ANC 'supports democratisation of Swaziland'

2012-06-29 09:22

Swazi protesters (File, AFP)

Johannesburg - The ANC resolved that it will continue to be in solidarity with the people struggling in Swaziland, international relations committee member Lindiwe Zulu said on Thursday.

"We support the democratisation of Swaziland," Zulu told reporters at the ANC's national policy conference in Midrand, Johannesburg.

This was an outcome of the ANC's policy discussions on international relations.

Loan MOU

Zulu said the conference resolved that it had to "push forward" for the unbanning of political parties in Swaziland.

She said the South African government was still waiting for Swaziland to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in relation to a loan.

"The MOU... calls for the democratisation and unbanning of political parties," she said.

"Swaziland has agreed to sign the MOU without removing conditions."

South Africa would only lend Swaziland the money if it agreed to the conditions.

The ANC would work with its alliance partner, the Congress of SA Trade Unions, on helping Swaziland.

Neutral on Zimbabwe

Zulu said the ANC also acknowledged that it had a relationship with Zanu-PF in Zimbabwe and said it would continue to have a relationship with the country.

However, it said it would remain neutral when it came to dealing with Zimbabwe's different political parties.

Zulu said the ANC would continue to support Palestine and called for an increased boycott on Israeli products.

Economic diplomacy was also discussed.

"We must ensure our economy grows, not just in South Africa but in all SADC countries," she said.

On the International Criminal Court (ICC), Zulu said the ANC felt the court had to stop only looking at African countries.

"We're not against the ICC but the ANC says there must be a balance," said Zulu.

The ANC also continued to support countries such as Madagascar, Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia, but it would not send troops to Somalia.

- SAPA