ANC+52nd+National+Conference+2007,+International+Relations

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 * ANC 52ND NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2007 - RESOLUTIONS**
 * [|Click here to view the PDF Format]**


 * CONTENTS**
 * 1) Organisational Renewal
 * 2) Social Transformation
 * 3) Economic Transformation
 * 4) Climate Change
 * 5) Rural Development, Land Reform and Agrarian Change
 * 6) Transformation of State and Governance
 * 7) Peace and Stability
 * 8) **International Relations**
 * 9) Communications and the Battle of Ideas

=**INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS**=

11.1 Consolidating the reform of global governance structures, 11.2 Democracy, Good Governance and Human Rights, 11.3 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, 11.4 Affirmation of the 2005 National General Council (NGC) Resolution on the Group of Eight (G8), 11.5 Affirm the 2005 NGC Resolution on "Making Poverty History" Campaign. 13.1 Having noted that the Pan-African Infrastructure Development Fund was launched with a projected collection of $1 billion from governments of Africa. The proposal of both the establishment of the Fund together with the proposal for the South African Development Partnership Agency could be used as instruments to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and could be the beginning of Africa being less dependent on outside aid. 14.1 Recognising, that all eight of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), will not be achieved by the developing nations and in particular by those in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2015. 14.2 Noting that, although developed nations have cancelled certain debts to Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) this has not been a comprehensive cancellation of debt. 14.3 Conference further expressed its disappointment in the failure of the West, in particular the G8 Countries and other major donor countries, for not honouring their commitments to the MDGs. 14.4 Therefore calls on the developed nations to honour their commitments through implementation of increasing aid, making available 0.7% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to poor countries, removing subsidies on agricultural goods and finalising the Doha Round of negotiations for a free, fair and sustainable trade regime. 14.5 At the same time we should be encouraging and assisting each other as countries in the developing world in honouring our own commitments for good governance, the fight against corruption and on the implementation of our economic reforms for the benefit of our economic growth and development. Therefore resolves on the following policies:
 * INTRODUCTION:**
 * 1) The situation in the world has changed radically over recent years. More and more people than ever before live in democratic societies. In many of the African countries the guns are silent and mechanisms towards peaceful resolution of conflicts are in place and peace is being realised. This situation gives us confidence and hope that we are on the right path towards a possible "just world and a better Africa" for humankind. We can today proclaim that a "just world and a better Africa" is a possibility.
 * 2) Conference in general agreed with the characterisation of the international situation as outlined in the Strategy and Tactics as adopted at the 52nd National Conference. However the conference decided to further elaborate on the following issues; which continue to shape and characterise the balance of forces with contesting ideological views and aspirations for a particular world order. Noting that:
 * 3) Imperialism has mutated into a sophisticated system in the globalised world, often associated with violence and aggression in its pursuit for exploitation of resources in the developing countries and its impact on the African continent.
 * 4) Globalisation is also being shaped by the agenda of the dominant global forces, these include transnational corporations controlling trillions of Rands of humanity's wealth, alliances around one "hyper-power" whose dominance is reminiscent of empires of bygone era, and cultural domination reflected in trends towards homogenisation of media content and the arts. A critical consequence of all this is the undermining of a system of global governance.
 * 5) We live in a situation in which an exploitative socio-economic system rules the world, and the danger should not be underestimated of widening wars of conquest and other more sophisticated means of subversion in search of resources, markets and geo-political advantage.
 * 6) That the system of capitalism holds sway across the world; and it is underpinned by the unique dominance of one "hyper-power". This situation of unipolarity also has secondary multi-polar features reflected in geopolitical blocs among developed and developing countries. Believing that:
 * 7) In responding to this challenge of imperialism, the ANC needs to strengthen itself and other progressive forces and develop a common agenda with an objective of realising a just and a better world. Such a world order must be characterised, inter-alia by greater security, peace, dialogue and greater equilibrium between the poor and the rich. In this we are guided by the ANC principles of "a better life for all and a vision of a better Africa and a just world".
 * 8) Internationalism is a crucial feature in the unique character of the ANC inspired by the spirit and ideals of human solidarity.
 * 9) That the ANC correctly became part of the progressive forces that fought against colonialism, racism, poverty, patriarchy and other social ills, and the founders defined the movement as a unifier and premier representative of the African people beyond the borders of South Africa.
 * 10) The international front was one of the key pillars of the struggle that led to the defeat of the apartheid regime in 1994 and remains one of the catalysts in the creation of a better world.
 * Recalling and reaffirming:**
 * 1) All previous resolutions on international relations of the ANC 50th Conference of 1997 in Mafikeng and the 51st Conference of 2002 in Stellenbosch including those from the National General Council (NGC) of 2005 such as on:
 * 1) Reaffirmation of the resolutions from the Stellenbosch ANC 51st Conference in 2002 as still valid and relevant as most are work in progress and should continuously be reviewed in line with new challenges and developments that occur in the world. Commitment to:
 * 2) Pan African Infrastructure Development Fund
 * 1) Millennium Development Goals

