• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
No Result
View All Result
1
Home Features Democracy gauge This week in 1994

This week in 1994: Democracy 25

20 November 2019, 3:43 PM  |
|  @SABCNews
Swiss and SA flags

Switzerland is South Africa's strategic partner and both countries collaborate in education, research and innovation.

Swiss and SA flags

Image: Envato Elements

Switzerland is South Africa's strategic partner and both countries collaborate in education, research and innovation.

This week 25 years ago, the Swiss government signed an agreement with South Africa pledging support for the country’s Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP).

The programme was democratic South Africa’s first macro-economic policy aimed at transforming the economy and improving the lives of the Black majority who were at the receiving end of the country’s cruel policies of racial segregation.

Despite civil society’s previous concerns over its links with apartheid South Africa, the relationship between Switzerland and Pretoria is cordial.

Bern is one of South Africa’s main trading partners, while Pretoria is that country’s most important partner in trade, investment and economic co-operation on the continent.

In 2008, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on expanding cooperation in various spheres, including peace, security, human rights promotion, migration, as well as science and culture.

Political consultations between the countries have been taking place annually since then.

They are aimed at discussing ongoing and future cooperation.

Watch related video:

Supporting democracy

Following the advent of democracy – Bern immediately availed resources to assist Pretoria’s development projects.

Switzerland kicked off a project called Special Programme South Africa, focusing on land reform, education and good governance.

The initiative was scheduled to run from 1994 to 1999 but extended for another five years.

Various other agreements between the two countries were also entered into.

They included the Swiss-South African Cooperation Initiative, which supported projects by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to improve employment opportunities for previously disadvantaged groups.

The bilateral relations between the two countries first received a major boost in 1998 when Switzerland’s Former President Flavio Cotti embarked on a state visit to Pretoria.

The move led to the establishment of South Africa and Swiss Working Group, which sought to give practical effect to issues of interest to both countries.

The group is hailed as having enhanced the quality and content of South Africa and Switzerland’s bilateral relations.

Watch related video:

Apartheid legacy

Despite the strides made – concerns over Switzerland’s links with apartheid South Africa remain.

Although Bern adhered to UN arms and oil embargoes; claims to have limited capital investments and enforced punitive debt repayment schedules on apartheid South Africa – business with the regime continued to flourish between some within the Swiss political circles and the government.

Nine Swiss companies were among 23 international firms sued by apartheid victims for aiding and abetting the oppressive rule.

The lawsuit was launched in 2002 in the US under a 1789 law, which permitted foreigners to seek damages on American soil for human rights abuses committed overseas.

In 2008, the number of respondents was reduced to five and the law used to launch the class action was later changed.

The new legislation only makes provision for violations that happened in the US.

Watch related video:

Despite the cases having fallen through, General Motors clinched an out of court deal with the complainants in 2012.

The company agreed to give the victims R11,2 million worth of shares, saying the settlement was not an admission of guilt.

Government had initially opposed the lawsuit over fears it would discourage investment.

It, however, changed its stance after Jacob Zuma became South Africa’s Commander-In-Chief in 2009.

 

 

Share article
Tags: Democracy GaugeDemocracy 25
Previous Post

Family speak out after body left at Old Mutual offices

Next Post

‘The Who’ are first honoured as London unveils Music Walk of Fame

Related Posts

Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane

S194 Inquiry changes course, wants evidence in writing

9 June 2023, 8:04 PM
Former Tshwane Mayor Dr Murunwa Makwarela

Makwarela granted permission to travel outside Gauteng

9 June 2023, 4:29 PM

Former Tshwane Mayor asks court to relax travelling hours outside Gauteng

9 June 2023, 12:42 PM
Mabuyane has promised to work to change the economic fortunes of the people of the Eastern Cape.

Mabuyane amends court application to interdict SIU from continuing investigation

9 June 2023, 11:11 AM
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

BRICS Summit will still take place in SA in August: Presidency

9 June 2023, 10:49 AM

VIDEO | Committee for Section 194 Inquiry: 09 June 2023

9 June 2023, 10:23 AM
Next Post
Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who attend the unveiling of the founding stone of the new Music Walk of Fame in London.

'The Who' are first honoured as London unveils Music Walk of Fame

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • Decision on Zimbabwean Exemption Permits causing confusion: TASA
  • [Editorial Update] Unisa suspends registrar for various breaches of policy
  • Orlando Pirates player Thembinkosi Lorch found guilty of assault
  • Slain teen Palesa Malatji’s family calls for death sentence to be reinstated
  • Female student stabbed to death at NMU residence
  • Dr Nandipha’s looks during court appearances under the spotlight
  • Deadline for Zimbabwean Exemption Permits draws near
  • Reserve Bank expected to increase repo rate on Thursday
  • Zimbabwe receives 18 helicopters from Russian Federation
  • Eastern Cape ActionSA raises eyebrows over qualifications of senior officials
  • Decision on Zimbabwean Exemption Permits causing confusion: TASA
  • Mabuyane amends court application to interdict SIU from continuing investigation
  • South Africa needs to create new cities to address overpopulation: Kubayi
  • Chitando pushes for permanent residency for ZEP holders
  • KZN teacher to run double Comrades to fund schooling for children

LATEST

[File Image] National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, General Sehlahle Fannie Masemola during the release of quarterly crime statistics.
  • South Africa

Over 200 sentenced to life for GBV, says Masemola


A person holds up their passport showing their visa
  • Business

Calls for more action to ease visa regulations between SA, France


A customer arrives at the Post Office in Pimville, Soweto.
  • South Africa

Government says it will fight to ensure the survival of the Post Office


Zimbabwean flag
  • Africa

Professor Mutambara says African continent needs new leadership


Picture of a laboratory
  • South Africa

Treatment of cancer receives R600 mln boost with launch of Isotope facility


Suspended Public Protector Busisiwe Mkhwebane
  • Politics

S194 Inquiry changes course, wants evidence in writing


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2023

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2023

Previous Family speak out after body left at Old Mutual offices
Next Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey of The Who attend the unveiling of the founding stone of the new Music Walk of Fame in London. ‘The Who’ are first honoured as London unveils Music Walk of Fame