Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube has reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to working towards advancing peace and stability in Africa, while supporting the efforts of the AU Peace (AUP) and Security Council (SC) and the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) to address challenges facing the continent.
Dube-Ncube was speaking on Monday during the Joint Retreat of the APRM, the AUP and the SC taking place in uMhlanga.
The retreat brings together African government leaders and youth peace ambassadors representing various countries, among them Sierra Leone, Burundi, Namibia, Tanzania, Senegal, Cameroon, Uganda, The Gambia, Nigeria and Chad.
“Over the last 20 years the AU has been true to its pan-African origins, as it has come to terms with its expanded mandate and worked hard to make the lives of Africans better for all.
“It is my belief that over the next 20 years the AU will continue to grow from strength to strength, and we will all look upon an African continent that is thriving, free of conflict and at peace with itself.
“KwaZulu-Natal takes its lead from the national government and the sustained commitment is reflected in South Africa serving once more as a member of the Peace and Security Council, highlighting our readiness to work with other AU member states to find solutions to the challenges that Africa faces,” Dube-Ncube said.
The premier said the retreat was being held at an opportune time, just a few days after South Africa’s successful hosting of the peace talks around the conflict in Ethiopia.
“We welcome such a positive outcome and we equally hope Ethiopia never has a conflict again.
“The hosting of these recently concluded peace talks is the continuation of our government’s tradition of actively participating in conflict resolution in Africa.
“South Africa has been involved in mediation and negotiations in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Ivory Coast and others. We are indeed proud to add Ethiopia to that list.
“My hope is we are able to stamp out any and all threats to peace in Africa and around the world. It is my belief that occasions such as this one will help push the frontiers of peace.”
Dube-Ncube also told delegates the province successfully hosted the 20th Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture over the weekend, delivered at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre by the prime minister of Barbados, Her Excellency Mia Mottley.
“Prime Minister Mottley reminded us of the umbilical cord that binds all of us as Africans, including those in Africa’s diaspora, and of the need to strengthen these bonds of friendship and solidarity for a better world.
“Your presence also coincides with the celebrations of Accord’s 30th anniversary, an organisation that continues to demonstrate the commitment to work for an Africa that is free of conflicts,” the premier said.
Dube-Ncube reflected on the fact that Durban and KZN have a long and proud history of hosting African and world leaders, adding that in 2002 Durban had the honour of hosting the inaugural summit of the AU.
“Leaders from across the African continent descended upon Durban to witness history,” she said.
Daily News