23.1 Continued engagement with India and Brazil (IBSA) as well as with China is supported as part of consolidating South-South Relations; and 23.2 Such strategic partnerships are not narrowly interpreted as relationships at government level only, but also independently include party-to-party relations as well as civil society formations. 25.1 The conference endorses the idea of strengthening economic capacity in South African embassies to assist South African businesses to gain access to available business opportunities abroad and on the continent; at the same time to encourage African countries to engage in intra-African trade and take advantage of positive economic developments on the continent. This will encourage trade and investment amongst African states and in the South, thus supporting national and continental interests; and further resolves that: 25.2 The ANC, through government, should ensure that the intensification of economic diplomacy leads to changes of colonial patterns of economic relations, and creates possibilities for equitable and balanced North-South relations, transformation and beneficiation of African natural resources, sustainable flows of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), market access for products from the South to generate employment, and contribute to poverty eradication. 30.1 There is a need to develop capacity to monitor all these processes and ensure that there is coordination at all levels and everyone pursues common goals and objectives as in our foreign policy. 30.2 There should be proper training of all cadres involved or participating in the foreign/international activities in pursuance of our programmes. 30.3 South African embassies should play the role of providing delegations with information, advice and protocol without undermining the separation of powers as dictated in the SA constitution.
 * ON THE AFRICAN UNION GOVERNMENT**
 * 1) Towards an African Union Government based on the current analysis of the continental and international political environment and challenges, which require a united continent of Africa capable of engaging other powerful nations and thus being in line with the ANC vision of building a better Africa:
 * That the revival of the idea of an African Union Government is welcomed, as one of the goals that inspired the African leaders of the anti-colonial struggles.
 * In principle the Conference supports the establishment of the African Union Government and the creation of such a government as a step toward a strategic goal for the unification of Africa. However, the process must be informed by a developmental agenda for Africa with immediate focus on building Regional Economic Communities/ regional blocs (RECs), with emphasis on regional integration.
 * In addition, the Conference agreed with submissions from provinces such as: strengthening of the AU and all its organs in its role as a catalyst towards the formation of the African Union Government.
 * To strengthen the legislative body of Africa (the Pan African Parliament) and promote the harmonisation of laws in Africa.
 * Further use the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) as the developmental blueprint in the continent through mobilisation and promotion of programmes.
 * To develop a common approach, through involvement of civil society and the general citizenry for their active participation in continental programmes.
 * That South Africa be proactive in the debate and processes that lead towards the creation of the African Union Government including the mobilisation of the progressive forces (and governments) towards a common understanding of the strategic plan.
 * ANC should engage its structures and the South African public in general to develop a better understanding of the agenda for Africa and the world. In guiding the discussions in our structures, in the movement and society in general the ANC needs to develop a discussion paper containing proposals on the form, character and shape of the African Union Government. The paper should also capture the debates and history by the post-independent Africa leadership in the early 1960s before the formation of the OAU and later towards the formation of the African Union.
 * In addition, the ANC should call a consultative summit to consider the theological (spiritual and religious) and social implications of this proposal and this being done in consultation with the NEC International Relations Committee.
 * The ANC to initiate a debate on the future of the Pan African Parliament on whether or not it should have legislative powers as the mandate stands and its shape and character.
 * ON THE SADC REGION**
 * 1) The conference strongly recommends the consolidation of SADC as a Regional Economic Community as a first step towards the development of the African Union Government.
