, and we present to its President and to its people our warm and sincere congratulations. Better than any other country, the Republic of South Africa also justifies and symbolises faith in Africa. It is a model of racial integration, of sustained economic growth, of success in the generation of a national private sector, and of the establishment of a political voluntarism of regional co-operation and of African solidarity.

It is a testimony to the engagement without reserve or restraint by the government and the brotherly people of South Africa in the search for solutions to the lengthy crisis that recently split my country and endangered its existence as a state and as a nation. As a reminder, it is here in South Africa, at Sun City to be precise, that the inter-Congolese negotiations were organised over a period of months, and it is for these, as you were able to lend support in the setting up of institutions of transition, in the election process, in the reform of the army and that of the public administration, President Thabo Mbeki, brotherly people and the government of South Africa, that we would like to express our profound acknowledgement.

Madam Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr President of the Republic, hon Members of Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, our two counties are developing in the same economic area, the SADC. They are therefore called to co-operate as much in the bilateral framework as in the implementation of the strategic plan indicative of regional development, as well as in different bilateral agreements already signed, particularly in the sector of civil service and the integration of the army and police. I wish to see an intensifying and a diversifying of our co- operation.

On that subject, I am bringing to your attention that after having managed to reunify the Congo, which was divided, this gave to the Congolese people its first leaders elected by direct universal suffrage; those are good governance and the five sites of construction that constitute the priority domains in governmental action. In this order of ideas, emphasis is placed particularly on agricultural revival and mine exploitation, restoration of basic infrastructure, particularly of roads, railway lines, waterways, ports and airports. It is also placed on access to jobs, drinkable water, electricity, housing, health care and education. It is, lastly, placed on the fight against corruption, impunity and all sorts of criminality.

Facing this ambitious programme covering a territory of 2 345 000 square kilometres, occupied by 60 million people, the State of Congo has to mobilise important financial resources and form strategic partnerships. We are attached to free enterprise, practising a social market economy.

We are also aware that globalisation demands reinforcement of interdependence. We are therefore making ours all of the recommendations aiming to strengthen regional economic integration. The opportunities for reciprocal prosperity that are coming to us are huge. Let us seize and carry them out, our two respective countries having a calling to play a major role as the engine of the economic dynamism and the development of the region, and why not of Africa?

Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Mr President of the Republic, ladies and gentlemen, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is open to the world. It is waiting to develop enriching international relations in independence and in respect of the principle of noninterference in the internal affairs of other countries, all having the common denominator of the construction of a better Africa and, more globally, of a better world.

I dream of a world continuously mobilised, with the aim of reducing terrorism to nothing, and where creativity and responsible solidarity express themselves promptly in the event of natural catastrophes. I want a world that does not spare any effort to avoid armed conflicts and which, in the event of the latter happening, always favours the peaceful settlement of differences. I dream of a world that forces itself to reduce socioeconomic inequalities and to eradicate the Aids virus, tuberculosis and malaria, today endemic especially in Africa.

For the Democratic Republic of the Congo the search for lasting solutions to these African and world-wide preoccupations of interest registers itself necessarily in a perspective of restoration of conscience of universal values such as respect for life, human rights, freedom, justice and equality. That is why we are rejoicing that peace is coming back and the democratic traditions are slowly but surely rooting themselves in the world and on our continent. That is why we are also worried by the ecological threats that hang over the planet.

Today, climate change is no longer a simple view that is being expressed. The time has come for Africa to devote as much attention to this phenomenon as to the thorny question of debt reduction, the pernicious effects of globalisation or the numerical gap. My country is ready to play an active role in all debates and reflections on this subject, because the future of mankind and the happiness of future generations depend on it.]

Madam Speaker, the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, His Excellency the President of the Republic of South Africa, hon Members of Parliament, excellencies, ambassadors and high commissioners present, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, in my speech I have expressed my appreciation to President Mbeki and the people of South Africa. I have paid well-deserved tribute to the pioneers of your liberation movement, and to those who planted the seeds of reconciliation in this country. [Applause.]

Briefly, I have outlined the reconstruction programme of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and shared with you our vision of the role we intend to play in the development of the region and the African continent.

I have also highlighted strategic areas of development that are of great importance and significance to both countries, and indicated new opportunities that have recently presented themselves to us. Lastly, I have reiterated political issues deemed to be of mutual interest to South Africans and Congolese alike.

It is my sincere hope that, as a result of the continuous expressions of commitment and determination displayed by our two countries, as we forge even stronger bonds of African solidarity, the world will soon bear witness to the emergence of a new political and economic order throughout the SA Development Community and the continent of Africa. [Applause.] That will indeed stand as a living testament to the undeniable renaissance being experienced on our continent today.

