Kabelo Molope, Gaborone

South Africa's new High Commissioner in Botswana, Ngconde Balfour says despite South Africa's differences with Botswana on several trade, foreign policy and human rights issues, there must be respect for each other's sovereignty.

Balfour and High Commissioners from other countries presented their credentials to Botswana’s President Seretse Khama Ian Khama at the country’s capital Gaborone. Although Botswana’s signing of the economic partnership agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) remains a sticking point between the two countries, Balfour says he will be guided by his superiors at the Union Buildings on how to proceed on the matter.

Last year, Botswana and three other Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries signed the economic partnership agreement with the EU. The action angered Pretoria. Former President Thabo Mbeki's administration wanted certain concessions from the EU before the deal could be signed.

But, as South Africa’s new High Commissioner presents his credentials to Khama, his priority is to foster the region's free trade agreement.

“We need to find a way of making sure that each and every country respects each others sovereignty and I will also be dealing with issues related to SADC and the continent to ensure that we are able to move forward in bi-lateral and multi-lateral agreements,” says Balfour.

SA, Botswana to find common ground

Balfour’s counterparts from Cuba and Mozambique also presented their credentials to Khama. But, high on the agenda was to improve relations and foster greater co-operation between African countries, which will hopefully impact positively on the lives of their people. 

Botswana with a population of just under two million wants her border with South Africa to be removed. Botswana's Foreign Minister Phandu Skelemani insists that there are more Batswana people in South Africa than in Botswana. 

Although South Africa, under Mbeki differed sharply with her neighbour, particularly during Khama’s tenure, it is now Balfour's responsibility to help the two countries find common ground on issues of mutual interest. The new High Commissioner will rely on his principals in Pretoria to help him achieve that goal.