 * 2) Also noting that the SADC region still faces a number of challenges that need to be resolved so as to ensure its effective functioning. Conference also recognises the need for political will within the SADC countries and its leadership to be able to achieve SADC objectives.
 * 3) The ANC has to play a prominent role in strengthening and consolidating the region politically.
 * 4) To achieve our economic and political programmes as agreed by the SADC regional leadership - our approach should be developmental and ensure diversification of the economies of the member states.
 * 5) Furthermore, the SADC Parliament should be established so that it could engage and contribute to a common approach on issues in the region.
 * ON SOUTH AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP AGENCY (SADPA)**
 * 1) The idea of a Developmental Partnership is one of the key strategies that could assist the ANC and government in pursuit of our vision for a better Africa. The Development Partnership will enhance our agenda on international relations which rests on three pillars namely; (i) consolidation of the African agenda, (ii) South-South and (iii) North-South cooperation.
 * 2) The national budgetary processes should commit the necessary resources to such a developmental partnership. The fund should be located in the Department of Foreign Affairs as is the current situation, functioning as the African Renaissance Fund.
 * ON THE PRINCIPLE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP**
 * 1) Conference resolves to support the principle of strategic partnership outlined in the ANC policy discussion document. This strategic partnership, while assisting the ANC in achieving our strategic goals, must also ensure consolidation of the African Agenda, with the following provisions:
 * ECONOMIC DIPLOMACY**
 * 1) Conference noted that the advent of democracy has created new opportunities for South African business both in Africa and in the world, particularly in the retail, mining, construction, engineering, banking services, communication services, agricultural, agri-processing etc.
 * 2) It further noted that this opportunity, whilst welcomed, brings with it new challenges in the relationship between South Africa and other African countries. Therefore:
 * A BUSINESS CODE OF CONDUCT IN THE CONTINENT**
 * 1) The Conference took note of the concerns regarding the practices by South African companies doing business in the continent. It further noted the need for the development of a code of good business practice, which should be complied with by companies trading in different parts of the continent.
 * 2) It was therefore resolved to give in principle support for the development of such a code, which will need to be legislated and regulated without restricting the competitiveness of those companies.
 * 3) In the development of the code of conduct we need to also interact with the countries in Africa:
 * To encourage them to strengthen their labour and trade laws.
 * To encourage the private sector/business to comply with the standards of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
 * That South African business should project local experience of good practices in the countries in which they operate.
 * 1) The following principles will guide the development of the code:
 * The code of conduct should have general standards that guide it, such as prohibition of child labour, discouragement of bribery and that those who practice such actions be criminalised.
 * The standards on the code of conduct should include among others, the encouragement of recruitment of local labour, imparting of skills, prohibition of child labour and contribute to the social responsibility programmes of that country.
 * PARLIAMENTARY DIPLOMACY**
 * 1) Conference realised a need for the ANC to develop a clear policy guide for parliament, legislatures and municipalities in their engagement with the international bodies to which they are affiliated and in the establishment of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between these bodies. Conference therefore resolves that:
 * POLITICAL PARTY FOUNDATION FUNDING**
 * 1) The Conference supports the proposal as tabled in the policy document as this will assist in the building of the progressive movement in Africa and in the World
 * 2) The funding mechanism should be linked to the proposal in the Organisational Review on the funding of political parties through public funds.
 * REBUILDING ASSOCIATED BODIES OF THE AU**
 * 1) In addition to ECOSOC, the Conference supports the revival and strengthening of structures of the then Organisation of African Unity (OAU) like Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO) and Pan African Youth Movement (PAYM).
 * RELIGION AND POLITICS**
 * 1) This section was supported. The ANC must engage in a public discourse to assist society to reach broader consensus and religious tolerance, which will assist in reversing global polarisation.
 * PARTY-TO-PARTY RELATIONS**