Long live the Republic and the people of South Africa!

HON MEMBERS: Long live!

His Excellency Mr JOSEPH KABILA: Long live the Democratic Republic of the Congo!

HON MEMBERS: Long live!

His Excellency Mr JOSEPH KABILA: May the Almighty God bless you all. Thank you. [Applause.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order! Thank you for your encouraging speech, Mr President.

VOTE OF THANKS TO HIS EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO

Mr M J SIBIYA: Madam Speaker of the National Assembly, hon Chairperson of the NCOP, Madam Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Madam Deputy Chairperson of the NCOP, Your Excellency the President of the Republic, hon Deputy President of the Republic, Your Excellency the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo … [Applause.] … it is the first time I speak in a Joint Sitting of this Parliament. It is the first time I take to this podium and it is the first time that I am assigned the duty to convey a vote of thanks to a prominent leader, a highly placed personality, a president of an independent African country, in this case, the President of the DRC. [Applause.] Coincidentally, I do all this wearing a suit bought at a shop in the DRC! [Laughter.]

To me, all this is an honour, a privilege and an occasion worth remembering.

HON MEMBERS: Yes!

Mr M J SIBIYA: Madam Speaker, that Pan-African son of the continent, the trade unionist, the teacher, the freedom fighter, the philosopher and the first Prime Minister of the 1960 independent Congo, an esteemed member of our National Order of the Companions of O R Tambo, the late Comrade Patrice Emery Lumumba … [Applause.] … who was captured by the forces of darkness and murdered in cold blood, wrote a letter to his wife before he died. That letter, in part, said:

… I prefer to die with my head unbowed, my faith unshakeable and with profound trust in the destiny of my country … Africa will write its own history … and it will be a glorious and dignified history. [Applause.]

Your Excellency President Kabila of the DRC, your acceptance of the invitation to address this people’s Parliament at this podium this afternoon has contributed to both of us, the people of the Republic of South Africa and those of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, having added a paragraph in the writing of the history Prime Minister Lumumba referred to. [Applause.]

This indeed points to the African Renaissance and the efforts of the African Union at integrating independent Africa economically, culturally, politically and otherwise. Your visit sends a very good message to the peoples we both represent, and will go a long way to further strengthening our sisterly relations.

For all this, President Kabila, we say a very big thank you. [Applause.] Your address to this Joint Sitting here this afternoon at this podium has given us, to use President Thabo Mbeki’s words, and I quote:

… an opportunity to salute and applaud the sister Congolese people for the truly great effort they have made and are making to pull their country out of unimaginable depths of despair.

Our President said that, and I couldn’t agree more. [Applause.]

We believe that your visit and your address to this people’s Parliament is a step forward in the effort of bringing the African people together in their march to a distant goal, which attainment we are very, very certain about, and will make us walk tall and be confident of being one Africa, one country; one country, one people. [Applause.]

For that, President Kabila, we say thank you very much for a job well done. It would be unfair of me to withdraw from this stage – sorry, this podium, not stage – without having said a few words about our own President. To you, Comrade President Mbeki, I want to say that your humble efforts to help overcome the difficulties of the people of the Congo have done us proud. [Applause.] It is through such efforts in part that President Kabila is here today. He has addressed us in this sitting at this podium this afternoon. [Laughter.]

Comrade President, those who do not know you, let alone know your philosophy, you began to preach pessimism from the very first day you took a step to assist in this regard. Those of us who know you did not take seriously their words when they said, in part, that your efforts would not bear any fruit because, according to them, you did not know the philosophy of the brothers and sisters you were trying to assist. Those of us who know you did not worry much about that, because we knew such words could only come from the minds of those individuals who suffer from political hallucinations. [Laughter.]

Today we have been proven right. President Kabila is here. He has talked to us at this podium this afternoon. [Interjections.]

In conclusion, I would like to mention a very interesting proverb used by the Shangaan-speaking people which, if interpreted into English, be more or less equivalent to saying “Good deeds are worth repeating”. Ku dya i ku engeta [Good deeds are worth repeating.]

I say to President Kabila: Ku dya i ku engeta. [Good deeds are worth repeating.] Thank you for having addressed us. [Applause.]

The CHAIRPERSON OF THE NCOP: Order, order! I know hon Sibiya has been very impressive. That is how he always talks.

Hon members, if my information is correct, President Kabila is the youngest president on the continent. [Applause.] I want to say, on behalf of this Joint Sitting, that we are proud to have one of the young lions as a president of a state. [Applause.] Thank you very much. I think that is great. [Applause.]

Hon members and the members of the public should please remain seated until the procession has left the Chamber.

The Speaker of the National Assembly adjourned the Joint Sitting at 14:41.