Amid rising global security concerns, Southern Africa’s profile is growing as a safe destination for tourists, investors, global events and skilled immigrants, Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota said on Friday.
”Our growing sophistication with intelligence gathering and surveillance has made it increasingly difficult for the criminal element hoping to benefit from the economic clout of a stable region.”
It is not by accident that more high-profile international events and investments are coming to this part of the world, Lekota said in a prepared speech.
”One of the key reasons for this is that we are perceived as safe and sufficiently organised to ensure security.”
Lekota was speaking at the opening of the fourth session of the South Africa/Botswana joint permanent commission on defence and security being held in Kempton Park.
The session was attended by ministers from the two countries, government officials, diplomats and senior representatives of the two armed forces.
Lekota said South Africa views its relationship with Botswana as critical at domestic and international level.
The two countries share views and perceptions on regional and continental issues and challenges.
”Both our countries face immense challenges in the dynamic global, political, security and economic environment, which places huge demands on human and financial resources,” he said.
”Furthermore, both our countries are expected to play a critical role in various international, continental and regional fora to attain peace, stability and security in a rapidly changing world order.”
The commission’s focus on anti-terrorism places it at the high table of international priorities, Lekota added.
He urged against meetings such as this one becoming mere talk shops.
”The kind of work that this commission does and outputs that result from our work does not go unnoticed. Very often the most impactful defence and security initiatives begin at bilateral level.” — Sapa