 * Conference resolves that:**
 * 1) Party-to-Party relations amongst former liberation movements like SWAPO, MPLA, FRELIMO, ZANU PF, PAIGC, CCM, SPLM/A, etc, must be prioritised by the ANC and meetings and structured support of the former liberation movements in the region must be pursued.
 * 2) An audit be conducted to establish a better understanding of the ideological orientation and character of the parties in the continent and identify those that share the same political vision as the ANC.
 * 3) A deliberate effort be made to strengthen relations with all progressive and like-minded parties in the region, continent and the world.
 * 4) Relations with other ruling parties in the continent that might not share the same vision with the ANC must be promoted and such relations could be based on common interests.
 * CURRENT POLICIES THAT REQUIRE REVIEW, STRENGTHENING AND REINVIGORATION**


 * MIGRATION, IMMIGRANTS AND XENOPHOBIA**


 * On migration:**
 * 1) Conference identified challenges regarding the movement of people, the mobility of labour and skills which characterises the world outlook. With it come new challenges that confront us such as xenophobic tendencies and lack of appreciation of the new developments and its positive spin-offs. The Conference therefore resolves that the ANC reviews the current policy and systems including our laws that also take on board the new decisions on the free movement of people and regional economic communities.
 * On illegal immigrants:**
 * 1) Conference further resolves that there is a need to work closely with SADC countries to harmonise immigration policies with particular reference to combating of crime associated with illegal immigrations.
 * On Refugees:**
 * 1) Conference resolves that our policy needs to take into account the United Nations (UN) codes on refugees that we have ratified to ensure that the manner in which we treat refugees is humane, including taking lessons from other countries, which give support like education and social welfare.
 * On Xenophobia:**
 * 1) Conference resolves that the ANC needs to:
 * work on improving the relationship between South African communities and foreign nationals;
 * conduct awareness campaigns amongst our communities to prevent incidents resulting from xenophobia;
 * acknowledge the valuable skills many immigrants bring to the country, while preventing exploitation;
 * ensure that our policy formulation is guided by the resolutions of the World Conference against Racism, Xenophobia and other Intolerances.
 * TWINNING OF PROVINCES, CITIES AND MUNICIPALITIES**
 * 1) Conference agreed that we need to develop a policy on twinning agreements with clear objectives and guidelines and develop capacity to monitor implementation and report to the next NGC for consideration of such a policy and implementation programme, and to also review some of the MOUs already signed by municipalities and Provinces.
 * BUILDING A PROGRESSIVE MOVEMENT IN AFRICA AND THE WORLD**


 * Conference resolves:**
 * 1) That the ANC embarks on a programme to strengthen the progressive movement in Africa and formalise relations with the global progressive movement in particular Latin America and East Asia.
 * 2) To task the ANC International Relations Committee to develop a concept political discussion document which will guide the debate. Already the ANC is being asked to initiate or play a leading role on progressive parties.
 * 3) Lastly to task the NEC to commit resources and space for the holding of a first meeting of the progressive parties/movements in Africa, with a view to holding an international meeting of all progressive parties/movements in the world before the next conference of the ANC.
 * STRENGTHENING SOUTH AFRICAN FOREIGN POLICY**
 * 1) Conference notes that our approach to international relations is based on South African domestic policy as well as our national interests. Hence the dominant features of our foreign policy are:
 * the struggle against poverty and underdevelopment especially in Africa guided by the NEPAD programmes;
 * peace and the peaceful resolution of conflicts;
 * peace-keeping activities;
 * partnerships;
 * building and reforming institutions on the continent; and,
 * ensuring influence on political global issues.
 * Therefore recommends that:**
 * 1) The Department of Foreign Affairs should change from the Department of Foreign Relations and having embraced the development partnership proposal and should include International cooperation aspects and be renamed, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, abbreviated as DICO.
 * 2) The ANC and government through the Department of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with other departments, need to ensure that there is a deliberate educational programme on our international work and achievements to ensure its deeeper understanding within our structures.
 * 3) To also emphasise the coordination of international engagements across the different spheres of the government and in the organisation.
 * AFRICAN DIASPORA**
 * 1) Africans in the Diaspora are those brothers and sisters whose origins are in Africa but are in parts of the world due to forced slavery, long years of migration but who continue to identify themselves as Africans and are making efforts to reconnect with the continent.
 * 2) As a result of this consciousness, identity and reconnection move, programmes are unfolding to take advantantage of the developments.
 * 3) Most of them have skills which they have acquired in their countries of residence and naturalisation that can benefit Africa.
 * 4) The ANC notes with keen interest and resolves to support initiatives towards a summit on the African Diaspora, which we are hosting as South Africa. We should share perspectives and policy considerations that will be debated in the summit
 * 5) Calling on all ANC Members and the mass democratic movement to debate and understand the concepts and the resolutions that emanate from such conferences as the Summit on African Diaspora.
 * REAFFIRMED NGC RESOLUTIONS AND NEW RESOLUTIONS AND CAMPAIGNS:**


 * ON ZIMBABWE**
 * 1) The people of Zimbabwe in the main would find a solution to their current problems. The Conference expressed support for South Africa's mediation effort as mandated by the SADC region.
 * ON WESTERN SAHARA**
 * 1) Recalling the historic relations of comradeship and solidarity existing between the ANC and the Frente Polisario/Polisario Front as allies in the struggle against injustice, colonialism and apartheid.
 * 2) Recalling that Western Sahara is the only remaining colony in Africa.
 * 3) Reaffirming the inalienable right of the people of Western Sahara to self-determination and independence.
 * 4) Recalling all relevant UN Human Rights reports and reports of other international human rights organisations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, etc. Therefore resolves to:
 * 5) Urge the international community and the United Nations in particular to assume without further delay, their legal and moral responsibility on granting respect to the inalienable right for self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
 * 6) Call upon the African Union and progressive forces to join efforts in solidarity with Frente Polisario/Polisario Front for the realisation of independence, freedom and self-determination of the Saharawi people.
 * 7) Express firm solidarity with Saharawi political prisoners and human rights defenders as well as urging the international community on the protection of Saharawi civilians, including support both materially and otherwise, and encourage delegations to visit the occupied territories and refugee camps.
 * 8) Call on the international community to be mobilised to achieve the immediate lifting of the military, security and media blackout imposed in the occupied territories of Western Sahara, the removal of the wall, to initiate and lobby the international community for the wealth of Western Sahara to be under the mandate of the United Nations.
 * 9) Salute the struggle and determination of the Saharawi people, both in occupied and liberated zones, as well as in refugee camps under the leadership of Frente Polisario/Polisario Front.
 * ON PALESTINE**

