Calls to end Zim sanctions

"It is based on the belief that the sanctions, as I have raised the matter with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), are hindering that country's progress. Hence we are calling for those who have imposed sanctions to lift them," President Jacob Zuma said, following a meeting with his Botswana counterpart Ian Khama.

Botswana's position

On Tuesday (5 October 2010), Khama said Zimbabwe needed to be given a chance to "heal" and the sanctions were not helping that process.

"I was one of the people who were skeptical in the beginning...but the sanctions as it were are now starting to be a hinderance and we have to call on those imposing them to reconsider their position because the situation is better in Zimbabwe," he said.

Situation in Zimbabwe has changed

Both leaders conceded that Zimbabwe's instability was a potential barrier to the region's socio-economic development championed by SADC. While the sanctions were probably "justified" in the past, it was now incumbent of the countries to lift the sanctions adding that the situation in that country had since changed since the establishment of the government of national unity, they said.

In 2008, Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and opposition Movement for Democratic Change leader Morgan Tsvangirai agreed to a power sharing deal that would end that country's decades-long economic and political instability. The deal, brokered by the then SADC mediator, former President Thabo Mbeki, was to allow for the drafting of the new constitution followed by fresh elections.

SA, Botswana's bilateral relations

On the economic front, Zuma said South Africa and Botswana agreed to establish a Bi-National Commission (BNC) to meet annually in both Pretoria and Gaborone. "We also want to continue to work together to create opportunities which will ensure economic and industrial development leading to job creation and alleviation of poverty," said Zuma.

A wide range of agreements were also discussed to strengthen cooperation in the field of agriculture, transport, environment, health and science and technology, among others.

The energy and water needs of Botswana and South Africa were also discussed as well as how the two neighbouring countries could support each other on environmental issues.

"We also made special mention of the excellent cooperation between the two countries on the establishment of Transfrontier Parks. These include the Kgalagadi Park between South Africa, Botswana and Namibia... as well as Mapungubwe Park between South Africa, Botswana and Zimbabwe," said Zuma.

Khama is on his first official state visit to South Africa and is looking to beef up his country's ties with Africa's biggest economy.