75.1 To ensure that the people of South Africa are made fully aware of this historic victory, of the sacrifice of Angolans and Cuban forces and their contribution to our liberation in the glorious spirit of internationalism. 75.2 The ANC to organise celebratory events such as those planned by the South African Parliament with its counterparts in Angola, Namibia, Cuba and Russia.
 * Noting:**
 * 1) The 60th Anniversary of the Palestinian catastrophe, known as the Nakba, which resulted in the dispossession of Palestinian lands and their birthright through a systematic policy of colonial expansion, ethnic cleansing and military occupation of the most brutal kind, which as South Africans we readily recognise from our own experience of apartheid.
 * 2) Our support for the numerous United Nations (UN) resolutions as well as submissions of our government to the International Court of Justice which recognised the illegality of the Israel occupation, the illegal settlements, the building of the apartheid wall, the system of road blocks, seizure of land, detentions without trial, extra-judicial killings and the imprisonment of over 10,000 Palestinians including women and children;
 * 3) That given our own experience in our liberation struggle, we South Africans know the force of an international solidarity campaign in bringing to bear on an oppressive regime to force it into real negotiations and a just solution. Resolves:
 * 4) To intensify our solidarity efforts supporting a just solution, including the strengthening of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state, which will help to bring peace to the region and an end to the conflict between the Palestinians and Israelis.
 * 5) To become a leading part of the world-wide movement, which includes South African civil society, supporting the struggle and campaigns led by the Palestinian people.
 * 6) To continue to support the efforts by our government to encourage an inclusive peaceful process of a negotiated settlement between the concerned parties.
 * 7) To lead efforts to strengthen and coordinate a broad-based Palestinian Solidarity movement.
 * 8) To also support the ANC efforts in engaging with all parties in Israel and Palestine to find an amicable resolution towards the settlement of the Palestinian question and peace in the Middle East.
 * CUITO CUANAVALE**
 * 1) We congratulate the governments and peoples of Angola and Cuba on the 20th Anniversary of the historic battle of Cuito Cuanavale, which constituted a decisive defeat of South African racist forces and their UNITA surrogates and accelerated Namibia and then South Africa's liberation and independence.
 * 2) We resolve:
 * PAWO**
 * 1) Noting that the ANC Women's Section was among the founder members of the Pan African Women's Organisation (PAWO) in 1962 which was later recognised by the OAU;
 * 2) Welcoming the decision of the last PAWO Congress held in Zimbabwe that requested South Africa to host the next conference;
 * 3) Believing that PAWO is playing a major role in the emancipation of women in the continent
 * 4) Further believing that the revival of PAWO to meet the new challenges in the continent, will make an important contribution to Africa's Renaissance;
 * 5) Therefore the Conference resolves to support the hosting of the Pan African Women's Organisation Conference in the coming year (2008) and wishes the women of the continent a successful conference.
 * RESOLUTION ON INTERFAITH INITIATIVE ON THE CONTINENT**
 * 1) Recognising the important role played by religion in the greater part of the population throughout Africa, the ANC urges the NRLF to take active steps including public consultative processes to promote interfaith initiatives to promote unity, peace and prosperity on the continent.
 * RESOLUTION ON AFRICOM**

The following resolutions from the 2005 National General Council: are being recalled for the purposes of developing campaigns and accelerating our efforts to find solutions.
 * Noting:**
 * 1) The current moves by the United States of America (USA) to enlarge its military presence in Africa under the cover of fighting terrorism, fundamentalism and extremism;
 * 2) Encouraged by the overwhelming rejection by the African countries of this latest American design to interfere in continental affairs;
 * 3) The conference urges Africa to remain united and resolute in the rejection of the African Command Centre (AFRICOM).
 * On the release of the Cuban 5 and the illegal blockade on Cuba,
 * On Swaziland,
 * On Sudan,

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